What is PPC affiliate marketing? And How does PPC affiliate marketing work? This type of marketing involves a pay-per-click online advertising model. In this case, the advertiser pays the publisher who owns the website (such as an affiliate marketer) when an ad displayed by the advertiser on the publisher’s website is clicked. Pay-per-click affiliate programs are extremely valuable for advertisers whose websites have consistent traffic. Let’s take a deeper look at this type of marketing with Adsnextgen to highlight its challenges and benefits.
What is PPC Affiliate Marketing?
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) affiliate marketing is a type of affiliate marketing model where affiliates earn commissions based on the number of clicks generated through their referral links.
In this arrangement, affiliates promote products or services through various online advertising platforms, such as search engines or social media networks, and earn a commission each time a user clicks on their affiliate link and performs a specific action on the advertiser’s website.

Benefits of Pay-Per-Click Affiliate Marketing
We have helped you answer the question of what is PPC affiliate marketing. In the next section, We will study its benefits
In 2022, Internet advertising spending is expected to grow by approximately 13.5%. Most companies invest in search engine marketing using pay-per-click advertising. Specific keywords and phrases help businesses bid for positions at the top of search engine results pages. Pay-per-click affiliate marketing can help:
- Market your business
- Boost traffic
- Promote your offers
- Attract new customers
- Collect clues
- Improve sales and conversion rates (when website visitors complete an intended goal, such as filling out a form or making a purchase)
>>> Read more articles related to PPC: Difference Between SEO vs PPC: Exploring 2024 Landscape
How does PPC in Affiliate Marketing Work?
Here’s an overview of how PPC in affiliate marketing works:
- Affiliates join PPC networks like Google Ads, Bing Ads, and Facebook Ads that allow setting up and managing PPC campaigns. Within these platforms, affiliates can bid on relevant keywords and choose to promote specific affiliate offers or their content. When focusing on social media advertising, such as PPC on Facebook, affiliates can leverage the platform’s extensive user data and targeting options to reach their desired audience effectively.
- When a user searches those keywords and clicks on the affiliate’s PPC ad, the affiliate pays a small fee to the ad network. These ads can send traffic directly to a product offer using the affiliate link or to content the affiliate created like a review article.
- If the user coming from the PPC ad converts on the affiliate offer, the affiliate earns their commission. This covers the ad cost incurred. Affiliates analyze metrics like click-through rate, conversion rate, and cost-per-click, to optimize towards maximum ROI over time. The goal is for the commissions earned to exceed the costs of the PPC ads, making the campaigns profitable.

Key Components of pay per click affiliate programs
Pay-per-click (PPC) affiliate programs consist of several key components that are crucial to their functioning. Here are the key components of pay-per-click affiliate programs.
Ad formats
Most PPC programs support certain types of display advertising, but others focus on other formats, such as video or native advertising. Some have affiliate targeting ads that analyze the text in your posts/articles to provide targeted affiliate ads.
Payment models
PPC plans typically have similar payment models, but their payouts can vary widely, depending primarily on the exclusivity of the plan.
- RPM: Revenue per thousand impressions is the estimated revenue per 1,000 impressions. Since many pay-per-click programs are measured by impressions, RPM is a good way to measure profits. However, this is not applicable or applicable to every PPC program, so RPM is not included in all pay-per-click affiliate programs.
- Revenue Share: The share of the total revenue you receive from advertisers and networks, depending on the server.
- CPA: The cost-per-action payment model is a popular method used in affiliate marketing. In the CPA model, affiliates earn a commission when their referred users perform a particular action agreed upon by the advertiser and affiliate program.
- CPL: Cost-Per-lead payment model is often used in advertising and affiliate marketing campaigns. In CPL, affiliates earn a commission for each qualified lead they generate for advertisers. CPL focuses on attracting leads rather than making an immediate sale. It allows advertisers to expand their customer base and nurture leads further down the sales funnel.

Minimum payout threshold
Minimum payments range from $5 to $500 or more per project. You won’t receive pay if you don’t meet this threshold in a given pay period.
Payment method
The payment method in PPC (Pay-Per-Click) affiliate marketing varies depending on the specific affiliate program or network. Here are some common payment methods used in PPC affiliate marketing:
- Cost Per Click (CPC): Affiliates are paid a fixed amount for each click generated through their affiliate links. The commission is typically predetermined and agreed upon between the affiliate and the advertiser.
- Revenue Share: Affiliates earn a percentage of the revenue generated from the clicks they drive. The commission is calculated based on the total sales or conversions resulting from the clicks.
- Hybrid Model: Some affiliate programs combine both CPC and revenue share models. Affiliates receive a fixed commission per click as well as a percentage of the revenue generated from the resulting actions.
- Performance-Based: In certain cases, the payment may be tied to specific actions beyond just clicks, such as purchases, sign-ups, or form completions.
Payment terms and schedules can also vary. Some affiliate programs pay monthly, while others may have different payout cycles such as weekly or bi-weekly. Payment methods can include bank transfers, PayPal, or other electronic payment systems, depending on the affiliate program’s available options.
>>> Read more articles on the same topic: What is an Affiliate Network: Definition, Benefits & Types
Payout time
Net XX payment period is the number of days you can wait to receive payment from your PPC plan. The minimum period is weekly and the maximum period is 90 days (but this is an exception).
Revenue share
As we explained above, revenue sharing, or more commonly revenue sharing, is another common method used to determine how much commission an affiliate marketer earns based on the transaction results they influence. This is simply a percentage of the amount a brand is willing to pay an associate based on a customer’s order total.
Be sure to keep an eye out for this option as it can pay handsomely, and some affiliate programs pay affiliates based on a customer’s lifetime spending.
Referral program
The final component of a pay-per-click affiliate program is the Referral program. Understanding this component, most of you have a basic answer to the question what is PPC affiliate marketing?
If you are now or planning to be a member of a click affiliate program, you should consider joining their affiliate referral programs. You can generate completely passive revenue by recommending pay-per-click programs, offering your affiliate referral link, and convincing other publishers to join and make money.
CRM affiliate program
Top 12 Best Pay-per-click Affiliate Programs
Google AdSense
Google AdSense can be a great pay-per-click program because it offers a large number of advertisers available, is user-friendly, offers a lightweight platform, and offers good control over ads.
Another big advantage is the excellent analysis tools. That’s why many pay-per-click affiliate programs are compatible with Google AdSense – allowing publishers to measure results within Google tools.
| Ad formats | Text and Display, In-feed, In-article |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | Up to $7 per minute. Publishers receive 68% of advertising revenue recognized by Google |
| Minimum payout threshold | $100 |
| Payment method | Checks, Rapida, Transfer, Transfer (EFT), Transfer via SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), |
| Payout time | Net 30 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | None |
| URL | https://www.google.com/adsense/start/ |
Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates is one of the largest affiliate marketing programs in the world. It helps everyone from creators to bloggers to publishers monetize their website traffic, allowing affiliates to cash in on this mutually beneficial endeavor. The number of products you can advertise on Amazon is nearly endless. A successful marketing campaign can be based on building affiliate links, and driving web visitors, including those from PPV traffic, to promote products to earn all commissions.
| Ad formats | Text, video, domain redirect, pop, push |
| Minimum traffic requirements | Make 3 sales to keep your account active |
| Payment models | 4% commission on any item whether it’s $5 or $5000, but up to 10% on beauty products |
| Minimum payout threshold | $100 or more |
| Payment method | Amazon Gift Cards, bank transfers (EFT), and checks. |
| Payout time | Net 60 |
| Revenue share | 4-10% of the order. |
| Referral program | None |
| URL | https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/ |
Media.net
Media.net is the most important and famous Google AdSense alternative. It has exclusive access to the Yahoo Bing search engine network, which may not seem like much compared to Google, but if used correctly, can be an extraordinary alternative with higher profitability. It also provides automatic optimization.
| Ad formats | Contextual, display, mobile, interstitial, In-content |
| Minimum traffic requirements | Majority from US, UK, Canada |
| Payment models | CPM, CPC, CPA, and CPL with RPM up to $10. |
| Minimum payout threshold | $100 |
| Payment method | Payoneer or wire transfer |
| Payout time | Net 30 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | Yes! However, the exact rates are not published on the site. |
| URL | https://www.media.net/ |
Bidvertiser
In this PPC program, advertisers bid for ad space on your website. If your website is well-known or has a good brand, you may receive many offers. However, this PPC model may not be suitable for everyone.
You can choose which advertisers appear on your website. This allows you to develop a more personal and direct relationship with advertisers rather than just being assigned PPC ads via an algorithm. But if you don’t choose an advertiser, there’s a good chance that irrelevant content will be posted on your site!
| Ad formats | Desktop & mobile: native, direct navigation, popunder, XML, push notifications |
| Minimum traffic requirements | Site should be at least 3 months old |
| Payment models | CPC, CPM, CPA |
| Minimum payout threshold | $10 for PayPal, $100 for check, $500 for bank transfer |
| Payment method | PayPal, Bitcoin, wire and check (check only to USA and Canada) |
| Payout time | Net 30 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | Yes! However, the exact rates are not published on the site. |
| URL | https://www.bidvertiser.com/ |
Adsterra
While Adsterra doesn’t have exact traffic requirements, it’s still a relatively exclusive network – so don’t expect it to be easily accepted. However, their approval process apparently only takes 10 minutes (during business hours), which makes things easier for publishers. This PPC program hosts multiple ad formats and offers a 100% fill rate. However, each ad type has different key metrics. So be sure to check and confirm which option is best for your site. Additionally, Adsterra also collaborates with CPA networks, providing publishers with opportunities to explore alternative revenue streams based on cost-per-action models.
| Ad formats | Popunder, social bar, web push, native, pre-roll video, banners |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | CPM, CPC, CPA, CPL, CPI |
| Minimum payout threshold | $5 for Paxum, Webmoney, $100 for PayPal and Bitcoin, $1000 for wire transfers |
| Payment method | Bitcoin, USDT (Tether), PayPal, Webmoney, Wire transfer, Paxum |
| Payout time | Net 15 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | Yes! Earn 5% of your referral’s lifetime revenue. |
| URL | https://adsterra.com/ |
AdThrive
AdThrive is another Google-certified publishing partner and therefore also compatible with Google AdSense. They can offer a wide variety of ads command higher payouts, and can be a great alternative to Google.
Like most other programs in the premium category, this PPC affiliate program focuses on high-quality advertisers and publishers and requires more than just a standard of monthly traffic into its network. They need to display at least three ads in prominent locations on each device.
| Ad formats | Header, sidebar, sticky sidebar, content, recipe, In-image, sticky footer,… |
| Minimum traffic requirements | 100,000 page views each monthGoogle Analytics |
| Payment models | 75% straight to publishers with RPMs up to $30. |
| Minimum payout threshold | $25, $100 for wire transfers |
| Payment method | Direct Deposit US, eCheck/Local Bank Transfer, PayPal, Paper Check, Wire Transfer |
| Payout time | Net 45 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | No |
| URL | https://www.adthrive.com/ |
CJ Affiliate
CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) brings together thousands of brands from small to large, offering a wide array of products and services, both digital and physical. It’s very similar to ShareASale in that it allows partners to find a plan that’s right for them from the many options available. Additionally, CJ Affiliate offers a robust CRM affiliate program. Once you select a product/service you would like to promote within this program, you will receive a unique affiliate link so that sales can be attributed to you.
| Ad formats | Push, pop, domain redirect ads, text |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | Revshare, CPA |
| Minimum payout threshold | US$50 (Direct Deposit) or US$100 (Check). |
| Payment method | via paper check, direct deposit, or Payoneer |
| Payout time | Net-20 |
| Revenue share | Yes |
| Referral program | No |
| URL | https://www.cj.com/ |
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most trusted names in the VPN industry, and their eye-catching marketing materials are sure to convert users when you show them what they have to offer. In particular, it provides personal support for all affiliate partner inquiries, whether it is set up or campaign best practices.
| Ad formats | Video, pop, push ads, display, domain redirect,… |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | Revshare |
| Minimum payout threshold | $100 |
| Payment method | PayPal, wire transfer |
| Payout time | Net30 |
| Revenue share | Yes! 100% for a 1-month sign-up with 30% more if they renew |
| Referral program | Yes |
| URL | https://nordvpn.com/affiliate/ |
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the world’s most popular travel search engines. It provides an instant online comparison of flights, hotels, fares, or car rentals. Join the Skyscanner community and earn flights and car rentals affiliate program. Note that revenue shares start at 20%, giving you great value for money!
| Ad formats | Text, widgets. |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None, apart from being from a travel website/blog |
| Payment models | Revshare |
| Minimum payout threshold | $50 |
| Payment method | Bank transfer |
| Payout time | Net 30 |
| Revenue share | Yes 20%-50% |
| Referral program | No |
| URL | https://www.partners.skyscanner.net/affiliates/affiliate-products |
Skimlinks
They also provide contextual text advertising by scanning your website’s text and inserting ads relevant to what is written. This means that the blog formats that affiliate marketers love will also work perfectly in this PPC plan. Additionally, SkimLinks works with affiliate programs, not just merchants, improving ad optimization for affiliate marketing sites.
| Ad formats | Contextual, In-text advertising |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | Earn 75/25 of revenue split from the Skimlinks platform, RPM varies by niche. |
| Minimum payout threshold | $65/€55/£50 |
| Payment method | Direct Deposit and PayPal to the US and UK |
| Payout time | Net 90 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | 35% of our share of the commission they make in the first year |
| URL | https://skimlink.com/ |
Booking.com
Booking.com is another program that offers affiliates the opportunity to work with one of the best-known companies in the travel industry and earn money as a team! Any affiliate marketer who signs up to promote the program simply integrates Booking.com’s various travel products into their affiliate website to maximize their brand reach.
| Ad formats | pop, push, domain redirect, text, widgets, display |
| Minimum traffic requirements | None |
| Payment models | Commission on booking revenue is 25% for a single sale, |
| Minimum payout threshold | 100EUR (roughly $120) |
| Payment method | PayPal or direct deposit |
| Payout time | Net30 |
| Revenue share | Yes |
| Referral program | None |
| URL | https://www.booking.com/affiliate-program/v2/index.html |
Ezoic
Ezoic is a Google Certified Publishing Partner and therefore has access to the Google Ad Exchange. However, for this reason, it can be a great complement to Google AdSense and not necessarily a replacement.
Its ad tester tool uses machine learning to optimize ads on your site and allows for advanced split testing without the need for external tools. This feature is especially useful for users with sufficient experience. Their advanced tracking system measures more than just base rpm.
| Ad formats | Display, native, In Image, vignette, interstitial video, link units, anchor, sticky sidebar, |
| Minimum traffic requirements | Avg 10,000 per month |
| Payment models | CPM earnings per thousand visits (EPMV) with RPM up to $15 |
| Minimum payout threshold | $20 |
| Payment method | Check, PayPal, Direct Deposit, Payoneer prepaid card – subject to fees International wire via Payoneer, |
| Payout time | Net 45 |
| Revenue share | None |
| Referral program | You will earn 3% of the Ezoic earnings that this publisher collects in their Ezoic account |
| URL | https://www.ezoic.com/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Above, Adsnextgen has provided you with information to answer the question what is PPC affiliate marketing? and the top best PPC affiliate programs. In the next section, we will study frequently asked questions when you start getting acquainted with PPC affiliate marketing.
Can you make money with PPC?
Yes, you can make money with PPC advertising. This type of advertising allows businesses and individuals to target potential customers by placing ads on approved networks. When these customers click on the ads, the company or individual pays the network and earns revenue from the clicks. PPC advertising is the best way to reach a specific audience and leads for your business. It’s also a relatively simple way to make money online and can be very effective if used correctly. Answering the question what is PPC affiliate marketing? will help you know how to make more money for your business
How much can you make from PPC?
The amount of money you can earn per click depends on various factors, including the type of ad, the advertiser, the website, and even the country where the ad is located. Generally speaking, PPC prices range from $0.01 per click to over $50, but the average per click is usually a few cents.
Is Pay Per Click worth it?
It will be very worthwhile if you carefully research the question of what is PPC affiliate marketing and clearly understand the business situation of your business. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is an effective way to quickly increase awareness of your business. By targeting specific keywords, you can reach your desired audience with relevant ads and track their performance. PPC advertising is a cost-effective solution that is worth it if managed properly and monitored regularly to ensure you achieve your desired goals and get a return on your investment.

What is the difference between CPC and EPC?
CPC measures the amount spent each time a user clicks on an ad and provides insights into how effective the ad is in terms of cost-effectiveness. EPC, on the other hand, measures the amount of money earned per user click. This allows CPC to better measure the profitability of your ads and helps determine which ad campaigns you are running.
When looking for the best CPC affiliate programs, it’s essential to consider not only the potential earnings per click but also factors like conversion rates and target audience relevance to ensure maximum profitability.
If you still do not clearly understand the EPC index, you can refer to the article What is EPC in Affiliate Marketing? How to increase our EPC.
Conclusion
Through the above article, Adsnextgen has helped you answer the question of what is PPC affiliate marketing is and list the 12 best PPC affiliate marketing programs. Please study the article carefully before starting to use PPC in your business. If you find this article useful, don’t forget to leave a comment. See you in the next articles.
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Adsnextgen Team with more than 5 years of experience providing marketing solutions and a solution provider for CPA traffic, CPA affiliates networks with the best incentives. We are committed to bringing advertisers, publishers, and businesses the best incentives and marketing solutions.
