AffiliateBenchmarks, the affiliate research division of NETexponent, has revealed the results from its 2010 survey of the affiliate marketing industry.

The report was compiled using data from 10,000 affiliates. Networks and associations whose affiliates participated in the study include Commission Junction, Google Affiliate Nework, Performance Marketing Association, MediaTrust, LinkShare, pepperjam, ShareASale and others.

Some interesting insights can be gained from the survey:

- 40% of affiliates consider reputation to be one of the top three important factors when deciding to join a program.
- “Free Shipping” remains the most effective consumer offer driving sales.
- 75% of affiliates optimize their websites for better organic search marketing rankings.

“The AffiliateBenchmarks report should be the bible for anyone who works in performance marketing”, says Rebecca Madigan, Executive Director of the Performance Marketing Association. “It has fantastic insight into what makes affiliates tick, how they market, where they focus and how they’re motivated. It sits on my desk and I refer to it constantly.”

The report sells for around $300 - a little pricey on the whole but potentially very important information for affiliate and advertising networks.