Rakuten Advertising is one of the world’s top affiliate marketing networks, connecting advertisers and publishers to drive results through performance-based partnerships. In this review, we’ll explore its key features, advantages, potential drawbacks, and what makes it stand out in the competitive affiliate marketing landscape.
What is Rakuten Advertising?
Rakuten Advertising is a division of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global Japanese conglomerate that also owns brands like Viber, Rakuten TV, and Kobo. The platform focuses on affiliate marketing, programmatic advertising, and performance analytics, helping businesses optimize their digital campaigns and increase ROI.
Rakuten Advertising has been consistently ranked among the top affiliate networks by mThink Blue Book and other industry benchmarks.
Key Features of Rakuten Advertising
For Advertisers:
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Affiliate Discovery – Easily find and partner with top-performing affiliates in your niche.
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Real-Time Tracking & Reporting – Monitor campaign performance with detailed analytics.
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Seamless eCommerce Integrations – Compatible with platforms like Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce.
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Brand Protection – Maintain a premium brand image through carefully selected affiliates.
For Publishers:
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Diverse Offers – Access to thousands of offers across categories like fashion, electronics, travel, and more.
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Monetization Tools – Deep link generators, banners, widgets, and coupon feeds.
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Reliable Payments – Regular monthly payouts with multiple payment options.
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Performance Insights – Transparent dashboard with earnings, clicks, conversions, and trends.
Pros of Rakuten Advertising
Trusted Network – Over 20 years of experience and global reputation in performance marketing.
Premium Brand Partnerships – Collaborate with companies like Walmart, Lenovo, New Balance, Samsung, and Microsoft.
Flexible Commission Models – Choose between CPA, CPL, CPC, or hybrid payment models.
Data-Driven Optimization – Access actionable insights to boost your affiliate performance.
Cons of Rakuten Advertising
Lengthy Approval Process – New users may experience delays during account and campaign approval.
Competitive Entry for Top Brands – Many top advertisers require high-quality traffic or established audiences before approving affiliates.
Limited Localization – The platform interface is only available in English, with no support for Ukrainian or other regional languages at this time.
Who Is Rakuten Advertising Best For?
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eCommerce Businesses – Looking to scale sales via performance-based partnerships.
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Content Creators & Influencers – Bloggers, YouTubers, and influencers can earn from product recommendations.
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SEO & Affiliate Marketers – Ideal for those building niche content sites or product review blogs.
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App Developers – Can promote and monetize mobile apps through targeted campaigns.
How to Get Started with Rakuten Advertising
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Sign Up – Choose whether you’re an advertiser or a publisher and fill in the registration form.
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Complete Your Profile – Add your website, social channels, or traffic sources.
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Wait for Approval – The review process typically takes between 1 to 7 business days.
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Join Campaigns – Apply to affiliate programs, generate tracking links, and start promoting.
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Track Earnings & Get Paid – Access real-time reporting and receive payouts once you meet the minimum threshold.
Final Verdict
Rakuten Advertising is a reliable and reputable affiliate marketing platform that caters to businesses and publishers of all sizes. With access to world-renowned brands, powerful analytics, and consistent payouts, it’s an excellent choice for anyone serious about performance marketing. While the onboarding process may be slightly demanding, the long-term benefits and earning potential make it well worth the effort.