ClickBank proudly states that it’s committed to satisfying customers and empowering online entrepreneurs.
But is that really the whole truth?
Or does ClickBank have its fingers crossed behind its back while saying this?
Reports of scams run rampant across the internet. That’s especially true in the field of affiliate marketing.
When it comes to different affiliate networks, ClickBank is one that people seem to enjoy calling a scam.
However, many of such claims come from those who have only been using the network for a short time. In addition, there are plenty of favorable reviews of this affiliate network.
Having seen this contention on the internet, we decided to dig deep and uncover the truth.
So, what’s the truth? Is ClickBank actually a scam network, or is it a valuable resource for affiliate marketers?
Who Is Behind ClickBank?
ClickBank has been in business for 17 years, and has built a reliable reputation with over 200 million customers. According to their own website, they’re a top 100 online retailer.
This isn’t your average affiliate network. They focus on digital products created by entrepreneurs from all over the world. Unlike other affiliate networks which draw in large companies, ClickBank is a place for the little guys to work together to earn money.
Digital product creators put their products into the ClickBank marketplace, and affiliate marketers create affiliate links to promote those products (and earn a commission).
So far, this doesn’t seem like much of a scam. Let’s dive right in to some of the complaints listed online.
How ClickBank Provides a Real Income for Astute Affiliates (Review)
Before we review the whole network and walk you through its features, pros and cons, we’re going to dispel the myths pointing to ClickBank as a scam.
The 2 Big ClickBank Scam Myths That We’ve Busted
With so many people crying scam, it’s easy to understand why some doubt the reliability of ClickBank. Let’s address the two biggest complaints that people post online.
1. ClickBank Doesn’t Pay New Affiliates
New affiliates in the ClickBank network often report it as a scam because their commissions aren’t paid right away.
However, there’s a reasonable explanation for this.
For a period of time, many new affiliates were attempting to scam ClickBank itself. Their method for doing this was to promote certain products on their affiliate websites, and use their own links to purchase those products. They were thus receiving a 50-75% discount on their purchase.
Obviously, this is against the rules of affiliate marketing with ClickBank. To put an end to this trend, ClickBank added the Customer Distribution Requirement. Now, new affiliates must refer five different purchases in order to receive their first commission payment.
So, the first scam claim for ClickBank is busted!
2. ClickBank’s Products Are Worthless
Many affiliates will simply choose any product that they feel fits their website and start promoting it. This is a dangerous practice for any affiliate marketer, not only those working with ClickBank.
So why do these people call ClickBank a scam?
Because some of the products sold on ClickBank actually are worthless.
That being said, does that make this network a scam?
In reality, ClickBank is an online retailer of digital products. Entrepreneurs create digital products to sell within their marketplace, and affiliates can choose which products they want to promote.
While some of these digital products offer great value, many of them are basically useless.
ClickBank, however, isn’t responsible for the quality of the products in their marketplace. In fact, they offer a 30-day refund to anyone who makes a purchase, no questions asked.
Since this is the case, it’s extremely important for affiliates to choose wisely which products they’ll promote.
Second scam claim: Busted!
So, how can you choose worthwhile ClickBank affiliate products to promote?
How to Choose the Right ClickBank Products to Promote
The Right Amount of Gravity
Gravity is a number that ClickBank uses to show how well each product on their marketplace is selling through affiliate marketing.
While there are different opinions as to how this number is calculated, the general idea is that a number between 20 and 100 is good.
Keep in mind that, while higher numbers indicate more sales, they also mean higher competition.
Looking for up-and-coming products with reasonable gravity numbers is a good way to get ahead of the game. Check the activation dates of products with a gravity number around 20, and you might find some real gems.
A High Commission Percentage
This may seem a bit obvious, but we’ll say it anyways: The higher commission percentage, the more revenue you’ll see.
With some products, you could be seeing as much as a 75% commission!
Of course, a lower-commission product might still be worthwhile if the sale price is higher. So, be sure to compare the commission percentage with the sale price before deciding.
A Vendor Pitch That Converts
When you create an affiliate link, you’ll be linking out to the product’s individual sales page on ClickBank.
I’m confident that you’ve done your fair share of work to increase conversions on your affiliate website. However, once readers follow that link, the end result is out of your hands.
So, take a good look at the sales page of any product you’re thinking of promoting. Is it persuasive without being extravagant? Does it seem honest? Do they include videos? Would this convince you to purchase the product?
Low Initial Cost, with Upsales
People hate spending their hard-earned money. So, when they see a product with a low initial cost, they may be more likely to purchase it.
Many products on the ClickBank website have the option of “upsales,” or additional product sales in connection with the first. These additional products usually have a higher conversion rate, thus getting you more commissions.
Finding a product with multiple upsales is a great option for affiliate marketing.
A Few Good Reviews Online
Finding a few good reviews from actual customers is a fantastic sign for an affiliate product. This means that people have really enjoyed the product, and there’s less of a chance of refund requests.
Related Products for Sale
When you find a product you’d like to promote, see if there are similar products for sale on ClickBank.
By promoting multiple products in the same genre, you’ll have a higher chance of sales. Thus, you’ll be increasing your commission revenue.
The Good and the Bad of ClickBank for Affiliate Marketers
Pros
- Free startup: For affiliate marketers, ClickBank is fast, easy and free to start.
- Up to 75% commissions: While each vendor sets their own commission percentage, they tend to be higher than average.
- Options for recurring commissions: Upsales give you the opportunity to earn even more for the same amount of effort!
- Advanced reporting tools: ClickBank Analytics shows affiliates data tables and charts that give them all the information they need to succeed.
- 60-day cookies: Longer tracking means a higher chance for commissions.
- Multiple payout options: Payments from ClickBank are available by check, direct deposit, wire transfer or Payoneer.
- Low payment threshold: You can select your payment threshold, as low as $10.
Cons
- Some products aren’t worthwhile: Affiliates need to make sure that the products they promote are actually worth the money.
- Popular products face a lot of competition: As we mentioned, a higher gravity number will tell you which products face more competition.
- Must meet the Customer Distribution Requirement to receive payments: New affiliates may thus see a small delay for their first payment.
- No PayPal option: Payouts aren’t available through PayPal.
The ClickBank Conclusion
From what we’ve seen, it’s obvious that ClickBank isn’t a scam. On the contrary, it can be a valuable tool for affiliate marketers to earn money.
While ClickBank may not be your main source of income, it can definitely add a significant amount to your affiliate marketing revenue. And I Really Recommend It for Any Affiliate.
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