Discover Travel Affiliate Programs
Explore, compare and review programs to find your best match.
Show tags
Category:
#General
Type:
#Post

CJ Affiliate network overview

2021-05-21
0 comment

With the potential that affiliate marketing presents, it is vital to take a responsible approach when choosing your partners. Joining an affiliate network will allow you to access various advertisers from a single account and receive comprehensive support. One of the leading affiliate networks today is CJ, with over 20 years of expertise and authority within the industry. In this overview, you’ll get a closer look at what CJ brings for travel affiliates and what programs you can join through the network.

About CJ

CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction) is one of the largest and oldest affiliate networks worldwide with over 20 years of expertise in the field. Founded in 1998, in Santa Barbara, California, the network now has 15 offices around the world. Here is CJ in numbers:

  • $1.8B worth of annual publisher commissions
  • 4.8M annual partnerships
  • 43% (YOY) growth in influencer commissions
  • 21% average order value
  • 31% orders per customer
  • 58% annual customer revenue

It is free to sign up for the network as a publisher, but you need to have an active website with a valid domain and basic coding skills (HTML or JavaScript) in order to insert the CJ tracking code into your site. It’s also possible to join the network using multiple websites.

Payouts

Payment method

Once your payouts reach the minimum threshold, you can choose to be paid via direct deposit, check, or online money transfer through Payoneer. International affiliates can receive payments in over 150 currencies with zero clearing fees.

Payment date

Payouts are sent on the 20th of the following month.

Minimum amount

You can get the direct deposit once your affiliate commissions reach $50 or receive payment by check for payouts over $100.

Features

CJ recently introduced the Affiliate Personalization feature, which allows marketers to customize their experience with the network. The feature is available only to affiliates focused on retail, but other publishers can still contact their account manager to figure out a solution.

You can also benefit from cross-device sales and use the mobilized package to optimize your mobile and app conversion, downloads, engagements, etc.

Cookieless tracking allows advertisers to attribute all sales made through your affiliate link even if a CJ tracking cookie isn’t present on the user’s browser. The solution is privacy-friendly and includes tracking in-app transactions, Apple’s ITP2.0 feature in Safari, and user-deleted cookies.

Another advantage of CJ is its flawless reporting and analytics, which offer many insights on the relationship, path to purchase, and placement for each of your sales in real-time.

CJ’s content team is always happy to help affiliates with influencer marketing and promotional strategies and can also provide access to premium campaigns from the most reputable brands.

Niches

At CJ, you can earn on products in the following niches:

  • Accessories
  • Art/Photo/Music
  • Automotive
  • Beauty
  • Books/Media
  • Business
  • Buying and Selling
  • Careers
  • Clothing and Apparel
  • Computer and Electronics
  • Department Stores/Malls
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • Family
  • Financial Services
  • Food & Drinks
  • Games & Toys
  • Gifts & Flowers
  • Health and Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Insurance
  • Legal
  • Marketing
  • Military
  • N/A
  • Non-Profit
  • Online Services
  • Recreation and Leisure
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Telecommunications
  • Travel

Tools

The network assists publishers in monetizing their website through streamlined product-level data access, customizable widgets, and deep linking. Widgets are available as grids, collages, or slideshows, and you can adjust them to your marketing campaign at any given moment. Let’s look at these tools in detail:

  • Slideshow. Make rotating displays of products in standard sizes to convert customers. Change products as many times as needed.
  • Collage. Basically, it’s a blank canvas where you can showcase products in any way you want. It’s a great option that overcomes the limitations of a single product ad.
  • Grid. Present as many products as you’d like on one page.

Another great tool at CJ is deep linking, which allows you to direct the consumer to a specific advertiser’s page and increase the click-to-sale conversion ratio. To use this feature, you’ll need to implement JavaScript on your website. The Deep Link Generator and Deep Link Automation tools stay behind the scenes, unlike product widgets:

  • Deep Link Generator. While on the product page, simply engage the tool in your browser, copy the provided link, and incorporate it into the content you’re creating. There is no need to access the account manager to search for links.
  • Deep Link Automation. This tool boosts your efficiency. Place a single line of code on your webpage and instantly forward all eligible organic links through CJ when a visitor clicks a link. All qualified content is now monetized. Adding this content tool to your affiliate strategy should be the first item on your to-do list.

Developers can also take advantage of CJ’s API to boost their campaign.

Reviews

Let’s see what other affiliates have to say about their experience working with the CJ network:

Pros

  1. Accurate reporting
    With CJ, you can track your campaigns in real-time. Even though the user dashboard can be complicated, you’ll soon see that it’s pretty intuitive and easy to navigate.
  2. Regular payouts
    CJ sends payments regularly on the 20th of the following month.
  3. Add multiple sites
    In the user dashboard, you can easily add as many sites as you want and manage them from a single interface.
  4. Performer Program
    Publishers earning more than $10,000 monthly can join the CJ Performer Program (allowing for personalization of your experience).
  5. Incredible selection of merchants
    With CJ, you can access more than 3,000 advertisers in various niches, including top-performing brands.
  6. Standard threshold
    You only need to reach $50 to receive your first payout.
  7. Cookieless tracking
    Sales will be attributed to you even without cookies.
  8. Strategic guidance
    CJ provides affiliates with strategic guidance, depending on their location, distribution model, niche, and business size.
  9. Pay Per Call
    Publishers can also earn commissions for calls by connecting customers and merchants over the phone.

Cons

  1. You need an optimized website with traffic
    Joining CJ is only possible for publishers who already run a website with relevant and optimized content and a decent amount of traffic.
  2. You need to make sales fast
    To be able to use the network for a long time, you’ll need to generate commissionable sales within the first six months from the activation date.
  3. Limited customer care
    The support is rather slow unless you participate in the Performer Program.
  4. Basic coding skills are a must
    They are necessary for inserting JavaScript into your site and managing your campaigns later on.
  5. PayPal not available
    Just like many other platforms, CJ doesn’t offer PayPal payouts.

CJ Affiliate offers in the travel niche

In the Commission Junction affiliate network, you can earn with the following travel affiliate programs:

  • AAA Auto Club
  • Abritel FR
  • Accorhotels.com (Asia Pacific, Europe, and ROW, US and Canada)
  • Adrenaline
  • Agoda EU, UK, US
  • Air France ES, FR, IT, Brasil, DE, UK and Ireland, USA
  • Air Malta
  • Air New Zealand CN
  • Air Serbia
  • Air Transat
  • Airfarewatchdog
  • Airhelp.com INT
  • Airport Park and Ride
  • AirportParkingReservations
  • AirportParking.com
  • AirportRentalCars.com
  • AirWander
  • AmazingCo
  • AMC Networks
  • Amoma.com
  • Apple Vacations
  • Atlantis, Paradise Island
  • Atlas Travel Insurance
  • Austrian Airlines – US
  • Auto Europe Car Rentals
  • Avianca EU, US
  • Avianca LifeMiles Credit Cards
  • Azores Gateways
  • Balearia EU
  • Baltic Tours
  • Barcelo Hotels US
  • Bentley Leathers
  • Best of Orlando
  • Best Western
  • BestOfVegas
  • Big Bus Tours
  • Booking Buddy, UK
  • Booking.com BENELUX, Central and Eastern Europe, DACH, ES, FR, IT, New Property sign up, Nordics, UK, US (private program)
  • BookVIP
  • Briggs & Riley Travelware
  • Busbud
  • Car Rental 8
  • Caribbean Affiliate Program
  • CarmelLimo.com
  • Centara Hotels & Resorts
  • Center Parcs FR
  • Cestovatelskyobchod.cz
  • Cestovná kancelária DAKA.sk
  • CheapAir.com
  • Cheapfaremart
  • Cheapflights.com
  • CheapFlightsFreak
  • CheapOair
  • CheapOair.ca
  • CheapTickets
  • Chiltern Railways
  • Choice Hotels
  • City-sightseeing EU, GBP, USD
  • CityPASS
  • CK Alexandria.cz
  • CK České Kormidlo Cz
  • Cliq Products
  • Collette
  • Contiki
  • Cookly.me
  • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
  • Cruise Critic
  • CruiseDirect
  • Crystal Travel US
  • DELSEY Paris
  • Disney Holidays EMEA
  • Drivers Ed
  • eBeach Sweden & Norway
  • EF Ultimate Break
  • Elite Havens
  • Emirates (DE, France, UK, US)
  • Etihad Airways Global, US, DigitasLBi
  • Exoticca EU&US, UK
  • Expedia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Belgium & Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, UK
  • Expedia, Inc
  • Extended Stay America
  • Fewo-direkt
  • Flights Mojo
  • Flipkey
  • Flydubai
  • FRHI Hotels & Resorts
  • Funjet Vacations
  • G Adventures
  • Getaway
  • GO Airlink NYC
  • GO Port
  • Google Shopping
  • Great Wolf Lodge
  • GroundLink
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • Herschel Supply Company
  • Hertz
  • HomeAway
  • HomeAway Australia, Netherlands
  • HomeAway.co.uk
  • Homelidays
  • Horizn Studios
  • Hotelopia USA
  • Hotels.com
  • Hotels.com APAC, Belgium & Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Austria & Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Latin America, Norway, Poland, Rest of EMEA, South Africa, Spain & Portugal, Sweden, Turkey & Middle East, UK
  • HotelsCombined
  • HotelVoucher.sk
  • IBERIA EU, UK, US LATAM
  • IBEROSTAR US, CA, LATAM
  • ICON Park
  • IHG AMEA, Europe, Greater China
  • Insights Vacations
  • InterContinental Hotels Group AMER
  • Interhome DK, SE NO
  • International program Iberia Express
  • InterRent EU
  • Intrepid Travel
  • Isango! Affiliate Scheme
  • JetRadar.com
  • Kayak Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Mexico
  • Kings Dominion
  • Kiwi.com
  • Klook
  • Koffer24
  • KORMIDLO.PL
  • LAN Airlines
  • LasVegas.com
  • Legoland Discovery Center
  • Lonely Planet
  • Love Home Swap
  • Lufthansa AE, AR, AU, BG, BR, CA, CN, CZ, GR, HR, HU, IL, IN, JP, LT, MX, NZ, PL, RO, RU, SA, TR, UA, UK, US, ZA
  • Madame Tussauds
  • Maeva
  • Magical Shuttle
  • Momondo Canada, US
  • Motel 6 & Studio 6
  • My Flight Pal
  • MyPostcard
  • Nannybag
  • NYC Airporter
  • Oakley
  • OK Rent a Car ES
  • Omio Spain, Italy & Brazil
  • Omio Travel FR, NL & DE
  • Omio Travel GmbH UK & US, US
  • OneTravel
  • Orbitz
  • Otel.com
  • OYO Brazil, Hotels, Japan, Rooms
  • Palace Resorts
  • ParisCityVision.com
  • Park ‘N Fly
  • Park Inn Hotels
  • Park Sleep Hotels
  • ParkSleepFly.com – Airport Hotels & Parking
  • Peek.com
  • Pierre & Vacances FR/DE/BE, UK, Spain
  • Pink Jeep Tours
  • Point A Hotels
  • Points.com
  • Preferred Hotels & Resorts
  • Premier Body Armor
  • Prestigia Europe
  • Prestigia.com US
  • Price 4 Limo and Bus Rental
  • Priceline.com, UK
  • Priority Pass
  • Qatar Airways
  • Radisson Hotels
  • Red Carnation Hotels
  • Red Roof
  • Rentalcars.com EMEA, APAC, LATAM, UK, US & Canada
  • Reservations.com
  • Rimowa EU, JP, US
  • ROOM – MATEHOTELS USD, EU
  • Rotorua Canopy Tours
  • Royal Caribbean
  • RVShare
  • Saddleback Leather Co.
  • Sand Cloud
  • Sandals & Beaches Resorts
  • SeaWorld Parks
  • Shop Your Way
  • ShowTickets.com
  • ShuttleFinder.com
  • Sightseeing Pass
  • Sixt Rent a car RUS, US
  • Skyscanner Arabia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Latam, Philippines, Poland, Taiwan, UK, USA
  • Skytours US
  • SnapTravel.com Hotel Deals
  • Sonder
  • Sorger.sk
  • Southwest Vacations
  • Spa Seekers Ltd.
  • STA Travel USA
  • StudentUniverse
  • Sunparks FR
  • Suntransfers.com
  • SuperShuttle
  • Swiss International Air Lines DE, DK, ES, FR, IT, RUS, SE, UK, US, NO
  • Taxi2Airport.com
  • Thalasseo France
  • The Steel Orchid
  • Three Senses Global
  • TodayTix
  • TopView Sightseeing
  • Tourradar.com
  • Tours4Fun
  • Trafalgar
  • Trafalgar Store
  • Travel Guard
  • Travel Talk Tours
  • Travelbag
  • Travelbag (NetFlights)
  • Travelocity
  • Travelocity.ca
  • Travelpro
  • Trip.com Global
  • TripAdvisor Commerce Campaign
  • Trivago APAC, LATAM, UK, US & CA, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan
  • Trusted Tours & Attractions
  • Turbopass.com
  • U by Uniworld
  • UKLG_English Heritage
  • UKLG_ExpediaCPI
  • UKLG_Odigeo-Opodo
  • UKLG_Riviera Travel
  • UKLG_Voyageprive
  • Undercovertourist.com
  • United Vacations
  • Uniworld
  • USA Travel Shop
  • Vayama – International Travel Solved
  • VCM VisitOrlando
  • Vertoe
  • Viajes Carrefour ES
  • Villatel
  • Virgin Atlantic – Flight+Hotel
  • Virgin Holidays
  • Visit Sealife
  • Volotea EU
  • VRBO.com
  • Vrbo Canada, Italia, Nordics, Portugal, Spain
  • Vueling World Wide
  • Walt Disney World – The Walt Disney Travel Company ltd
  • Way.com
  • Weatherman Umbrella
  • Wirkaufendeinenflug – INT
  • WoodSpring Hotels
  • Wyndham Hotel Group
  • Wyndham Hotel Group – Germany
  • Yesglasses

A beginner’s guide to joining CJ

Now, let’s find out how to sign up on the network and start earning money.

How to sign up on CJ

  1. From the home page, proceed to the signup page for publishers and fill in your first and last name, language, and email address.
  2. Confirm your email address by clicking on the activation link in your mailbox and proceed to the signup form.
  3. Set your country and functional currency. CJ will use this currency to calculate and display your payouts. Pay close attention, as it cannot be changed once established. However, it’s possible to receive commissions in any of the currencies available within the network, which you can select after the signup process is complete.
  4. Type in your phone number and password for the account. Then, indicate your contact information: name, address, and phone number.
  5. Introduce your website: name, URL, description (focus, content, and audience), category (automotive, marketing, travel, etc.), and current monthly unique visitors.
  6. Finally, read and accept terms of use.

CJ affiliate dashboard

Below, you can find an overview of the CJ affiliate dashboard. Let’s start with the home page.

  • In the upper right corner, you can find your Affiliate Balance in your chosen currency. By clicking on the balance, you’ll see a drop-down menu with the payment status and balance details.
  • On the left, you will see your Performance Summary over a chosen period, including commissions, sales, leads, clicks, impressions, conversion rate, and earnings per click.
  • Below, there is the Messages tab with alerts from your advertisers and the Tasks tab, where you can enter your tax information and payment details, as well as check your latest transactions.
  • On the right, you will see the Network Status, which shows earnings, three-months earnings per click, and seven-day earnings per click.
  • Just underneath that is the Advertisers tab, where you will see merchants who’ve recently joined the network, advertisers that you’re currently promoting, top ten offers for this week or month, as well as recommended merchants.

Continuing on, let’s discover other tabs on the affiliate dashboard. In the Account tab, you can:

  • Configure your account, banking, and tax information.
  • Provide additional information on your business that can help get your application approved by advertisers.
  • Add and manage users and email communication preferences.
  • Create promotional properties.
  • Create and manage data import and export feeds.

In the Advertisers tab, you can find and manage relationships with advertisers.

In the Links tab, you can integrate and manage links and products to promote them on your website.

In the Widgets tab, you can create widgets to promote multiple products and manage saved product collections.

In the Reports tab, you can review performance by key metrics, transactions, commissions, and balance details, as well as promo code usage.

In the Mail tab, you can communicate directly with your advertisers and change your mail settings.

In the Placements tab, you can list placement opportunities on your sites and offer advertisers to display their links and banners on your website, as well as create insertion orders for placements on your sites.

Finally, in the Insights tab, you can explore the performance of your campaigns.

How to earn your first money with CJ

Affiliate marketing can be confusing, but we’ve broken down the process into five simple steps.

  1. Once you’ve signed up and set up your CJ affiliate account, log in to the home page of the CJ account manager and go to Administrative Settings under the Account tab. There, you can edit your tax and payment details.
  2. Go to the Network Profile tab and describe your business.

    This is what advertisers see when they decide to partner with you. The more information you can provide, the better.
  3. Now it’s time to apply for the advertiser’s program. Move over to the Advertisers tab. This is where you’ll be able to pick advertisers and apply for their programs. Why don’t you target five to ten offers to get started? Remember that the CJ affiliate commission rate varies for each program, so make sure to check the terms.
  4. Move to the Links tab. Once accepted for the advertiser’s program, you’ll have access to their creative tools, such as text links, promotions, products, and banners. You have total control over which creative tools you decide to utilize.
  5. Finally, move over to the Reports tab to see how much you’ve earned in commissions.

Once again, we want to stress the importance of joining various programs instead of promoting a single advertiser. Doing so will allow you to see how attractive the offers are to your audience and focus on the highest-converting options. For example, when promoting flight tickets, you can pick JetRadar, Skyscanners, Air France, and Emirates.

It might also be a good idea to provide your readers with comprehensive travel arrangements by promoting all kinds of services they might need. For example, Kayak for flight tickets, Booking.com for hotels, Taxi2Airport for airport transfers, ShowTickets.com for entertainment and leisure activities, and so on. If you target your audience correctly, this approach can produce impressive results and affiliate profits.

CJ support service

You can email CJ’s support service by clicking on the question mark icon in the upper right corner of your affiliate dashboard.


CJ provides translated support emails and articles in English, Spanish, French, German, and simplified Chinese.

It’s easy to partner with CJ

As one of the world’s largest affiliate networks, Commission Junction attracts thousands of affiliates from different industries. However, not all of them find it easy to join the network. Don’t let this scare you, as CJ is a great marketplace for affiliate offers and has an intuitive interface with plenty of advanced analytics features. Naturally, you’ll spend some time getting to know how it all works, but it will pay off quickly. The abundance of offers and wide range of fully customizable tools that CJ provides can be a great launch pad for your affiliate career!

Your Thoughts
any information you wanted to add
Sign in to leave a comment. If you’re not registered, feel free to join the community in 1 minute.

Comments (0)