AWIN Affiliate Network
What is AWIN?
AWIN is one of the largest and most established affiliate networks globally, connecting publishers with thousands of advertisers, including many of the UK’s biggest and most trusted brands.
Unlike automatic networks, AWIN uses direct merchant relationships, meaning you choose which advertisers to join and earn commission through clearly defined tracking links.
How AWIN Works
AWIN operates on a direct partnership model between publishers and advertisers.
Typical workflow:
- You apply to join an advertiser’s programme
- The advertiser approves your application
- You receive a unique advertiser ID
- Links are tracked using your Publisher ID + Advertiser ID
- You earn commission on validated sales
This gives you greater control, higher commissions, and clearer reporting compared to automatic-only networks.
Why Use AWIN with AnyDealsUK?
When integrated with AnyDealsUK + AffiliateSync™, AWIN is treated as a priority affiliate network, ensuring higher-paying direct relationships are always used before fallback options like Skimlinks.
Key Benefits
- ✅ Higher commission rates than aggregator networks
- ✅ Strong UK advertiser coverage
- ✅ Trusted by major retailers and brands
- ✅ Transparent reporting and validation
- ✅ Ideal for deal, cashback, and comparison sites
AffiliateSync™ automatically:
- Matches merchant domains to AWIN advertisers
- Applies your correct Advertiser ID per user
- Ensures AWIN links override fallback networks
- Keeps links clean and consistent across feeds
AWIN Link Structure (via AffiliateSync™)
AWIN tracking links are generated using your Publisher ID and the merchant’s Advertiser ID.
Example structure:
https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=ADVERTISER_ID&awinaffid=PUBLISHER_ID&url=DESTINATION_URL
AffiliateSync™ handles this automatically, meaning:
- No manual link building
- Correct advertiser matching
- Clean CSV, RSS, and API outputs
- Reduced tracking errors
Commission & Payments
- AWIN pays publishers monthly
- Payments are made once the minimum threshold is reached
- Commissions are validated by advertisers before payout
- Rates vary by advertiser and category
AWIN provides:
- Detailed transaction reporting
- Approval / rejection visibility
- Clear commission breakdowns
- VAT handling for UK publishers
Best Use Cases for AWIN
AWIN is ideal if you:
- Operate a UK-focused deal or cashback site
- Want higher commissions than auto-networks
- Prefer direct merchant relationships
- Need accurate reporting and validation
- Work with established, household-name brands
It is particularly effective for:
- Retail & fashion deals
- Electronics & home goods
- Travel & subscriptions
- Voucher & cashback offers
AWIN vs Skimlinks (Important Difference)
| Feature | AWIN | Skimlinks |
|---|---|---|
| Merchant approval | Required | Not required |
| Commission rates | Higher | Variable |
| Setup complexity | Easy with AffiliateSync | Easy with AffiliateSync |
| Control & reporting | High | Medium |
| Best role | Primary network | Fallback network |
Best practice:
Use AWIN first, Skimlinks second.
AffiliateSync™ enforces this priority automatically.
Getting Started with AWIN
To use AWIN with AnyDealsUK:
- Create an AWIN Publisher account
- Apply to relevant advertiser programmes
- Obtain your Publisher ID
- Enter your AWIN details into AffiliateSync™
- Enable AWIN as a priority network
Once configured, AWIN links are applied automatically across all eligible deals.
Summary
AWIN is a premium affiliate network offering direct advertiser relationships, higher commissions, and detailed reporting. When combined with AnyDealsUK and AffiliateSync™, it forms the backbone of a professional, revenue-optimised deal platform.
For serious publishers, AWIN is not optional — it’s foundational.
