Using an online tool to manage your affiliate program is beneficial in the following ways:
1. More control and customization
Using affiliate management software gives you more control over your monthly or annual payment plan, the acceptance process for interested affiliates, how affiliates can promote your brand, and the value of the commissions they can earn from marketing your offers.
When you join an affiliate network, it imposes limits on you. They can restrict the niche you can operate in, the type of offers you can make, and your commission levels.
2. More value for money
In an affiliate network, you'll have to pay a transaction fee every time you pay the agreed commission to your affiliate. This payment is separate from your joining fee and monthly subscription charge. When you subscribe to an affiliate platform, you'll have to pay for the monthly or annual subscription but there's no transaction fee that goes with commission payouts.
3. More secure data
When you subscribe to an affiliate platform, you get to see and keep the profiles of your affiliates and customers to yourself. Joining an affiliate network may help you find partners faster but those running it can also view your affiliates' account details. Thus, the network may be able to contact your affiliates and their leads directly without your knowledge.
4. Better brand awareness and recall
Affiliate software lets you create a promotional link carrying your own domain name. On the other hand, affiliate networks have their own URLs attached to such links.