Q: have been using CJ and other affiliate 3rd party affiliate programs, but I want to create my own independent deals with publishers. What affiliate program would you recommend, something like iDevAffiliate? Also, is it wrong to bring clients out of your third party programs and onto your affiliate platform?
A: Personally, based on the years I was managing affiliate programs, I prefer the affiliate networks, where everything is Web-based, rather than being on your server.
The affiliate networks are constantly improving their features and adding enhancements, whereas the software on your server may see updates far and few between.
Plus, you can count on a high percentage of uptime with most affiliate networks, and if it’s all on your server, it’s something else to worry about there.
The software works for some companies, but I’d highly recommend going with an established network.
That said, if you are interested in the software to cut out the network and have more of a direct relationship with the affiliates, iDevAffiliate is a good option.
As far as whether or not it is wrong to bring affiliates from a network to your own platform, it is not really a morality question. It’s really more of a contractual question.
So, read through your contract with the affiliate network to see if they prohibit this sort of activity (I would expect they do).
If they don’t have a problem with it, it’s not wrong. Pretty cut and dry.
Some affiliate networks have no problem with you creating a second, private affiliate program, but again, read the contract to find out if it is permitted.