Websites using Linkshare

Okay, let s break down LinkShare (now Rakuten Advertising) covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Overview: Rakuten Advertising (Formerly LinkShare)

Rakuten Advertising is a global leader in affiliate marketing, display advertising, and retargeting. Originally known as LinkShare, it was acquired by Rakuten, a major Japanese e-commerce and internet company. It connects advertisers (merchants) with publishers (affiliates) to drive sales and leads through performance-based marketing.

• Key Features/Services:

  • Affiliate Marketing Network: This is the core of their business. Advertisers can recruit affiliates to promote their products or services, and affiliates earn commissions for successful conversions (sales, leads, etc.).
  • Display Advertising: Helps advertisers reach target audiences with display ads across various websites and apps.
  • Retargeting: Allows advertisers to re-engage website visitors who have previously shown interest in their products but haven t made a purchase.
  • Attribution: Provides tools to track and measure the performance of marketing campaigns across multiple channels.
  • Search Marketing: Provides search solutions to help advertisers to improve their search rankings.
  • Influencer Marketing: Help brands connect with influencers.

• Target Audience:

  • Advertisers (Merchants): E-commerce businesses, brands, and companies of all sizes looking to increase online sales and leads.
  • Publishers (Affiliates): Website owners, bloggers, influencers, content creators, and other individuals or businesses who can promote products/services to their audience.

Revenue (Rakuten Advertising):

Rakuten does not break out revenue specifically for Rakuten Advertising in its overall financial reports. Rakuten provides financial results by segment, which include Internet Services, Fintech, Mobile, Sports, and Others. Rakuten Advertising is included in the Internet Services segment. To find the most up-to-date information, you can consult Rakuten s investor relations website and financial reports. Keep in mind that this will be for the overall Internet Services division, not specifically Rakuten Advertising.

Alternatives to Rakuten Advertising:

The affiliate marketing landscape is competitive. Here are some popular alternatives:

• CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction): One of the largest and most established affiliate networks.
• ShareASale (an Awin company): Known for its user-friendly interface and wide variety of merchants.
• Awin: Another major affiliate network with a strong presence in Europe.
• Amazon Associates: Amazon s own affiliate program, suitable for promoting Amazon products.
• Impact: A platform focused on partnership automation and management, including affiliate marketing.
• PartnerStack: Focuses on SaaS and subscription-based affiliate programs
• ClickBank: Popular for digital products and information products.
• eBay Partner Network: eBay s affiliate program for promoting items listed on eBay.
• FlexOffers: A network with a wide range of affiliate programs and flexible payment options.
• AvantLink: Known for its focus on quality merchants and advanced tracking capabilities.
• Individual Affiliate Programs: Many companies run their own in-house affiliate programs (e.g., Shopify, ConvertKit). These can sometimes offer better commission rates or more direct support.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative:

• Merchant Selection: Does the network have merchants in your niche?
• Commission Rates: What are the average commission rates offered?
• Payment Terms: How often are you paid, and what are the payment methods?
• Tracking and Reporting: How robust are the tracking and reporting tools?
• Support: How responsive and helpful is the network s support team?
• Ease of Use: How easy is the platform to navigate and use?
• Minimum Payout Threshold: What is the minimum amount you need to earn before you get paid?
• Network Fees: Are there any setup fees, monthly fees, or other charges?

Pricing:

Rakuten Advertising s pricing structure varies depending on whether you are an advertiser (merchant) or a publisher (affiliate).

• Advertisers (Merchants):

  • Setup Fee: There s typically a setup fee to join the network. This can vary depending on the size and complexity of your program. Expect this to be in the thousands of dollars.
  • Network Fee: Rakuten charges a percentage of the commission that merchants pay to affiliates.
  • Commission: The commission rate that merchants pay to affiliates is set by the merchant and can vary widely depending on the product or service being promoted.
  • Minimum Commitment: Rakuten typically requires merchants to commit to a minimum advertising spend or contract length.
  • They also have some managed solutions, so expect higher fees for those.

• Publishers (Affiliates):

  • Free to Join: It s generally free for publishers to join the Rakuten Advertising network.
  • Commission-Based Earnings: Publishers earn money through commissions paid by advertisers when they drive successful conversions (sales, leads, etc.).
  • Payment Threshold: Publishers must meet a minimum payment threshold before they can receive their earnings.

Important Note: It s essential to contact Rakuten Advertising directly for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information, as their pricing can be customized based on your specific needs and requirements.

Customer Care Details:

• Website: The Rakuten Advertising website (advertising.rakuten.com) is the primary source of information and support. Look for Contact Us or Support links.
• Support Tickets: Rakuten Advertising typically uses a support ticket system for handling inquiries. You can submit a ticket through their website.
• Account Managers: Advertisers (merchants), especially those with larger accounts, often have dedicated account managers to provide support and guidance.
• Community Forums/Knowledge Base: Check if Rakuten Advertising has community forums or a knowledge base where you can find answers to common questions.
• Social Media: You may be able to get limited support through Rakuten Advertising s social media channels (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter).
• Phone Support: Phone support availability may vary. Check the website or contact them directly to inquire.

Tips for Getting Good Customer Support:

• Be Clear and Specific: When contacting support, be as clear and specific as possible about your issue. Provide relevant details, such as your account ID, the product or service you re referring to, and any error messages you re seeing.
• Be Patient: Response times can vary depending on the volume of inquiries. Be patient and allow the support team time to investigate and resolve your issue.
• Escalate if Necessary: If you re not getting a satisfactory response, don t hesitate to escalate your issue to a supervisor or manager.
• Document Everything: Keep a record of all your communication with the support team, including dates, times, and the names of the people you spoke with.

I hope this overview helps! Good luck!