Google Affiliate Network is now paying publishers through AdSense, a platform that offers the widest array of publisher payment options in the industry. We have asked all publishers to link their Google Affiliate Network account to an AdSense account. For some this means linking to an existing account, while others are creating an AdSense account for the first time. The process is simple and tens of thousands have successfully linked.
We gain significant efficiencies by executing payments through the AdSense platform. Effective publisher payments are fundamental to affiliate marketing and we recognize that our legacy system needed improvements. AdSense offers users more payment options and we believe that our publishers will benefit from more transparent and predictable payments.
We understand some publishers are concerned about the integration of Google Affiliate Network and AdSense, particularly those who are unable to successfully link/create an AdSense account. But the fact is that fewer than 1% of all accounts that have attempted to link have been unable to do so. We are working to address publishers who have invalid account information or duplicate accounts, but we may not be able to continue working with those who have a disabled AdSense account due to policy violations.
I am also pleased to report that in addition to efficiency gains, Google Affiliate Network advertisers are already recognizing the benefits of expanded distribution through the growing number of AdSense publishers that are monetizing their sites/content with affiliate ads for the first time. In the weeks following the integration announcement we have seen more than twice as many new active and productive relationships created versus the same period last year.
Publishers should link by today to avoid any payment delays. After October 31st, publishers must have an approved AdSense account ID linked to their Google Affiliate Network account in order to continue participation in our network.
Chris Henger
Head of Google Affiliate Network
