Affiliate marketing is a performance-based model where a partner, called an affiliate, promotes a company’s products or services and earns a commission for each sale or lead generated. It is a popular strategy because it allows businesses to expand their reach without paying upfront for advertising. Affiliates may promote through blogs, social media, email, or dedicated review websites.
For the advertiser, affiliate marketing brings exposure and new customers at a controlled cost, since payment happens only when results are achieved. For the affiliate, it provides a way to monetize content and audiences without having to create their own products. Networks and tracking software connect both sides, making sure that conversions are correctly attributed.
Success in affiliate marketing depends on trust. Affiliates should recommend products that fit their audience, while advertisers should provide competitive commissions and reliable tracking. Transparency in terms and conditions avoids conflicts. When done well, affiliate marketing creates a win-win: businesses grow sales, affiliates earn income, and consumers discover products that meet their needs.
« Back to Glossary Index