How Affiliate Marketing Works

Yes. Affiliate (or partner) programs are a long-established way for retailers, marketplaces and software companies to pay for referrals. You are paid only when a referred visitor completes the action the program defines. Be wary of schemes that charge you to join or claim you will earn a set amount, and always disclose your affiliate links.

It varies widely. Earnings depend on the commission rate, the product price, how many people you reach and how well your content matches what they need. Many affiliates earn little at first, and there is no typical or guaranteed amount. See our earnings disclaimer.

Your affiliate link contains an ID that identifies you. When someone clicks it, the program records the visit, usually with a cookie or a similar tracking method that lasts for a set period (the “cookie window”, which differs between programs). If the visitor buys or signs up within that window, the sale is credited to you.

Each program sets its own payment terms. Commissions usually stay pending until the refund or validation period ends, then are paid out once you pass a minimum threshold, by methods such as bank transfer or PayPal. Check the payment schedule and threshold before you join.

Not always. You can share links through YouTube, social media or an email list, as long as each program’s terms allow it. A website, though, gives you a platform you control and lets you earn search traffic over time. See how to start affiliate marketing.

Look for programs that fit your niche, sell products you would personally recommend and explain their commission and cookie terms clearly. Large marketplaces, affiliate networks and the partner programs of software you already use are common starting points. Our guide on how to find affiliate programs walks through the options.