Google V Affiliate Networks

So Google plan to launch a CPA network and finally go from being one of the worlds biggest affiliates to potentially the biggest network.

So what works in Googles favor?

* Simple transition for existing advertisers using Google Adwords to extend to CPA network campaign. With the introduction of conversion tracking i am on the understanding a lot of advertisers already have the tracking in place.

* More transparency for a merchant over general user activity using their google analytics tools, this will allow merchants to know more about how traffic from a given site performs. This is great information for a merchant to share with affiliates, and will help affiliates refine their promotion strategies.

* Google can extend its video ad techonolgy into the CPA network, something a large number of advertisers now want to use (merge TV to Online). We are already chatting to them about CPA for Trailer Views so would open up new revenue opportunities for affiliates.

* Google won't need to charge a hefty setup charge or monthly fee and can afford to take a much lower override/kickback commission.

* Googles position in the market means they can strike deals with large portals, giving them a unique portfolio which existing networks may not be able to offer.

If they offered everything on an affiliates wish list, the real question is how many affiliates would move over? Only time will tell!

I personally think if Google did merge CPC, CPA & CPM, they would probably stand up more for affiliates who can generate traffic and broker the better deal and merge sites off CPA and onto Hybrid or higher CPC deals.

Also Google Now, then Yahoo! perhaps even MSN will extend to these types of deals. All of these 3 companies have 1 thing in common 'brand equity' and that stands for alot with merchants as they feel like they are working with trusted partners.