Want to make money with affiliate marketing and join CJ Affiliate (formerly Commission Junction)? Getting approved as a CJ Affiliate publisher can seem like a big ask but with the right preparation and understanding of the process you can get on the platform.
Why Getting Approved Is Challenging
CJ Affiliate is one of the biggest and most respected affiliate marketing networks, connecting publishers with thousands of advertisers. But with that comes a strict approval process. Many applicants get rejected because of incomplete profiles, not enough traffic or not meeting CJ’s quality standards.
Some of the common problems are:
- Website Not Ready: A blank or underdeveloped website will get you rejected straight away.
- Low or Irrelevant Traffic: If your site doesn’t show consistent quality traffic, advertisers won’t find it valuable.
- Incomplete or Misleading Information: Providing vague or false information during the application process will block approval.
- Non-compliance with Policies: Not following CJ’s publisher guidelines is another common obstacle.
These can be frustrating especially if you’re new to affiliate marketing. Let’s get into why these happen.
Why These Challenges Matter
Without proper preparation, your application could be denied, wasting valuable time and effort. Here are a few reasons why these issues are significant:
- Rejection Limits Opportunities: CJ Affiliate has some of the best brands in its network. Missing out on approval means losing access to high-commission advertisers.
- Reputation at Stake: Repeatedly applying without meeting the requirements can hurt your credibility with CJ and other affiliate networks.
- Missed Revenue Potential: The longer you delay getting approved, the more you delay your ability to earn passive income through affiliate marketing.
According to a case study by Affiliate Marketer Success, approximately 30% of CJ Affiliate applicants are denied due to incomplete applications or poorly maintained websites. This highlights the importance of a strategic approach.
Steps to Get Approved as a CJ Affiliate Publisher
Now that we’ve outlined the challenges, let’s focus on actionable steps to ensure your approval.
Step 1: Prepare a Professional and Engaging Website
Your website is the first thing CJ Affiliate evaluates. Here’s how to optimize it:
- Domain Name and Hosting: Invest in a professional domain name and reliable hosting. Avoid free hosting services, as they can appear unprofessional.
- Content Quality: Publish high-quality, original content relevant to your niche. Aim for at least 10-15 well-written blog posts or pages before applying.
- Design and Navigation: Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and visually appealing. A cluttered or outdated design can hurt your chances.
- About and Contact Pages: Include a detailed “About Us” page and a functional “Contact Us” page with accurate information.
- Privacy Policy and Terms of Service: These pages demonstrate professionalism and compliance with legal requirements.
Example: A fitness blogger who applied to CJ Affiliate shared that their application was initially rejected due to their website’s lack of privacy policy. After adding the necessary pages, their re-application was approved within a week.
Step 2: Build Quality Traffic
Traffic is a key metric CJ evaluates. Follow these strategies to boost your traffic:
- Focus on Organic SEO: Optimize your website for search engines by targeting relevant keywords, improving page load speed, and building backlinks.
- Leverage Social Media: Drive traffic from platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook by sharing engaging content.
- Engage in Email Marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters to increase return visits.
- Track Metrics: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor traffic sources, page views, and user behavior. Demonstrating consistent growth will strengthen your application.
Fact: Successful CJ publishers report an average monthly traffic of 10,000-50,000 visitors, depending on their niche. While smaller sites can get approved, consistent and niche-relevant traffic is crucial.
Step 3: Choose a Niche and Advertisers
CJ Affiliate works best when your website aligns with specific advertisers. Here’s how to choose the right niche:
- Identify Your Expertise: Focus on a niche you’re knowledgeable about and passionate about, such as technology, fashion, or travel.
- Research Advertisers: Browse CJ’s advertiser directory to identify brands that align with your audience.
- Avoid Overlapping Niches: A website that tries to cover too many topics may appear unfocused and less appealing to advertisers.
Case Study: A travel blogger focused on eco-friendly tourism successfully partnered with sustainable travel brands on CJ by demonstrating niche expertise.
Step 4: Complete the Application Process Thoroughly
When applying, attention to detail is critical. Follow these steps:
- Sign Up with Accurate Information: Use your real name, email address, and phone number. Ensure consistency with your website and business information.
- Describe Your Website Clearly: Write a detailed description of your site’s purpose, target audience, and content strategy.
- Provide Traffic and Monetization Details: Be honest about your traffic numbers and income sources. CJ values transparency.
- Review Policies: Familiarize yourself with CJ’s publisher agreement and ensure your site complies.
Pro Tip: Before submitting, double-check your application for typos, missing fields, or inconsistencies. These small details can make a big difference.
Step 5: Build Credibility and Demonstrate Value
Advertisers want to work with publishers who can drive meaningful results. Here’s how to prove your worth:
- Showcase Previous Partnerships: If you’ve worked with other affiliate networks or advertisers, mention them in your application.
- Highlight Audience Engagement: Use metrics like social media followers, email subscribers, and engagement rates to demonstrate your reach.
- Create a Media Kit: A professional media kit with your site’s traffic stats, audience demographics, and niche focus can set you apart.
Fact: Publishers with established credibility are 40% more likely to get approved, according to CJ’s onboarding team.
Step 6: Follow Up if Necessary
If your application is denied, don’t be discouraged. Here’s what to do:
- Request Feedback: Reach out to CJ’s support team and ask for specific reasons for the denial.
- Make Improvements: Address the issues mentioned in the feedback, whether it’s traffic volume, website quality, or compliance.
- Reapply Strategically: Wait at least 30 days before reapplying to ensure you’ve made significant progress.
Example: A rejected applicant who improved their website’s design and increased traffic by 20% was approved on their second attempt.
Final Thoughts: Why It’s Worth the Effort
Getting approved as a CJ Affiliate publisher takes work and patience but it’s worth it. Once approved you get access to:
- Thousands of top tier advertisers.
- Competitive commissions.
- Advanced reporting tools.
Follow this guide and you’ll increase your chances of approval and set yourself up for affiliate marketing success. CJ Affiliate is looking for publishers who are serious, professional and can deliver value for advertisers. With this approach you can prove it.
Get going? Go prepare your website, build your traffic and write your application now. The sooner the better!