Affiliate Marketing
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Quick definition
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based model where partners earn commissions for generating sales or leads for a business. Brands use affiliates to reach new audiences, while affiliates promote products through links, content, or recommendations and earn rewards for qualifying actions.
What is Affiliate Marketing?
Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing model in which individuals or businesses earn a commission for driving sales, leads, or other agreed-upon actions for a brand. It allows companies to expand their reach by partnering with people who can promote their products or services. Three main roles are involved: the brand (which offers the product and commission), the affiliate (who promotes the offer), and the customer (who completes the desired action).
How Affiliate Marketing Works
Affiliate marketing typically starts when a brand creates a program and provides affiliates with unique tracking links or codes. Affiliates share these links through websites, social media, videos, newsletters, or other channels. When a customer clicks a link and completes a qualifying action, tracking technology attributes the result to the affiliate. The brand then verifies the action and calculates the commission according to the program's terms.
How Affiliates Are Paid
Affiliates are commonly paid through commissions based on their performance. Payment models include a percentage of each sale, a fixed fee per sale or lead, or a reward for another qualifying action. Rates, payment schedules, and eligibility requirements vary by program. Some programs also use recurring commissions for subscriptions.
Affiliate Marketing and Creators
Creators can participate in affiliate marketing by recommending products through videos, social posts, blogs, or other content. They share unique links or discount codes that help track conversions and earn commissions when their audience completes qualifying actions.
This model can provide creators with an additional revenue stream while helping brands connect with audiences through relevant content. Clear disclosures about affiliate relationships help maintain transparency with viewers.
Affiliate Marketing with SideShift
SideShift puts 1M+ creators within reach of your brand. Post a brief, review the creators who apply, and find the right voices to introduce your product to new audiences.
Creator content can support affiliate marketing by showcasing your product’s benefits and encouraging audiences to explore an offer. Depending on your tracking setup and partnership terms, you can incorporate affiliate links or discount codes to help drive and track conversions.
Frequently asked questions
How does affiliate marketing work?
A brand gives an affiliate a unique tracking link or code. The affiliate promotes the offer, and when someone completes a qualifying action through that link or code, the affiliate earns a commission according to the program's terms.
What is the difference between affiliate marketing and influencer marketing?
Affiliate marketing typically rewards partners for measurable results, such as sales or leads. Influencer marketing usually involves paying creators to promote a brand through content. A campaign can combine both approaches.
How do affiliates get paid?
Affiliates usually earn commissions for sales, leads, or other qualifying actions. Payments may be a percentage of a sale, a fixed amount per conversion, or recurring commissions, depending on the program.