When choosing between hosting affiliate programs, commission structure and cookie windows are just the starting point. This guide compares Scala Hosting vs Cloudways Affiliate Program across reliability, approval speed, and audience fit—so you can pick the program that maximizes your earnings potential. ## Verdict: Which Program Should Publishers Choose? Winner: Scala Hosting for most publishers, with Cloudways as a strong secondary choice. Why Scala Hosting edges ahead: 1. Superior commission per sale: $200 vs $125 represents a 60% higher payout. For a publisher converting 10 customers per month, that's an extra $750 monthly—$9,000 annually. 2. In-house network reliability: Direct affiliate relationships with Scala typically mean faster payouts and fewer tracking disputes compared to third-party networks. 3. Better long-term conversion potential: While Cloudways' 90-day cookie window is generous, Scala's 30-day window coupled with higher commissions rewards consistent, quality traffic. Choose Cloudways if:
- You're building an audience in early-stage markets where conversion takes longer
- You prioritize cookie window length over per-sale payout
- You want the extra network layer that Awin provides (chargeback protection, dispute resolution) -----|---------------|---------------------------|
| Per-sale commission | $200 | $125 |
|---|
| Commission difference | — | -$75 per sale (-60%) |
| Typical scenario: 1,000 clicks/month at 1% conversion | $200/month | $125/month |
| Annual earnings (10 conversions/month) | $24,000 | $15,000 |
- Cloudways generates: $125/month ($1,500/year)
- Difference: $900/year Scale this to 5,000 monthly clicks, and Scala pulls in $4,500/year additional revenue. Important caveat: These projections assume similar conversion rates. If Cloudways' product-market fit resonates stronger with your audience, actual conversion rates may differ, potentially closing this gap. --- ## Cookie Window: The Hidden Earnings Factor Scala Hosting: 30 days Cloudways Affiliate Program: 90 days A cookie window determines how long after a visitor clicks your link they can convert and still credit you with the sale. What this means in practice: - 30-day window (Scala): A reader clicks your review on day 1, returns on day 25 to purchase. You get credited. They return again on day 35 to upgrade? No commission. - 90-day window (Cloudways): Same reader, day 35 return = you're credited. This window captures seasonal purchasing patterns, research cycles, and buyer hesitation. Who benefits from each? | Scenario | Winner | Why |
| Tech-savvy audience making quick decisions | Scala Hosting | 30 days captures impulse purchases; higher commission compensates for shorter window |
|---|
| Audience with long decision cycles (e.g., enterprise buyers, content marketers weighing options) | Cloudways | 90-day window captures research-to-purchase timelines |
| Product comparison content | Cloudways | Readers often visit 3-5 options before deciding; longer window protects your credit |
- Direct relationship means faster issue resolution
- No middleman = lower latency in reporting
- Fewer tracking complications (no extra network tags/pixels)
- Direct contact with dedicated affiliate manager (typically available for mid-tier+ publishers) Risks:
- Network is only as reliable as Scala's infrastructure
- Limited dispute resolution if tracking conflicts arise
- Payout delays may correlate with Scala's cash flow ### Cloudways Affiliate Program (Awin) Advantages:
- Awin's enterprise infrastructure handles 50,000+ advertisers; proven uptime
- Built-in dispute resolution and chargeback protection
- Standardized reporting; if your click data doesn't match Cloudways', Awin mediates
- Multi-network platform = easier management if you promote other programs on Awin Risks:
- Extra network layer means potential tracking delays
- Awin takes a cut, which may suppress payouts
- Cookie sync issues occasionally occur across networks Bottom line: Scala's in-house model is leaner and often faster; Cloudways offers safety through Awin's institutional support. For publishers handling 100+ monthly conversions, Awin's dispute resolution is invaluable. --- ## Approval Requirements: Path to Launch Both programs emphasize easy approval, but "easy" needs context. ### Scala Hosting Approval Process General requirements:
- Active website or platform with hosting-relevant traffic
- Transparency about traffic sources (no incentivized clicks, bot traffic, or cloaking)
- Minimum traffic threshold: typically 500–1,000 monthly visitors (not publicly confirmed for all tiers) Timeline: 1–5 business days Support level: Scala's affiliate team reviews applications personally Common rejection reasons:
- SEO spam or thin affiliate content
- Suspicious traffic patterns
- Missing disclosure statements ### Cloudways Affiliate Program (via Awin) Approval Process General requirements:
- Awin account in good standing
- Website or platform demonstrating audience reach
- Content quality check (Awin reviews for brand safety) Timeline: 2–7 business days (Awin's standard) Support level: Awin tier support; escalation available for established publishers Common rejection reasons:
- High spam scores or malware flags on your domain
- Low domain authority or brand new sites
- Affiliate-only sites without original content Approval is easier for: Publishers with 6+ months of site history, organic traffic, and clear audience engagement metrics. --- ## Features & Program Highlights ### Scala Hosting Standout Features - Generous commission: $200 per sale is among the highest in shared hosting affiliate programs
- Flexible promotion: Deep linking allowed; you can link directly to specific plans
- Dedicated affiliate dashboard: Real-time tracking, custom reports available
- Marketing materials: Pre-built banners, email templates, landing page assets provided
- Bonus incentives: Occasional seasonal bonuses for top-performing affiliates (typically $50–$500) ### Cloudways Affiliate Program Standout Features - Extended cookie window: 90 days captures longer buyer journeys
- Awin integration: Access to Awin's full ecosystem of tools, reporting, and affiliate community
- Tiered payouts: Performance bonuses available; top affiliates may negotiate higher rates
- Content library: Cloudways provides detailed product guides, case studies, and comparison assets
- Recurring revenue potential: If customers remain on Cloudways longer, your commissions compound (structure varies) --- ## Publisher Fit: Who Should Promote Which? ### Promote Scala Hosting When: 1. You target self-service hosting buyers — Small business owners, freelancers, and solopreneurs researching DIY hosting solutions convert quickly. Scala's $200 commission and 30-day window optimize for decisive audiences. 2. You run hosting comparison or review content — Your audience expects strong opinions. Scala's affiliate-friendly policies support direct linking to their plans, enabling clear calls-to-action. 3. You focus on short-term monetization — If you need revenue growth within 3–6 months, Scala's higher commission per sale accelerates earnings faster than Cloudways. ### Promote Cloudways Affiliate Program When: 1. Your audience includes agencies or enterprises — These buyers research for weeks or months. Cloudways' 90-day cookie window and Awin infrastructure handle complex, multi-stakeholder buying processes. 2. You produce in-depth guides and education — Blog readers consuming 5,000+ word guides often return later to convert. Cloudways' extended window rewards this deeper engagement. 3. You want diversified affiliate income — Awin's network supports dozens of tech programs. Promoting Cloudways alongside other Awin partners (cloud tools, design software) streamlines reporting. --- ## FAQ: Common Publisher Questions ### Q: Can I promote both Scala Hosting and Cloudways simultaneously? A: Yes, and it's a smart strategy. You can direct different audience segments to each program—budget-conscious users to Scala, agencies evaluating managed solutions to Cloudways. Just ensure transparent disclosure that links are affiliate links. Avoid redirects or deceptive routing between the two, which violates both programs' terms. ### Q: Which program has better payout reliability? A: Scala Hosting's in-house network typically processes faster (7–14 days standard), while Awin (Cloudways' network) operates on 15–30 day cycles due to institutional reconciliation. For payout consistency, Scala edges ahead, but Awin's scale makes refund/chargeback disputes far rarer. Choose Scala if you prioritize speed; choose Cloudways if you prioritize stability. ### Q: What's a realistic conversion rate for these programs? A: Hosting affiliate programs typically see 0.5–2% conversion rates depending on traffic quality, audience intent, and your review credibility. Scala Hosting audiences (DIY buyers) may hit 1.5–2%, while Cloudways (managed/agency buyers) may sit at 0.5–1% due to longer decision cycles. Your results will vary based on content depth and audience trust. --- ## Summary Choosing between Scala Hosting vs Cloudways Affiliate Program hinges on your audience and monetization timeline. Scala Hosting wins on pure earning potential ($200 vs $125), making it ideal for fast-converting audiences. Cloudways excels when your readers need extra time to decide, or when you want Awin's institutional backing and network reach. The best strategy? Test both. Start with Scala Hosting for immediate revenue, then add Cloudways to capture the segment that converts within 31–90 days. Track your conversion rates separately, and let data guide your promotional focus.