My company is looking to start our affiliate marketing program, but I am unsure of which provider to go through. We don't have a very large budget to use CJ for example. We are looking for access to the network of affiliates which are similar to our services.

There are a handful of quality affiliate networks out there for those with a modest budget. I'd suggest taking a look at Affiliate Clicks, DirectTrack, shareasale.com, and
Share Results.

The pricing and features vary, so I'd suggest you take a look at each one and take a test drive.

• Affiliate Clicks is essentially the lite version of MyAffiliateProgram and enables merchants to gain access to their Kolimbo network.

• DirectTrack's merchants can tap into over 153+ CPA Networks (also powered by DirectTrack), which can promote offers being run by the merchants. Any type of offer can be CrossPublished including CPS, CPA, CPC, CPM, or hybrid payouts.

• shareasale.com has been around since 2000 and has a loyal network of affiliates that really value the hardline stance of shareasale.com against affiliates that use badware.

• Share Results is a relative newcomer to the industry, but they've been making a great name for themselves and bringing on quality names.

As far as finding affiliates similar to your services, try asking the sales people at each affiliate network for some examples of affiliates in their network that would make sense for your affiliate program.

Bear in mind that not all of the best sites in your niche are necessarily affiliates already. So no matter which direction you go, you ought to be prepared to recruit targeted affiliates for your affiliate program, and not just sit back expecting the network to do it.