2nd Part Of What Is CPA And How It Work.

What Is A `CPA Network’?

A CPA network is a company that allows advertisers and web publishers (internet marketers) to find each other and connect. 

In other words, it’s the “dating agency” that pairs you up with your best ad match. 

And as with dating agencies, there are leftover prejudices about CPA networks being risky. The truth is, CPA networks have matured just as many of the bigger and more selective dating agencies (such as eHarmony) have done. Just as you see “real people” committed to values and caring relationships on eHarmony – compared to the sort of dating agency that uses scantily-clad girls speaking lines laced with sleazy innuendo. Most CPA networks are solid and reliable – it’s certain unscrupulous publishers (affiliates) who most often generate the “shady” label. 

In fact, one of the most important functions a CPA network can perform lies in making sure both web publisher (you) and the advertiser are reputable, solid prospects.

Choose recognized and reputable CPA networks, and use intelligent marketing tactics, and your sites should never have a problem with credibility.

     How Does It Work?

So far, it sounds remarkably like affiliate marketing, doesn’t it?  But there are some vital differences it helps to learn straight away.

Both rely on internet marketers to promote their products. The biggest different between the two lies in CPA emphasis on its affiliates generating leads, rather than sales. It’s usually less labor-intensive – you don’t have to do the sort of ongoing promotion affiliate marketing needs.

And in case you’re wondering what I mean by “generating leads”, that means having site visitors  act by filling out a form with some sort of personal contact information.

After that, your part is done – except for collecting your payment!  It really is that easy.

Start simply at first, with email and zip code cost per action ads. As your skills grow, add in cost per acquisition to promote high-ticket items.

 Sorting Out The Confusion

It might help, at this point, to look at a quick comparison of  3 similar forms of `affiliate’ marketing:

Affiliate Marketing	CPA Marketing	MLM Marketing
Affiliate marketing can be originated from a network – such as Clickbank  – or from an individual marketer.	CPA marketing can originate from a CPA network  - such as AZN Network, CPA Empire, PrimaryAds or Incentaclick – or from a large, recognized company or organization who can afford to run its own ad campaigns	Multi-Level Marketing depends on its members recruiting new members in what is basically an illegal “pyramid” marketing structure.  Ethical internet marketers avoid this model.
Commission payouts are usually once or twice a month, and are based on results (sales)	Commission payouts are less restrictive and are based on actions the end user takes (especially lead generation)
Occasionally offer promotions or product bonuses	Often offers its publishers high-end  contests and promotions
In 95% of all cases, any one will be accepted as an affiliate	CPA networks screening prospective web publishers, often with a phone call as part of the process
You provide the landing page and all promotion.	CPA network or advertiser provides the landing page. You provide the space to display their link or banner ad.

How Does It Work?

CPA networks can be choosy about who they accept.  They want a representative who is going to take aggressive action – and they prefer reps who have substantial lists. This doesn’t sound too promising for a new marketer, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

On the other hand, CPA networks tend to reward affiliates who generate strong results. This can be in the form of prizes, bonuses, cash – and being offered exclusive, highly-converting offers. This doesn’t generally happen with affiliate marketing.

CPA is often considered slightly fly-by-night by internet marketers – but we can blame that squarely on the shoulders of the “black hat” sites. Another little-known fact: There are large, well known brands in the CPA market, and you can find yourself promoting a product with as huge a reputation as Nike. 

CPA’s shady reputation was directly caused by marketers using truly dishonest and illegal “black hat” techniques. For example, have you ever seen those ads that say: “Make money from home! 1000’s of jobs – with no training and no fee to pay! Visit our link to learn more.”

The reader clicks on this link and is taken to a site promising them the sun, moon and stars – but they have to input their name and contact information to get it.

Then, when they’ve done this, they’ll see some page saying “Sorry, all our positions are filled for now but we’ll keep your info on file” – or some such excuse. Most times, there never was any job (or even any information) in the first place. That’s definitely a “black hat” tactic – especially if you’re the guy who set up these bogus landing pages without having even the hint of a job to offer in the first place.

Yes, it’s unkind, unethical – and illegal. And that’s precisely the sort of dishonest marketer the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is trying to protect people from with their new overhauled rules and guidelines.