Technical Terms

Affiliate Marketing

Learn what an affiliate is and what affiliate marketing is. How does affiliate marketing work, and what are the types of affiliate marketing?

Back to dictionary Last Updated: 30, June 2026

What is an Affiliate?

An affiliate is an individual or business that sells another company’s product or service to earn a commission. In general, they distribute a unique tracking link using a site, blog, email, or social media.

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where you pay one or more affiliates to promote products on behalf of your business, and when those promotions generate sales, leads, or actions, the affiliate earns a commission. It supports brand growth through partners rather than relying solely on advertising.

How Does Affiliate Marketing Work?

Affiliate marketing works through a simple partnership between a brand and an affiliate. The brand provides a unique tracking link and the affiliate shares it with their audience through content, websites, emails, or social media. 

When someone uses that link and completes an action, such as making a purchase, signing up, or submitting a form, the affiliate earns a commission. The amount paid depends on the affiliate program and may be based on sales, leads, or clicks.

Types of Affiliate Marketing

There are three common types of affiliate marketing, and each one works a little differently depending on how closely the affiliate is connected to the product.

Unattached Affiliate Marketing

This is when an affiliate promotes a product without personally using it or building a strong connection with the brand. It is often used on paid ads or broad promotions where the focus is more on reach than trust.

Related Affiliate Marketing

This type happens when an affiliate promotes products that fit their niche, industry, or audience interests. The affiliate may not have used the product directly, but the recommendation still feels relevant to the people following them.

Involved Affiliate Marketing

This is when an affiliate promotes a product they have personally used, tested, or truly trust. Because the recommendation comes from real experience, it feels more authentic and convincing to the audience.

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