Learn everything there is to know about affiliate programs. Explore our experienced definition, examples, and FAQs.
Affiliate programs
Affiliate programs in affiliate marketing are performance-based marketing programs in which an affiliate, or publisher, earns a commission when a product or service is purchased by a customer referred to a merchant. Affiliate programs are generally run on an affiliate network. Each affiliate is given a unique tracking link, which is then used to track sales and commissions. When a customer clicks on a tracking link, the customer is taken to the merchant’s website, where they can purchase the product or service. If the customer purchases the product or service, the affiliate will then be credited with the commission.For example, a beauty brand could offer an affiliate program. An affiliate could then promote the brand’s products on their website, blog, or social media channels. When a customer clicks on the affiliate’s link and purchases the product, the affiliate would be credited with a commission. This commission is typically a percentage of the sale.