With so many affiliate networks out there these days, anyone who wants to earn online will be able to join. But which is best? In this article, we'll look at three of the biggest ones. First, let's define a network.

Essentially, an affiliate network is what allows you to do all your affiliate marketing with just one place. Many vendors join one network and by signing up with that one site, you have access to many different vendors. They can sell just about anything, so it doesn't matter what your niche is, you'll probably find dozens, if not hundreds of products to promote through the network.

We'll start with Linkshare. This is a pretty popular network that many people swear by. The network offers monthly reports, statistics and will also send out notices of new programs available. You can use the tracking to decide if you want to continue with a given campaign.

Linkshare is great in that it's free to join. The biggest issue with this site is that merchants may lower the amount they pay if you sign up through the network. Since they have to pay a fee, some take it off the commission. Check this out before signing up with a program.

Commission Junction is also known as CJ and is the largest affiliate network available for actual physical products. It's free to join and offers thousands of options in merchants. Affiliate marketers provide a massive selection for nearly every single niche.

The commissions here are fairly good and you get advanced tracking information for your campaigns. This includes being able to have multiple tracking codes to see which website is doing best and other important stats that aren't usually offered. The only thing that stops people from leaping into this network is the fact that you have to send them your W-9 form or proof of non-citizenship.

Finally, we have Shareasale, which is possibly the second largest network of physical items, beside CJ. This is usually a little easier to get into, as well, so many people opt for this system. They offer a variety of options including pay per sale, per lead or per click. If you want to get lower, but more frequent payments, then the pay per click is a good way to go. They are also free to join and provide tracking stats.

Deciding on a network to join can be difficult, but there's no law that states you have to go with just one. Why not choose all three affiliate networks and use the best from each?

Learn more about Latest in Affiliate Traffic. Stop by Daniel Rosenstein's site where you can find out all about how to make money on Clickbank and what it can do for you.