Last week Google launched it’s own cost per action (CPA) revenue generating module in BETA format.  Google CPA has been in the works since mid 2006.  As history denotes though anything that Google pushes into BETA format usually soon comes into full fruition.

Right now Google is only making CPA or pay-per-action (PPA) ads available to U.S. publishers in its AdSense content network.  Publishers can run specific ads or let Google serve ones that perform best relative to predetermined topics, and they can review ads in advance to make sure the ones selected are suitable.

One of the most important features is that advertisers do not need to be signed up to the content network to operate CPA ads.  Limitations?  Well affiliates and publishers can not use PPC to promote pages where Google CPA ads are displayed.  Hmmm…we shall see how the Google "hawkeyes" monitor this one!

So how will this affect our beloved affiliate networks?

Obviously there will be a ripple affect when Google CPA picks up steam.  However, I highly doubt that ripple will drown major affiliate networks like Commission Junction, Linkshare and ShareaSale.  They simply offer too much and have a strong affiliate following.  Woe to the little affiliate network though if they’re not providing exclusive offers.

But….

All in all though you really have to remember that Google CPA is just measurable ads.  It’s not a traditional affiliate program where you can use banners, coupons, vouchers, cashback incentives, email templates or any other resource that allows affiliates to integrate a merchant into their site.

I’m game though.  Let the ad serving begin!

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[tags]Google CPA, cost per action, pay per action, affiliate networks, affiliate, Commission Junction, Linkshare, ShareaSale[/tags]