AdSense-like affiliate programs

To replace or supplement Google AdSense with affiliate programs, you can use automation tools like Skimlinks or Publisher Collective. These platforms scan your text and automatically insert affiliate links, turning clicks directly into commissions without the manual labor of link building.

AdSense pays strictly when a user views or clicks on an ad, whereas affiliate marketing pays a percentage of a sale generated through your referral. Using platforms that act as hybrids gives you the best of both worlds.

Here are the best ways to earn through AdSense-like affiliate programs:

1. Automated Affiliate Platforms

These platforms are the closest thing to “affiliate networks” that function like ad networks. You just place a snippet of code on your site, and they do the rest.

• Skimlinks: Automatically turns keywords in your articles into affiliate links. They work with thousands of affiliate programs and take a cut (around 25%) of the commission you earn.
• Sovrn // Commerce: Formerly VigLink, this platform automatically links product keywords to merchants and is heavily used by content creators for passive affiliate revenue.

2. Contextual Ad Networks with Affiliate Ties

If you want display ads that behave similarly to AdSense but heavily promote high-paying e-commerce products, consider these options.

• Amazon Native Shopping Ads: Provide dynamic, customizable display ads directly related to your article’s content. You earn a commission when users click and buy on Amazon.
• Media.net: The second-largest contextual ad network globally. While primarily an ad network (powered by Yahoo/Bing), its contextual keyword ads often generate higher revenue for content-heavy sites than basic display.

3. Direct Affiliate Programs

Once you have an established niche, direct affiliate programs offer significantly higher payouts (4% to 20%+) per sale compared to the pennies you earn per click on AdSense.

• General Marketplaces: Amazon Associates, Target Affiliate Program, or the eBay Partner Network let you link to nearly any physical product.
• Software & High-Ticket: Companies like Shopify, ConvertKit, or Bluehost pay recurring or flat high-ticket payouts.