Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based strategy in which individuals or businesses earn a commission by promoting another company’s products or services. Affiliates use unique tracking links to refer visitors to a brand’s website. When someone makes a purchase or completes a specific action, such as filling out a form or signing up for a trial, the affiliate receives a payment based on the agreed terms. This model allows companies to extend their reach and generate sales while only paying for measurable results.

Affiliates can include bloggers, influencers, comparison websites, publishers and niche content creators. They promote products through various channels, such as blogs, email newsletters, YouTube videos and social media posts. Many brands manage affiliate programs through networks like ShareASale, Impact, PartnerStack or CJ Affiliate, which provide tracking, reporting and payment tools. In B2B and SaaS contexts, affiliate programs are often called partner or referral programs and may include tiered commission structures or recurring revenue sharing.

Affiliate marketing offers benefits for both parties. For companies, it provides a scalable way to reach new audiences, increase conversions and reduce upfront advertising costs. For affiliates, it offers a revenue stream with low entry barriers and flexible work opportunities. Success depends on trust, relevance and transparency. Brands must choose affiliates who align with their values and target market, while affiliates must disclose partnerships and offer content that is authentic and useful. When managed ethically and strategically, affiliate marketing can be a powerful tool for growth, especially for e-commerce, digital products and mission-driven services.