Affiliate marketing is a form of online marketing in which advertisers pay partners (affiliates or publishers) based on achieved results rather than impressions or clicks. These results are typically sales, leads, or other measurable conversions generated through the affiliate’s promotion.
Affiliates promote products or services using banners, text links, reviews, or content on their websites, social media channels, or email campaigns. When a user completes a desired action after clicking an affiliate link, the affiliate earns a commission — often a percentage of the generated revenue.
How it works
- An advertiser provides promotional materials and tracking links.
- An affiliate promotes the advertiser’s offer.
- A conversion (such as a purchase or signup) occurs.
- The affiliate receives a commission based on performance.
Affiliate networks
Many affiliate programs operate through specialized affiliate networks, which connect advertisers and publishers while managing tracking, reporting, payments, and campaign administration.
Why advertisers use affiliate marketing
- Pay only for measurable results
- Expand reach through external partners
- Low upfront advertising risk
- Performance-driven growth model
Affiliate marketing is widely used in e-commerce and lead generation because it directly links marketing costs to business outcomes.