UpPromote: A Flexible ShareASale Alternative to Run Your Affiliate Program

If you’re thinking about affiliate marketing, the first big decision is how to run your program.

Do you build it yourself, or go with a network like ShareASale?

At first, the network route seems easier. Everything’s already set up. There’s a pool of affiliates ready to join. All you have to do is sign up and follow the process.

But in practice, it’s not quite that simple.

Networks like ShareASale decide the structure for you, from how affiliates apply, to how they’re paid. There’s usually a setup fee, a review process, and limited space for customization.

Affiliate software takes a different approach. You get to decide how your program works. You set the rules, choose who joins, and manage your affiliate relationships directly.

Now, ShareASale has a long history in the space. It’s a known name and widely used. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every brand, especially if you’re looking for something more hands-on and flexible.

If you’re exploring ShareASale alternatives, this article will show how UpPromote compares and why it could be a better fit for brands that want to run their affiliate programs on their own terms.

UpPromote vs. ShareASale: Overview

UpPromote and ShareASale represent two different models of affiliate marketing: affiliate software vs affiliate network. Here’s a closer look at what they do before we dive into the details.

What is UpPromote?

UpPromote is the top-recommended affiliate and referral marketing software designed for eCommerce brands. With this app, you can create affiliate programs, invite affiliate partners, and take full control over how your program performs. You run and manage it your way, from setting commission structures and supporting affiliates to optimizing results.

Over 150,000 Shopify merchants have chosen UpPromote to run their affiliate programs. With more than 2,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on the Shopify App Store, it’s widely praised for being easy to use, quick to set up, and well-supported.

With a focus on flexibility and usability, UpPromote is an ideal solution for brands looking to grow through affiliate marketing, influencer partnerships, and word-of-mouth referrals. Each program can be tailored to match the brand’s identity and goals.

What is ShareASale?

ShareASale is a long-running affiliate network that connects merchants with a large pool of publishers, including bloggers, influencers, coupon sites, and content creators. Instead of running your program independently, you list it on ShareASale’s platform and allow affiliates to discover and apply.

The network is part of the Awin group, one of the world’s largest affiliate marketing companies. ShareASale itself supports over 25,000 merchants and has a base of more than 270,000 affiliates. It’s especially popular among businesses in retail, lifestyle, and digital services.

ShareASale provides tools for tracking, reporting, payouts, and fraud prevention, but merchants operate within the structure of the network. The network offers reach and convenience, but less flexibility in terms of customization and program ownership.

UpPromote vs. ShareASale: Detailed Comparison

Understanding both platforms is just the start. Let’s take a closer look at how they stack up in the areas that matter when choosing an affiliate marketing solution:

Pricing Structure and Entry Costs

Let’s be honest. Cost is always a big factor when choosing the right affiliate solution. But it’s not just about how much you pay. It’s also about knowing exactly what you’re paying for.

With UpPromote, pricing is simple and clear from the beginning. You can start for free and upgrade later if you need more features. There are no setup fees. What you see is what you get. You install the app, choose a plan that fits your business, and launch your program right away. It’s flexible, affordable, and grows with you as your sales increase.

ShareASale works differently. There’s no free plan, and you need to pay upfront before getting started. This includes a one-time joining fee, a monthly fee, and a 20% cut on every commission you pay to affiliates.

You also need to pre-fund your account so ShareASale can handle affiliate payouts on your behalf. For small businesses or those testing affiliate marketing for the first time, this can feel like a big commitment.

Many users have shared their thoughts on ShareASale’s pricing across review platforms. One G2 reviewer mentioned:

Another merchant left this review on Shopify App Store:

💪 Why UpPromote wins here:

If you’re comfortable paying upfront to join a large affiliate network, ShareASale might still be worth considering.

But for most Shopify merchants, UpPromote is a more practical choice when it comes to pricing. You can launch your program without spending anything, and only upgrade when you’re ready to scale. That way, you stay in control of your budget and avoid unnecessary costs. You’re only paying for what actually helps your business grow.

Program Setup and Management

Running an affiliate program shouldn’t feel like jumping through hoops. Merchants want a system that’s easy to set up, flexible to manage, and gives them room to grow.

With UpPromote, the setup is quick and intuitive. Everything is done in-app, so you’re in full control from the start:

• Start your program right after installing. No approval required
• Choose the campaign type that fits your goals: affiliate programs, influencer campaigns, or referral programs
• Create multiple campaigns with flexible commission structures
• Assign tracking links or discount codes, and manage affiliates from one central dashboard
• Decide how and when affiliates get paid, using your preferred method (auto payout via PayPal, Wise, store credit, etc.)
• Track performance in real time with built-in reporting tools

In contrast, ShareASale offers a more guided setup experience. A dedicated manager assists during onboarding, and ShareASale handles all affiliate payments on your behalf. While this structure can be helpful for some, it also comes with limitations:

• Program structure is mostly fixed, leaving little room for customization
• Commission rules and payout schedules are controlled by the platform
• Reporting is limited to what ShareASale makes available within its platform. As one user noted on G2:

💡 Which setup works best?

It really comes down to how much control you want and how involved you’d like to be in running your affiliate program:

• ShareASale offers a more guided onboarding process with help from an account manager, which can be helpful if you prefer a ready-made structure and don’t mind following preset rules.
• UpPromote gives you more freedom to build and manage your program from day one, making it a better fit if you value flexibility, speed, and full control over how your affiliate campaigns run.

Affiliate Discovery and Recruitment

Finding high-quality affiliates is one of the key drivers of affiliate program success. As an established affiliate network, ShareASale gives merchants access to a large base of potential partners across various niches. For brands looking to jumpstart their program quickly, this built-in network can be a clear advantage.

You don’t need to build your affiliate list from scratch. Affiliates can discover your program through ShareASale’s directory, and many already have experience promoting products in your industry.

However, this convenience comes with trade-offs:

• Affiliates in the ShareASale network often promote multiple brands at once, so you’re competing for their attention.
• You have limited control over who joins your program, as affiliate vetting is largely handled by the network.
• It’s more difficult to create strong, long-term relationships with affiliates who align closely with your brand values.
• Quality and fraud control can be inconsistent, which some merchants have flagged as a serious concern.

One user on Trustpilot shared:

Another merchant review on G2 reads:

In contrast, UpPromote takes a more brand-driven approach. Affiliate software usually leaves affiliate recruitment up to you, but UpPromote gives you support to close that gap.

UpPromote comes with a built-in affiliate marketplace with over 40,000 affiliates where you can list your program and get discovered.

You also get a full set of recruitment tools to attract the right partners and grow your network in a way that fits your brand:

• Create a branded affiliate registration form with custom fields
• Turn happy customers into affiliates through refer-a-friend campaigns
• Set up multi-level marketing to expand reach through existing affiliates

💡 Which recruitment approach fits best?

• ShareASale offers fast access to a wide pool of affiliates, which can be helpful if you’re looking for scale and already have a budget in place. But keep in mind that oversight is limited, and affiliate quality can vary widely.
• UpPromote puts you in control of recruitment. In addition to listing your program on the UpPromote marketplace, you can actively combine various strategies with built-in recruitment tools to attract high-quality partners who align with your brand. It’s a hands-on approach, but one that helps you build a trusted, loyal network over time.

Customization and Branding Flexibility

Your affiliate program is more than just a set of links. It’s a reflection of your brand. Every interaction an affiliate has, from the moment they sign up to how they get rewarded, shapes how they feel about promoting your products.

That’s why customization matters. It’s not just about how things look, but how your program works, what rules you set, and how aligned everything is with your brand.

With UpPromote, you control how your program feels from end to end:

• Set your brand logo, domain, and colors on the affiliate portal
• Build a branded registration form with your own messaging and custom fields
• Create commission structures that fit your business goals (by product, campaign, or affiliate type)
• Define your own terms, policies, and program rules
• Communicate directly with affiliates via emails or in-app chat to keep them informed and motivated
• Segment and analyze data the way you want because you own it
• Request custom features if you need something tailored to your workflow

This flexibility gives you a program that truly feels like your own, not something squeezed into a network template.

With ShareASale, customization is more limited:

• Your program runs inside ShareASale’s system, so layout and design follow a standard template
• The affiliate portal and registration form can’t be fully customized
• Program rules, signup flow, and terms are controlled by the network
• Affiliate communication are restricted as ShareASale owns the affiliate relationship

For many brands, this makes the program feel disconnected and harder to align with your identity.

💪 Why UpPromote is better for brands that care about identity and control:

If your brand identity matters and you want your affiliate program to reflect it at every touchpoint, UpPromote puts you in charge. You’re not stuck inside someone else’s structure. Instead, you get to create an experience that looks, feels, and performs like a true extension of your brand.

For example, when it comes to affiliate signup pages on ShareASale, the process follows a fixed ShareASale-branded form with very limited options for design or messaging customization. It typically looks like this:

On the other hand, UpPromote lets you customize your affiliate registration form. The app offers 3 ready-made templates to help you build a form that matches your style;

• Basic Template: Clean and minimal for a fast, frictionless sign-up

• Trendy Template: Bold and modern with strong visual appeal

• Comfort Template: Soft, elegant layout that feels friendly and welcoming

Shopify Integration

If you’re running a store on Shopify, you want tools that plug in easily and feel like a natural part of your workflow. The smoother the integration, the easier it is to get started, manage affiliates, and focus on growing your business.

UpPromote is built specifically for Shopify merchants. Integration is seamless and takes just a few clicks to install from the Shopify App Store. All key features, from program setup to affiliate tracking and payouts, work inside your Shopify dashboard without the need for complicated workarounds.

You can:

• Launch your program right after installation
• Sync products and orders instantly
• Track performance and referrals in real time
• Customize the affiliate experience to match your brand
• Handle everything without leaving the Shopify admin panel

That simplicity shows in merchant feedback on the Shopify App Store. For example:

ShareASale, on the other hand, is not a native Shopify app. It’s a third-party network that merchants connect to manually, and that often leads to extra steps and more complexity during setup.

Some users have voiced concerns about the process. A merchant left this feedback on the Shopify App Store:

Another user shared this review on G2:

💪 Why UpPromote wins here

If Shopify is where your store lives, UpPromote is the clear winner. You can set up and manage everything inside Shopify without jumping through technical hoops or waiting around for support. It simply works: fast, reliable and built to fit your workflow.

Scalability and Growth Support

As your business grows, your affiliate program needs to scale with you. The right platform should support more affiliates, more campaigns, and more complexity, without slowing you down or making things harder to manage.

UpPromote is designed for growth. Whether you’re just starting or managing multiple high-volume campaigns, the platform gives you the flexibility to expand easily and efficiently.

You can:

• Run multiple campaigns for different products, markets, or strategies
• Set unique commission rules by campaign, product, or affiliate type
• Group affiliates and assign custom bonuses or tiers
• Automate onboarding, payouts, and communication at scale
• Track performance in real time to spot what’s working
• Seamlessly move between plans as your needs evolve
• Manage multiple Shopify stores from a single UpPromote account

ShareASale, while capable of handling larger affiliate programs, is less flexible when it comes to hands-on scaling. Since you operate within ShareASale’s network structure, adapting your program for growth can be more difficult.

Some common limitations include:

• No built-in multi-store management for Shopify brands
• Fewer automation tools, so you may spend more time on repetitive tasks
• Changing program settings or scaling your campaign often requires help from the ShareASale team

💪 Why UpPromote wins here

If you’re planning to grow your affiliate program over time, UpPromote gives you the tools to make it happen smoothly. From flexible campaign management to multi-store support and built-in automation, everything is designed to scale with your business. You won’t need to rely on manual processes or wait for platform support just to make adjustments.

With UpPromote, you’re in control of how fast and how far you grow.

Why UpPromote Is a Strong ShareASale Alternative

If you’ve been considering ShareASale for your affiliate marketing efforts, it’s likely because of its established reputation and large network. But just because a platform is well-known doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for your brand, especially if you’re looking for more control, faster setup, or a smoother Shopify experience.

UpPromote gives you an alternative that’s built around flexibility, usability, and ownership. For merchants who want to grow with a program tailored to their brand and not stuck inside a third-party network, UpPromote offers a smarter path forward.

Here’s why it stands out as a strong ShareASale alternative:

More Cost-Effective Pricing

UpPromote follows a transparent, usage-based pricing model. You can start for free and upgrade only when you need more features or scale. There are no setup fees and no required deposits. You only pay based on actual affiliate performance, and it’s easy to see exactly where your money goes.

ShareASale, by contrast,  requires a large upfront investment before your program even goes live. You’ll need to pay a non-refundable setup fee and make an initial deposit. On top of that, there’s a 20% transaction fee on commissions, plus monthly platform costs.

Quick Setup, No Approval Needed

With UpPromote, you can launch your affiliate program right after installing the app. There’s no waiting period, no approval process, and no gatekeeping. You’re in full control from day one.

On ShareASale, setup involves multiple steps, including an application, approval, and account configuration with a ShareASale representative. That adds time before your program can go live.

Full Ownership Over Your Program and Data

UpPromote gives you complete control over how your affiliate program works and grows. You own the data, set the rules, and manage direct relationships with affiliates. You can:

• Customize your affiliate portal and registration forms
• Define commission structures and bonuses
• Communicate with affiliates directly
• Access and analyze performance metrics on your terms

With ShareASale, most of the program infrastructure runs inside their network. That means:

• Limited customization over how your brand is presented
• Data ownership sits with the network, not you
• Affiliate communication is managed through ShareASale, not directly by your team

If full brand control matters to you, UpPromote gives you the freedom to build a program that feels like your own.

A More Flexible and Scalable Affiliate Solution

UpPromote is built for flexibility. Whether you’re running one campaign or many, managing micro-influencers or VIP affiliates, it adapts to your strategy. With UpPromote, it’s easy to:

• Run multiple campaigns with different commission rules
• Build affiliate tiers or offer custom bonuses
• Turn happy customers into brand ambassadors
• Manage multiple Shopify stores under one account
• Automate the boring stuff like onboarding, payouts, and follow-ups

ShareASale may support larger programs, but growth often requires back-and-forth with support or account managers. There’s less room to customize the experience or expand quickly based on your goals.

Responsive, Reliable Customer Support

UpPromote is known for its fast, helpful, and responsive support team. Need help? You can reach them via live chat or email and most of the time, you’ll get a response within minutes. Merchants consistently praise the support experience on the Shopify App Store.

Here are some real examples from over 2,500 reviews on the Shopify App Store:

On Capterra, users also highlight the support experience:

ShareASale, on the other hand, offers ticket-based support. Some users report slow response times and difficulty getting help when dealing with technical issues or affiliate fraud.

Here’s what a few ShareASale users said on G2: 

Even on the Shopify App Store, some merchants shared similar feedback:

Wrapping Up

ShareASale has been around for a long time and remains a familiar name in the affiliate space. For some merchants, especially those looking to tap into an existing network of affiliates, it might seem like a convenient starting point.

But convenience often comes with trade-offs. Using a network like ShareASale means working within preset structures, dealing with upfront fees, and having limited flexibility to shape your program around your brand’s needs. Customizing the experience, managing payouts, or adapting as you grow can feel restrictive.

UpPromote takes a different route. As an affiliate software, it gives you full access to tools that let you build, run, and scale your program your way. You can define your own rules, maintain direct relationships with affiliates, and adjust as your goals evolve.

If you are exploring a ShareASale alternative that offers more control, greater flexibility, and a smoother fit for your business, UpPromote stands out as a strong choice