ShareASale Vs CJ: Better For Beginners Or Scaling Pros?

Do you remember the first time you tried to assemble furniture without reading the instructions, only to end up with an extra bag of screws and a mysterious wooden plank you pretended was “optional”? Choosing between ShareASale and CJ can feel a little like that—except the screws are approval requirements and the mystery plank is a reporting feature you’ll wish you had later.

ShareASale Vs CJ: Better For Beginners Or Scaling Pros?

You’re choosing between two veteran affiliate networks—both established, both with real money on the table, and both with quirks you’ll either love or politely overlook. ShareASale tends to be the friendlier first stop if you’re just getting your affiliate feet wet. CJ (formerly Commission Junction) often suits you better once you’re serious about volume, brand recognition, and automation.

But you don’t need a trust fall into a spreadsheet to figure this out. Let’s walk through what matters—approval hurdles, the types of merchants you’ll find, reporting depth, payout rhythms, and how each network fits your goals. By the end, you’ll know when to choose ShareASale, when to choose CJ, and when to use both without accidentally creating a full-time job managing links.

The short answer you probably want right now

• If you’re new, you’ll usually feel more at ease on ShareASale. It’s easier to get approved by a range of small-to-mid-sized merchants, the interface won’t scare you, and your first links are faster to build.
• If you’re scaling, CJ shines. Big-name merchants live there, the reporting suite is deeper, and you get better tools for placements, international reach, and enterprise-friendly integrations.

Here’s a quick snapshot to set the stage.

Factor	ShareASale	CJ	Who benefits
Onboarding ease	Simple signup, approachable UI	Professional, a bit steeper learning curve	ShareASale for beginners
Merchant mix	Lots of SMBs, boutiques, DTC brands	More enterprise brands, global advertisers	CJ for brand-driven placements
Approvals	Often quicker, less strict	Stricter with big brands	Depends on your site quality
Reporting depth	Solid basics, good enough for most	Very detailed, customizable	CJ for scaling analytics
Tools & APIs	Practical and sufficient	Robust, automation-friendly	CJ for automation
Payments	Reliable monthly payouts at low threshold	Reliable, flexible frequency, consolidated	Tie (CJ wins if you want weekly once locked)
Best for	First-time affiliates and niche content	Established publishers, coupon/cashback, media buyers	Use both as you grow

What both networks actually do for you

Both ShareASale and CJ are affiliate networks. That means:

• You apply once to the network, then apply to individual programs (merchants) inside it.
• You get tracking links for each merchant, and you earn a commission when your audience buys through those links.
• They manage the tracking, reporting, and payments (after the merchant approves the transaction).
• They both host thousands of programs across categories like fashion, home, SaaS, travel, finance, and more.

So how do you pick? It comes down to your starting point, the merchants you want, and how deep you plan to go with data and automation.

Ease of getting started (Beginner readiness)

You want to create your first affiliate link without a week-long course. That’s fair. The early friction is where ShareASale often wins hearts. CJ is perfectly doable, but the vibe is more “suit jacket that actually fits.”

Signup and account setup

• ShareASale: Straightforward, friendly application. You add your website(s), describe your traffic, drop in tax and payment info, and you’re in. The dashboard looks like it was built to help you get started, not to measure your patience.
• CJ: Also straightforward but feels more enterprise-y. You’ll add properties (sites, apps), and your profile details matter for merchant approvals. It’s not hard, just more precise.

You’ll get faster warm fuzzies from ShareASale, but CJ is absolutely manageable if you’re comfortable following the steps and filling in detail.

Finding programs and getting approvals

• ShareASale: You’ll find a mix of small-to-mid size brands that are happy to work with new publishers. Approval messages are often personal, and managers sometimes give you starter tips.
• CJ: Many programs are brand-name and more selective. Some require specific traffic levels, audience fit, or content quality. Don’t take it personally if you’re not approved on a first pass.

For your first dollar, approvals will likely come faster on ShareASale. For prestige brands, CJ is where you’ll knock on doors.

Building your first links

• ShareASale: The deep link builder is intuitive. You can make product links, use banners, and grab alternate creatives quickly. Good for your first week of affiliate life.
• CJ: Tons of options—text links, banners, deep link automation, product feeds—but some of it assumes you know what you want. Once you do, it’s powerful.

Here’s how the beginner-friendly experience compares:

Beginner-Friendly Criteria	ShareASale	CJ
Time to first link	Often same day	Same day to a week depending on approvals
Approval friendliness	High	Moderate to strict
Link tools	Simple, quick	Powerful, slightly more steps
Learning curve	Light	Moderate

If your plan is, “I want my first affiliate sale this month,” ShareASale is the easier launchpad.

Depth for scaling pros

When you start caring about attribute maps, program terms by action, cross-device tracking, and weekly payouts, you’re ready for CJ’s toolset. ShareASale can take you far, but CJ will feel like a data buffet with multiple dessert tables.

Reporting granularity and insights

• ShareASale: Good standard reporting—clicks, sales, EPC, reversals, per-merchant breakdowns. You get enough detail to optimize.
• CJ: Extensive reporting options. You can slice by action type, device, country, placement, promo, and time. You’ll feel at home if you live in pivot tables.

API and automation

• ShareASale: API access for product data and reporting is available and practical. Enough for most use cases.
• CJ: Well-documented APIs for product catalogs, links, and reporting. Easier to automate campaigns, sync feeds at scale, and integrate with BI tools.

Product feeds and catalog depth

• ShareASale: Solid feed support; many merchants upload frequently. You can build dynamic product lists and price updates with some work.
• CJ: Especially strong with enterprise merchants that keep catalogs fresh. Better for large-scale product comparison sites and search-driven content.

Cross-device and cookie behavior

• ShareASale: Reliable tracking with standard cookie windows (varies by merchant). Cross-device tracking depends on the merchant.
• CJ: Strong options for cookieless and cross-device tracking that enterprise merchants actually implement. If you care about multi-touch accuracy, CJ holds up well.

A quick feature snapshot:

Advanced Feature	ShareASale	CJ
Granular reporting	Good	Excellent
APIs (catalog/report)	Available and useful	Robust and scalable
Cross-device tracking	Merchant-dependent	Widely supported, strong
Placement marketplace	Limited	Mature placements and paid partnerships tooling
International support	Solid	Very strong (more global advertisers)

If you’re already managing dozens of programs and you’re the kind of person who schedules A/B tests the way other people schedule brunch, you’ll appreciate CJ’s depth.

Program availability and niches you care about

Neither network is a monoculture; you can find everything from handmade stationery to enterprise SaaS in both. But patterns do emerge.

Vertical strengths

• ShareASale:
  • Strong in boutique fashion, home decor, DTC products, hobbies, crafts, and niche ecom stores.
  • Good for specialty merchants where you can be a bigger fish even if you’re not massive.
• CJ:
  • Strong in enterprise e-commerce, electronics, travel, finance, telecom, and household-name retailers.
  • Better access to brands your audience already knows and trusts.

Geographic reach

• ShareASale: US-heavy with good coverage in niche US brands; growing international presence through Awin affiliation.
• CJ: More globally distributed campaigns; useful for international audiences and multi-country sites.

Brand recognizability

• ShareASale: You’ll find gems your audience hasn’t seen in every ad but loves once introduced.
• CJ: You’ll see more instantly recognizable names, which can help conversion rates if your audience is already primed.

Examples by category:

Category	ShareASale Typical Merchants	CJ Typical Merchants
Boutique fashion	DTC apparel, niche accessories	Large apparel chains and global brands
Home & garden	Specialty decor, furniture makers	Big-box retailers, home improvement
Tech & electronics	Niche device brands, accessories	Major electronics retailers
SaaS & services	Smaller tools, niche B2B	Well-known SaaS and enterprise services
Travel	Boutique experiences, luggage	Airlines, hotel chains, booking portals

If your content thrives on storytelling around smaller brands, ShareASale feels like a candy store. If your audience responds to brands they’ve already put in a cart at 2 a.m., CJ’s your aisle.

Payouts, thresholds, and reliability

Nobody launches an affiliate strategy for the thrill of pending commissions. You want to know when the money lands.

Payment schedules

• ShareASale: Pays monthly once you hit the threshold and the merchant has funded. It’s reliable and predictable.
• CJ: Pays once commissions are locked and you’ve hit the threshold. Frequency can be weekly or monthly depending on locked commissions and your settings. Consolidated across advertisers, which is helpful.

Thresholds and methods

• ShareASale: Low threshold (commonly around $50). Payment via direct deposit and other regional options.
• CJ: Low threshold (often around $50). Payment via direct deposit and other methods depending on country.

Currencies and tax forms

Both will require tax documentation appropriate to your location and offer different currencies depending on your account region.

Here’s a simplified comparison:

Payment Factor	ShareASale	CJ
Minimum payout	Low (around $50)	Low (around $50)
Frequency	Monthly	Weekly or monthly once locked
Consolidated payments	Yes	Yes
Payment methods	Direct deposit and regional options	Direct deposit and regional options
Reliability	Strong	Strong

For steady weekly cash flow once you’re humming, CJ can feel smoother. For predictability and simplicity, ShareASale is perfectly solid.

Interface and usability

You’ll spend a lot of time in the dashboard. Little things—like how fast you can deep link—matter more than you expect.

The vibe of each UI

• ShareASale: Think practical, approachable, not flashy. You find what you need and get on with your day.
• CJ: Sleek and professional. More menus, more views, more filters. You’ll take a beat to learn it, then you’ll be fine.

Link formats and deep linking

• ShareASale: Deep Link Generator is obvious and quick. You can build text links or use banners with little friction.
• CJ: Powerful link automation, plus a vast library of creatives. You might need a minute to lock in the correct advertiser view and placement, but the tools are there.

Stability and speed

Both are stable platforms. CJ sometimes loads heavy with all the analytics; ShareASale feels lighter day to day. In practical terms, neither will ruin your week.

Compliance, reversals, and trust

The less glamorous side of affiliate marketing includes compliance checks and commission reversals (when orders are returned or invalid).

• ShareASale: Clear program terms per merchant. Reversal rates vary by merchant and category, as anywhere. Managers often communicate proactively.
• CJ: Detailed terms with placement rules, paid search allowances, and attribution logic. Expect stricter enforcement from big brands. You get transparency and professionalism.

Your real move is to read the program terms before you link. Both networks display EPCs and reversal rates for each program, so you can avoid trouble before it starts.

Support and community

When you need help, you’ll usually want it yesterday.

• ShareASale: Helpful network support and a culture of merchant managers who actually respond. Especially nice when you’re new.
• CJ: Professional support and strong account management on the advertiser side. If you’re big enough, you’ll likely get a rep who nudges you toward high-paying placements.

In both networks, your best outcomes often come from relationships with individual affiliate managers. Answer their emails. Ask for custom terms when you earn them.

Real-world scenarios: which one fits you?

You’ll recognize yourself in at least one of these.

You’re a beginner blogger in a niche (recipe site, hobby blog, parenting tips)

• Why ShareASale fits: You’ll find approachable merchants with family-friendly products, cookware, kitchen gadgets, meal kits, and craft brands. Approvals come faster. You can get your first sale and build confidence.
• How CJ could help later: Once your traffic grows, you may want household-name kitchen brands or big-box stores for broader selection.

Pick: Start with ShareASale, add CJ in a few months.

You run a product review site with ambitions (tech gear, home office, gadgets)

• Why CJ fits: Enterprise electronics, well-known retailers, strong product feeds for comparisons, and more stable payouts for volume.
• How ShareASale complements: Niche accessory brands, DTC devices, and quirky products that convert well with unique angles.

Pick: Join both. Use CJ for core retailers, ShareASale for the interesting add-ons.

You operate a coupon/cashback site

• Why CJ fits: Larger advertisers, placements marketplace, program variety, and better support for high-volume coupon flows.
• How ShareASale complements: Access to niche promotions and smaller merchants with high commission bursts.

Pick: CJ as your backbone, ShareASale for specialty deals.

You monetize with international traffic

• Why CJ fits: More global programs and higher availability of international merchants.
• How ShareASale complements: US-heavy offers and unique DTCs that ship internationally.

Pick: CJ first. ShareASale selectively.

You build comparison tables for SaaS tools

• Why it depends: CJ tends to house bigger SaaS brands and enterprise services, while ShareASale often has niche software and specialty tools with generous commissions.
• Strategy: Use whichever has the brands your audience already asks about. Add the other for long-tail options.

Pick: Both, based on the brands you need.

How to choose quickly: a decision guide

You don’t need a committee meeting. Use this sanity check.

• You want your first affiliate sale within 30 days, with minimal approvals: Choose ShareASale first.
• You want big-name brands and deep reporting for scale: Choose CJ first.
• You already run 10+ programs and want automation and feeds: Choose CJ (and keep ShareASale for niche gems).
• You run mostly US traffic with niche interests: ShareASale is your home base.
• You need global catalogs and weekly payouts: CJ tends to fit.

Quick picks by priority:

If you care most about	Choose	Why
Fast approval and first link	ShareASale	Lower friction, friendlier for beginners
Big brands your readers recognize	CJ	More enterprise advertisers
Automation and reporting	CJ	Better tooling and APIs
Niche DTC brands	ShareASale	Lots of boutique merchants
Weekly cash flow	CJ	Weekly payouts once locked
Balanced portfolio	Both	Use each for its strengths

Practical setup checklists to get you earning

If you’re like most people, you want to know the exact steps. Here’s a condensed plan for each network.

Your ShareASale setup (from zero to first link)

1. Prep your site
   • Add clear navigation and a few quality posts (reviews, how-tos, listicles).
   • Have an About page and contact details.
2. Apply to ShareASale
   • Fill out your site details thoroughly.
   • Add tax and payment info right away to avoid delays.
3. Pick 5–10 starter programs
   • Choose merchants that match your content. Look for acceptable EPC, commission rates, and cookie windows.
   • Scan terms for content rules, PPC restrictions, and allowed geos.
4. Get your first links live
   • Use the Deep Link Generator to link product pages you already mention in content.
   • Insert links naturally—no link stuffing. Use clear calls to action.
5. Add product showcases
   • If a merchant offers a product datafeed, pull top sellers into a comparison box or curated list.
6. Track performance weekly
   • Watch clicks, sales, and reversal rates. Drop underperforming merchants quickly.
7. Request boosts when you earn
   • When you produce steady sales, email the manager for a higher commission or exclusive coupon.

Bonus tip: Start with merchants that accept content sites, not just coupon partners. Your links will perform better without constant coupon competition.

Your CJ setup (from zero to scale)

1. Prep your property
   • Make sure your site looks legitimate and aligned with advertiser categories.
   • Include disclosure and privacy pages.
2. Apply to CJ
   • Add your property details with clear descriptions of audience and content types.
   • Complete payment and tax setup.
3. Target high-fit merchants
   • Search for brands your audience already trusts. Apply with a note about your plan (content categories, promotion methods).
4. Use the tools
   • Deep link to popular SKUs or best-selling categories.
   • Pull product catalogs via API if you run comparison pages or storefronts.
5. Build placements
   • Add featured spots for top merchants: sidebar boxes, homepage sections, seasonal guides.
6. Monitor reporting
   • Use CJ’s detailed reporting to identify device, country, and placement performance.
   • Shift traffic toward high-converting merchants and placements.
7. Grow relationships
   • Message affiliate managers when you launch dedicated content.
   • Negotiate private terms, bonuses, or flat-fee placements when you can prove ROI.

Bonus tip: If you run promo-driven content, ask managers for unique codes or “exclusive” placements. They exist, and they move the needle.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

If you want to save yourself from future you giving current you a stern lecture, skip these mistakes.

For beginners

• Applying to 50 programs at once: You’ll lose track and end up with link spaghetti. Start with 5–10 perfect fits.
• Ignoring program terms: Some merchants won’t allow coupon mentions or bidding on brand keywords. Read the terms like they contain the last known location of your keys.
• Only using banners: Text links and deep links convert better. Banners are decoration; links are action.
• Not disclosing: Your readers and the law both like disclosure. Add it to your posts.
• Giving up on a program too early: Give each merchant enough clicks and a full month. If there’s no sign of life, pivot.

For scaling pros

• Running everything on one network: Redundancy matters. If a merchant pauses, you want alternatives lined up.
• Neglecting feed hygiene: Stale data means price mismatches and broken links. Automate feed refreshes.
• Failing to negotiate: If you’re sending volume, ask for better terms. You’ll be surprised who says yes.
• Not tracking placements: Label your links or use subIDs. Otherwise, you won’t know what’s actually working.
• Overlooking cross-border issues: If your traffic is international, ensure the merchant ships where your readers live and the program allows those regions.

Feature-by-feature: what you actually get

Let’s ground this in specifics you’ll use weekly.

Feature	ShareASale	CJ	Your takeaway
Deep linking	Easy and fast	Powerful, more options	Both good; ShareASale is quicker to learn
Product feeds	Solid, varies by merchant	Strong, enterprise-grade	CJ better for large-scale catalogs
Coupon handling	Common with SMBs	Very mature with big brands	CJ better for placements and exclusives
Cross-device tracking	Depends on merchant	Strong coverage	Edge to CJ
Reporting	Clear, essential	Very granular	CJ for analytics nerds
API	Practical	Robust	CJ for automation and BI
Approvals	Friendly, faster	Can be strict	ShareASale for first wins
Global coverage	Good US coverage	Strong global presence	CJ for international

How each network treats your content type

Not all content is created equal in affiliate land. Here’s a quick cheat sheet.

• Product reviews and tutorials

  • ShareASale: Great for niche merchants who appreciate content sites.
  • CJ: Great when you feature big retailers and want an all-in-one cart experience for readers.

• Gift guides and seasonal lists

  • ShareASale: Lots of quirky DTC brands that make unique gifts.
  • CJ: Easy access to household-name stores where readers fill big carts.

• Deal and promo content

  • ShareASale: Smaller promos with distinctive brands.
  • CJ: Bigger coupons, structured placements, and negotiated exclusives.

• Comparison tables and search-driven content

  • ShareASale: Works with selective catalogs.
  • CJ: Strong product feeds and accurate SKU-level tracking help at scale.

What merchants see (and why you should care)

It helps to know how advertisers use these platforms because it affects how they treat you.

• ShareASale merchants are often small to medium businesses. They want attention from affiliates and may enthusiastically accept you, provide assets, and even work on custom landing pages.
• CJ merchants are often brands with established affiliate teams. They have rules, spreadsheets, and schedules. They want performance and may offer bonuses if you deliver volume.

This means:

• On ShareASale, your thoughtful email can yield a personal response and special treatment.
• On CJ, you may get fewer personal notes but more structured opportunities (placements, product feeds, seasonal budgets).

What about cookie windows, EPC, and commission rates?

These vary by advertiser in both networks. Your job is to compare across similar merchants:

• Cookie window: Longer is not always better if the merchant converts quickly. For fast-moving e-commerce, 7–30 days is typical. For SaaS, you might see longer evaluation windows.
• EPC: Use it as directional guidance, not a god. EPC can be inflated by a few super-affiliates or suppressed by coupon-heavy traffic. Test with your audience.
• Commission rates: SMBs sometimes offer higher rates to attract attention on ShareASale. Big brands on CJ might offer lower base rates but more volume and better conversion.

When in doubt, run a 30-day head-to-head test. Your data beats assumptions.

A practical 30-day plan to test both

If you’re undecided, you can avoid the existential crisis by testing both networks for a month.

Week 1:

• Sign up for ShareASale and CJ.
• Get approved for 5 merchants in each that match your niche.
• Publish or update 4–6 articles with a mix of both networks’ links.

Week 2:

• Add 1–2 comparison tables and 2 gift guides or listicles.
• Use subIDs to label placements (sidebar, main content, footer).

Week 3:

• Check early results. Shift more traffic to the links with higher CTR and conversion.
• Message 2 affiliate managers per network to introduce yourself.

Week 4:

• Replace underperforming merchants.
• Ask for a small commission bump where you’ve shown conversions.
• Record earnings, EPC, and reversal rates for each network.

Decision:

• Stick with the network that converted better for your audience and add the other as a secondary channel for variety.

FAQs you might be whispering to your laptop

• Is one network “better paying” than the other?

  • Neither pays more by default. The advertiser sets the rate. Your results depend on the programs you choose and how you promote.

• Do both networks accept sites without massive traffic?

  • Yes. Quality matters more than raw traffic. Clear content, regular posting, and good UX help.

• Can you run both at the same time?

  • Absolutely. Many publishers do. Just maintain link hygiene and avoid duplicate programs that compete with each other.

• Will using both complicate my taxes or payments?

  • Not really. You’ll get separate payments and forms, but if you can handle two streaming services, you can handle this.

• Which one is better for social-first creators without a website?

  • Both prefer a web property, but some programs accept social channels. CJ’s bigger brands may be pickier. ShareASale’s niche merchants can be more flexible.

What this looks like in your content workflow

Picture a single buying guide for “Best Home Office Upgrades”:

• You use CJ for a big-box retailer where readers can buy the desk, chair, and monitor in one order.
• You use ShareASale for a beautifully designed desk mat from a DTC brand and a cable organizer from a niche store.
• Your list becomes both practical and interesting. Your readers see familiar brands and discover something new. You make commissions from both networks.

That blend is often where you’ll find your best earnings.

When to start on ShareASale and never look back

• Your niche is craft supplies, handmade goods, or boutique apparel.
• Your audience loves discovering new, smaller brands.
• Your traffic is concentrated in the US.
• You’re a one-person operation and want fewer complications.

ShareASale may keep meeting your needs without you ever feeling limited. If your earnings climb steadily and your merchants are responsive, loyalty is rewarded.

When to start on CJ and go all-in

• You already write about household-name retailers, electronics, or enterprise services.
• You want strong tracking, detailed reports, and weekly payouts once qualified.
• You plan to automate product feeds and build comparison tools.

CJ becomes your central hub, and your growth plan includes negotiating placements and seasonal campaigns.

How both networks handle growth spurts

Say you suddenly go viral because your “Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets You’ll Actually Use” article didn’t include a banana slicer shaped like a dolphin. You’ll want quick support, payout stability, and room to scale links.

• ShareASale: You’ll get friendly emails from managers, maybe even freebies to review. You may snag higher commissions on the fly.
• CJ: You’ll be offered placements, category takeovers, and a suggestion to join three related programs you somehow missed.

Both networks can handle your surge. The difference is in the flavor of help: personable vs. procedural.

A note on exclusives and private terms

This is the behind-the-scenes magic you earn with performance:

• On ShareASale, ask for private coupon codes or tiered commission boosts when you hit goals.
• On CJ, ask for placement budgets, rate increases, and special banners tied to your specific content.

In both cases, keep a running document of your monthly performance so you can negotiate with numbers. Managers love numbers. Numbers win arguments without raising their voices.

The cast-iron skillet test: durability over time

The best tools get better as you use them. Over the long term:

• ShareASale is dependable, straightforward, and keeps you close to interesting merchants you can champion for years.
• CJ is formidable, scalable, and keeps giving you knobs to turn as your operation becomes more sophisticated.

Both pass the durability test. Your choice is not about avoiding the wrong one—it’s about sequencing your strategy.

Final verdict: which is better for beginners or scaling pros?

• For beginners: You’ll usually have an easier time with ShareASale. Faster approvals, friendlier vibe, and plenty of merchants that appreciate content creators at any size. You’ll get your first wins without needing a manual the length of a novel.
• For scaling pros: You’ll gravitate toward CJ’s depth—enterprise brands, detailed analytics, strong product feeds, weekly payouts once commissions lock, and international reach. It’s the toolkit you turn to when your ambitions include automation and negotiated placements.

What you’ll probably do in reality:

• Start with ShareASale to get momentum.
• Add CJ when you need bigger brands and advanced tools.
• Keep both, because a diversified merchant mix is good for your wallet and your readers.

If you’re still staring at the screen like it might answer back, here’s your next move:

• Set up ShareASale today and apply to five programs that match your best content.
• Set up CJ tomorrow and apply to five brand-name programs your readers already buy from.
• Publish updates to two articles with a mix of links.
• Check your clicks and conversions in two weeks and promote what performs.

You’ll know quickly which network feels like home—and you won’t be left with mystery screws rattling around in a drawer labeled “someday.”