Affiliate Marketing is when somebody (an affiliate) shares a link promoting another business’s product or service and earns a commission.
For the affiliate to receive a commission, visitors must follow the direct link and purchase from the business being promoted. In doing so, the affiliate that promoted the business will receive a small percentage of that sale. Affiliate marketers are often individuals with a large amount of trusting followers and promote these products through their blog, social media, podcast, etc. to encourage their audience to visit the link and make a purchase.
There are a few different types of affiliate marketing, including the following:
- Related – When somebody with a large influence promotes a product/service within the same niche as they are in, yet haven’t necessarily tried the product themselves.
- Involved – When somebody only promotes things they have used, believe in and would recommend to others.
- Unattached – This is where an individual or business has no connection or relationship with the intended customer and promote this affiliate link through paid ads on Google or social media.