Websites using Viglink

Okay, let s break down VigLink, now known as Sovrn Commerce. It s a complex platform with various facets, so we ll cover each area thoroughly.

VigLink / Sovrn Commerce Overview

Sovrn Commerce (formerly VigLink) is a platform that helps publishers and content creators monetize their content through affiliate marketing. Instead of manually creating individual affiliate links, Sovrn Commerce automates the process of turning ordinary product links into revenue-generating affiliate links.

How it Works (Key Concepts):

• Link Conversion: When a user clicks a product link on a website using Sovrn Commerce, the platform intelligently identifies the product and the relevant affiliate program.
• Automatic Affiliate Linking: Sovrn Commerce automatically converts the original link into an affiliate link, ensuring the publisher is credited for any purchases made through that link.
• Dynamic Linking: The platform strives to connect to the best-performing affiliate links at any given time, optimizing for the publisher s potential earnings.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provides publishers with data on clicks, conversions, and revenue, allowing them to optimize their monetization strategy.
• Product Matching: Uses various technologies to accurately match products on a page with relevant affiliate programs.
• Data Insights: Offers data insights on popular products and categories, helping publishers create content that resonates with their audience.

Revenue for Publishers:

• Commission-Based: Publishers earn a commission on sales generated through their affiliate links.
• Variable Commission Rates: Commission rates vary based on the merchant, product category, and the terms of the affiliate program.
• Performance Dependent: Revenue is directly tied to the number of clicks and subsequent conversions. Higher traffic, better product placement, and compelling content can lead to higher earnings.
• Optimization Tools: Sovrn Commerce provides tools to help publishers optimize their links and content for better results.
• Payment Thresholds: Publishers need to reach a certain earnings threshold before receiving payment, and these may vary depending on the payment method used.

Alternatives to Sovrn Commerce:

Here are some popular alternatives, each with its own strengths and weaknesses:

1. Amazon Associates:

   • Pros: Massive product catalog, high brand recognition, established platform.
   • Cons: Commission rates can be lower than some other programs, sometimes complex policies.

2. Skimlinks:

   • Pros: Similar to Sovrn Commerce in automated linking, large network of merchants, user-friendly interface.
   • Cons: Might have slightly different commission rates or partner options.

3. CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction):

   • Pros: Wide range of advertisers, robust reporting, suitable for large publishers.
   • Cons: Can be more complex to navigate for beginners.

4. ShareASale:

   • Pros: Diverse selection of merchants, good reputation, transparent policies.
   • Cons: Interface may feel a little dated to some users.

5. Impact:

   • Pros: Powerful tracking and reporting features, a growing list of brand partners, and focus on enterprise-level solutions.
   • Cons: Can be more expensive and complex for smaller publishers.

6. Rakuten Advertising (formerly LinkShare):

   • Pros: Global reach, strong partnerships with major brands, advanced tools.
   • Cons: Can have a steeper learning curve.

7. Awin (Affiliate Window):

   • Pros: Offers a variety of merchants, performance-based tools, and reliable tracking.
   • Cons: Can have specific program requirements.

8. Individual Affiliate Programs:

   • Pros: Often higher commission rates, direct relationships with specific merchants you trust, control over promotions.
   • Cons: More manual setup and management required.

Pricing

Sovrn Commerce operates primarily on a revenue-sharing model. This means:

• No upfront costs: Generally, there is no initial fee to use the platform for publishers.
• Percentage of Commission: Sovrn Commerce takes a percentage of the commissions earned through affiliate sales generated on your website. The exact percentage is not publicly disclosed and depends on various factors (specific plan or contract, volume, or performance)
• Transparent Payouts: Publishers receive a clear breakdown of their commissions and Sovrn Commerce s share.
• No Earnings, No Cost: If no sales are generated, publishers do not pay anything.

Key Takeaway: The revenue sharing model aligns the interests of Sovrn Commerce and publishers, where both benefit from increased affiliate revenue.

Customer Care Details

Sovrn Commerce, like any established platform, offers several customer care options for its publishers:

• Help Center / Knowledge Base: A comprehensive online resource with articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering various aspects of the platform. This is the first place most users should check for assistance.
• Email Support: Contacting the support team via email is usually an option for more specific or technical issues.
• Contact Form: You can usually submit inquiries through a contact form on their website.
• Account Managers: For higher-tier or larger publishers, Sovrn Commerce may assign dedicated account managers to provide personalized support and guidance.
• Community Forums: Some platforms have forums or communities where users can interact with each other, share tips, and get answers to common questions. While Sovrn doesn t seem to heavily emphasize a forum, there might be informal communities available elsewhere online.
• Response Times: Response times for support can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and the support plan. Larger partners often receive quicker assistance.

How to Find More Specific Customer Care Info:

1. Visit the Official Sovrn Commerce website: Go to their official website and look for sections like Help, Support, or Contact Us.
2. Search their Knowledge Base: Use the search function within their help center to find specific information on your issue.
3. Look for a Contact Form: You should find a support form to submit a question to their support team.

Important Considerations When Evaluating Sovrn Commerce:

• Website Traffic: If you are a newer publisher with limited traffic, the earnings from platforms like Sovrn Commerce will be modest. Focus on building high-quality content and driving more visitors.
• Merchant Suitability: Ensure Sovrn Commerce supports relevant merchants and product categories that align with your content and audience.
• Testing and Optimization: Experiment with different approaches, monitor performance, and continuously optimize your affiliate strategy.
• Transparency: Understand the commission rates and payment terms clearly before using the platform.
• Read User Reviews: Check independent user reviews from different sources to get a more balanced view of the platform s pros and cons.

In Conclusion:

Sovrn Commerce (formerly VigLink) is a powerful tool for publishers looking to automate affiliate marketing. It can help generate revenue through existing links, but results depend on various factors. By understanding the platform s features, revenue model, alternatives, and customer care options, you can determine if it s the right solution for your specific needs. Make sure to do your due diligence and compare your options.