Choosing the right affiliate marketing platform can significantly impact a company's success, driving higher ROI and operational efficiency. CAKE is well known for its real-time tracking of insights and customizable dashboards, which allow businesses to focus on specific metrics and measure ad value accurately across multiple channels. However, it also comes with its limitations, such as high costs, especially for smaller businesses or startups, and occasional technical glitches. The lack of detailed training materials can also be a drawback for new users.
Given these limitations, exploring CAKE alternatives can be beneficial. This article delves into 10 of the best alternatives, examining their capabilities and how they cater to various business needs. Whether you're a small business seeking user-friendly tools or an enterprise looking for advanced analytics and comprehensive support, understanding these platforms can help enhance your affiliate marketing strategy and drive growth.
Our comparison focuses on several key aspects:
A detailed overview of all the features covered by these platforms both affiliate marketing related as well as other capabilities.
Overview of all the integrations the software offers.
Different industries which use the software.
Level of support the platform offers
Understanding the cost and reviews can help brands to make the right decision.
When looking for affiliate marketing software, there are typically two types of solutions that determine how your brand will incorporate and implement an affiliate program: inbound platforms and outbound platforms. Each type has distinct functionalities and advantages, influencing how brands connect with affiliates and scale their programs.
Understanding these differences can help brands choose the right affiliate marketing platform that aligns with their strategy and goals. Whether leveraging the organic growth of inbound platforms or the proactive engagement of outbound platforms, selecting the right tool is crucial for the success of an affiliate marketing program.
CAKE offers additional functionalities such as lead distribution, making it a versatile platform for comprehensive performance marketing.
CAKE is an inbound platform, focusing on attracting affiliates through its powerful tracking and reporting features. It excels in providing detailed analytics and reliable attribution, making it suitable for businesses seeking in-depth performance insights.
CAKE integrates with a wide range of platforms and tools, including Google Analytics, Salesforce, Facebook Ads, and Tune.
Founded in 2007, CAKE has established itself as a leading performance marketing software, trusted by numerous brands and agencies worldwide.
Adleadr, Lolaleads, LYFT, Lifelock, Alaska, Blitzads, Veterans United, Lending Tree
CAKE's features are versatile enough to cater to various industries.
Ideal for D2C eCommerce brands and advertising agencies that require detailed tracking and comprehensive performance analytics.
CAKE offers robust customer support, including chatbot support 24/7, email help desk, and phone assistance.
Influencer Hero offers a comprehensive suite of tools beyond affiliate marketing. These include influencer finder, influencer outreach, influencer CRM, content & UGC, influencer gifting, and detailed reporting and analytics.
Influencer Hero is an outbound platform emphasizing proactive influencer engagement and comprehensive campaign management.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Instagram, Klaviyo, Gmail, Outlook.
Founded in 2017, Influencer Hero has rapidly grown to become a key player in the influencer marketing space, offering innovative solutions for brands and marketers.
Bower Collective, Alkaline, Immersive Gamingbox, FreakOut, Olivida, Holzprofi24
Beauty, Fashion & Retail, e-commerce, Food & Beverage, Technology & Apps, Gaming, Luxury, Automative, Hospitality
D2C e-commerce brands and marketing agencies looking for a robust solution to manage influencer and affiliate marketing campaigns.
24/7 live chat support, fast replies, extensive knowledge base.
CAKE and Influencer Hero both offer robust affiliate marketing capabilities. CAKE excels in real-time tracking, customizable dashboards, and fraud protection but can be costly and sometimes experiences technical issues. Influencer Hero, with its influencer finder, outreach, CRM, personalized dashboards, and automatic payouts, offers a more comprehensive solution. Influencer Hero also provides 24/7 live chat support and a transparent $249/month pricing, boasting a higher user review rating (4.9) compared to CAKE's 4.3. While CAKE provides extensive analytics and tracking, Influencer Hero’s comprehensive suite can be more advantageous for brands looking to integrate influencer marketing deeply into their strategies.
UpPromote provides tools like ambassador recruitment and tax invoice automation, enhancing its usability beyond traditional affiliate marketing.
UpPromote is an outbound platform focusing on managing and expanding affiliate networks proactively.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Mailchimp, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel.
Founded in 2018, UpPromote has made significant strides in providing user-friendly affiliate management tools.
TreSkin, SaleDress, Wink, Imperial Toys, Kaged, Capterra.
Serves industries such as retail, consumer goods, and beauty.
Best suited for D2C eCommerce brands aiming for scalable affiliate management.
Email support, account tutorials, and video guides.
While CAKE excels in advanced analytics, real-time tracking, and customizable dashboards, UpPromote distinguishes itself with its flexibility and user-friendly approach, making it particularly beneficial for smaller businesses or startups. UpPromote offers free pricing plans and integrates seamlessly with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. However, it may lack some of CAKE’s detailed tracking capabilities and comprehensive fraud protection. Additionally, UpPromote's automated rewards system and customizable branding features provide an easy-to-use, scalable solution for D2C eCommerce brands, whereas CAKE's higher costs and occasional technical issues might be a drawback for some users. Both platforms offer valuable features, but the choice depends on the specific needs and scale of the business.
Refersion provides integrations with platforms like Klaviyo and Salesforce, enhancing its utility beyond standard affiliate management.
Refersion is an inbound platform, focusing on attracting affiliates through advanced tracking and reporting features.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Bigcommerce, Klaviyo, Zapier, Salesforce.
Founded in 2013, Refersion has built a reputation for reliable affiliate tracking and management.
Verb, Fuego, Simply Earth, Harney & Sons, In common Beauty
Serves health and wellness, CBD, and home industries.
Ideal for brands and individuals seeking detailed affiliate tracking and customizable campaigns.
Chatbot support and email support to assist users with their queries.
CAKE and Refersion both offer robust tracking and reporting features. CAKE excels with real-time tracking, customizable dashboards, and fraud protection, making it ideal for larger enterprises needing advanced analytics, though it can be expensive. Refersion, priced at $99/month, provides a user-friendly interface and essential features like first-party tracking and customizable referral campaigns, making it more accessible for smaller businesses and new users. Both offer a free trial and integrate with major platforms, but CAKE's broader integration options and advanced features suit larger needs, while Refersion is ideal for affordability and ease of use.
Awin offers a partnership database to help businesses grow through strategic alliances and collaboration.
Awin is an inbound platform, leveraging a large network and detailed analytics to attract and manage affiliates.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Bigcommerce, AppsFlyer, Adjust, Button, Branch, Squarespace, Wx, Wordpress
Founded in 2017, Awin is recognized for its extensive network and detailed reporting capabilities.
Nike, Boohoo, Acer, and MyProtein.
Retail, Travel, Finance, Telco & Comms.
Suitable for brands looking for extensive network access and detailed campaign analytics.
Email and phone support available to assist users with their needs.
CAKE and Awin both excel in providing detailed analytics and reporting capabilities. Awin’s strength lies in its extensive network and customizable referral campaigns, making it ideal for brands seeking broad affiliate connections and strategic alliances. However, CAKE’s real-time tracking and user-friendly interface might be more appealing to businesses looking for immediate insights and ease of use.
In terms of pricing, CAKE’s cost structure is not specified but it does offer a free trial, which can be advantageous for businesses wanting to test the platform before committing. On the other hand, Awin does not offer a free trial and has received lower user ratings, partly due to its approval process and browser extension issues. These factors make CAKE a potentially more accessible option for smaller businesses or startups.
Share a Sale offers agency-managed options, enabling organizations to leverage expert management for their affiliate programs.
Share a Sale is an inbound platform, focusing on attracting affiliates through robust tracking and customizable reporting.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Bigcommerce, Paypal, Mailchimp, Wix, Shoplazza.
Established in 2000, Share a Sale has built a strong reputation for its reliable affiliate marketing solutions.
Northwest, Nanit, Buffy, and Ergobaby.
Beauty, e-commerce, Food & Beverage, Technology.
Ideal for D2C eCommerce brands, merchants, and agencies looking for reliable affiliate marketing tools.
Email and phone support available to assist users with their needs.
Both CAKE and Share a Sale offer robust tracking and reporting features essential for effective affiliate marketing. Share a Sale stands out with its recruitment tools, influencer activation, and diverse integration options, making it ideal for brands looking to leverage a vast network of affiliates. CAKE, on the other hand, is praised for its real-time analytics and customizable dashboards, providing a more user-friendly experience.
However, Share a Sale's interface has been noted as less intuitive, and it has received lower user ratings compared to CAKE. While CAKE's pricing is unspecified but includes a free trial, Share a Sale also does not specify pricing and lacks a free trial option. Overall, CAKE's advanced features and ease of use may offer a more seamless experience, especially for smaller businesses or startups.
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ClickBank provides a robust system for both affiliates and sellers, ensuring a seamless experience for managing and promoting products.
ClickBank is an inbound platform, leveraging its large network and customizable tools to attract affiliates.
Shopify, GetResponse, AWeber mailing, Facebook, Mailchimp.
Founded in 1998, ClickBank is a veteran in the affiliate marketing space, known for its large network and reliable services.
Tea burn, Organifi, Ship Offers, Voluum, Disk.
Consumer Goods, Beauty, Fitness.
Best suited for D2C eCommerce brands and individuals focusing on digital products.
24/7 phone call support.
CAKE and ClickBank both provide robust affiliate marketing solutions but cater to different needs. CAKE excels with real-time tracking, customizable dashboards, and automated payouts, making it ideal for businesses needing detailed analytics and flexible management. Additionally, CAKE offers a free trial, allowing potential users to explore its features before committing. However, its unspecified pricing may be a consideration for some businesses. In contrast, ClickBank offers a large affiliate network and strong support for digital product promotions, making it a preferred choice for D2C eCommerce brands and individuals focusing on digital products.
ClickBank's pricing varies depending on the product, and while it does not offer a free trial, it has received positive reviews for its reliable payment system and extensive reach. Both platforms have their strengths, with CAKE providing flexibility and detailed analytics, while ClickBank excels in network size and digital product focus. However, ClickBank’s strict policies may be restrictive compared to CAKE’s more lenient approach and user-friendly interface.
Goaffpro is a versatile platform friendly to both sellers and affiliates, making it easier to manage various aspects of affiliate marketing.
Goaffpro is an inbound platform, focusing on advanced tracking and automated payments to attract and manage affiliates.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Bigcommerce, Pagefly, PayPal Payouts, Wix, Squarespace.
Established in 2020, Goaffpro is a relatively new player but has quickly gained traction with its user-friendly tools and efficient payment systems.
G Fuel, Lakme, Juicy Chemistry, S&D, Minimalist, Green Soul.
Health and Wellbeing, Beauty.
Ideal for D2C eCommerce brands and individuals looking for efficient affiliate management tools.
Email and social media support.
CAKE and Goaffpro both provide reliable tracking and management tools, but they cater to different business needs. Goaffpro stands out with its user-friendly interface, automated payments, and a free pricing model, making it ideal for smaller businesses or startups. It also offers a free trial.
In contrast, CAKE provides advanced tracking, customizable dashboards, and detailed analytics, which are more suited for larger enterprises. However, CAKE's higher cost and complexity can be a drawback for smaller companies. Both platforms offer a free trial, but Goaffpro's free pricing model makes it more accessible for budget-conscious users.
Impact provides migration assistance to help clients transition smoothly and also offers advanced fraud detection to ensure the integrity of affiliate activities.
Impact is an inbound platform, focusing on attracting affiliates through comprehensive tracking and robust management tools.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Bigcommerce, Salesforce, Hubspot, Google Ads, Facebook.
Founded in 2008, Impact is known for its powerful affiliate marketing solutions tailored for larger enterprises.
Uber, McAfee, Walmart, Ticketmaster, Microsoft, Lenovo.
Retail, Finance, Consumer Goods, Hospitality, Fashion, Electronics, Health & Beauty
Ideal for D2C brands looking for comprehensive and scalable affiliate marketing solutions.
Email and chatbot support.
CAKE and Impact both excel in providing comprehensive tracking and analytics. Impact stands out with its multi-layered tracking technology and cross-device solutions, making it ideal for larger enterprises seeking detailed insights across all channels and devices. Impact also offers advanced fraud protection and branded interfaces for exclusive partnerships, enhancing its appeal for high-scale operations.
However, CAKE's strengths lie in its user-friendly interface and responsive customer support, which may be more attractive to smaller businesses or those needing quicker assistance. While Impact requires custom pricing starting at $500/month, CAKE’s pricing details are less transparent but it offers a free trial. Both platforms provide robust solutions, but the choice depends on the specific needs and scale of your business.
Referral Candy integrates with a variety of eCommerce platforms and marketing tools, providing flexibility and ease of use for managing referral programs.
Referral Candy is an inbound platform, designed to attract new customers through existing customer referrals.
Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, Bigcommerce, Bold, Celery, Cratejoy, Paywhirl, Volusion.
Founded in 2019, Referral Candy focuses on helping eCommerce businesses grow through effective referral marketing strategies.
Colgate, Stanley, Tupperware, Steve Madden
Retail, Beauty, Travel, Wellness, Technology
Ideal for eCommerce brands looking to boost sales through referral marketing.
Chatbot to help users set up and manage their referral programs.
Both CAKE and Referral Candy offer robust tracking and management tools, but they cater to different needs. Referral Candy excels in referral marketing with automated campaigns, customizable rewards, and detailed performance tracking, making it ideal for eCommerce brands aiming to boost sales through customer referrals. It is also more affordable at $59/month and offers a higher user rating of 4.9 on Shopify Apps.
On the other hand, CAKE provides a broader feature set with advanced analytics, real-time tracking, customizable dashboards, and fraud protection, making it suitable for businesses seeking comprehensive affiliate marketing solutions. CAKE's pricing is not specified, but it does offer a free trial and has a solid review score of 4.3 on Software Advice. While CAKE is more versatile, it can be more expensive and complex, particularly for smaller businesses or startups.
Social Snowball offers bulk actions and automations to save users time and effort, and it automatically sends gifts to creators when they hit milestones.
Social Snowball is an outbound platform, focusing on proactive referral and affiliate marketing strategies.
Shopify, Zapier, Tydo, Prehook, Klaviyo, Adoric.
Founded in 2020, Social Snowball is a modern referral marketing platform designed to simplify and automate the referral process.
Obvi, Tabs, True Classic, Solawave, and Javy.
Food & Beverages, Beauty, and Wellness Industries.
Suitable for eCommerce brands and agencies looking to leverage referral marketing.
Chatbot and email support available to assist users with their needs.
CAKE and Social Snowball both offer robust referral and affiliate marketing tools, but they cater to different business needs. Social Snowball excels with its modern approach, featuring automated processes and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for businesses seeking simplicity and efficiency. Its real-time analytics and fraud detection tools ensure program integrity, and at $99/month, it offers excellent value for eCommerce brands and agencies.
On the other hand, CAKE provides comprehensive analytics and customizable dashboards, which are crucial for businesses requiring detailed performance insights. Despite its higher cost, CAKE's advanced tracking capabilities and broader feature set make it more suitable for larger enterprises or those needing in-depth data analysis.
Exploring alternatives to CAKE can help you find the perfect fit for your affiliate marketing needs. Platforms like Influencer Hero and Impact offer advanced analytics and real-time tracking, while UpPromote and Goaffpro provide user-friendly and cost-effective solutions for smaller businesses. Share a Sale and ClickBank offer extensive integration options and reliable payment systems, and Social Snowball stands out with its automated referral campaigns. Each alternative brings unique strengths, ensuring you can choose a platform that aligns with your business goals and enhances your marketing strategy.
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