Affiliate Marketing Glossary
66 Terms You MUST Know
How to Use This Affiliate Marketing Glossary
Reading through definitions can be a bit dry. But here’s the thing—it’s really important to grasp the affiliate marketing language, because these terms give one an insight into how the whole affiliate marketing process works.
While we can’t cover every single acronym and term in affiliate marketing in just one article, we hope this post provides you with a solid foundation of the key terms you need to keep up in this fast-moving industry!
01
Ad Network
A company that connects advertisers with publishers or affiliates to run ads, facilitating the distribution of ads to targeted audiences.
02
Affiliate
A person or business who promotes a product or service on behalf of a company in exchange for a commission.
03
Affiliate Commission Structure
The framework that determines how affiliates are paid, including rates, payment methods, and frequency.
04
Affiliate Dashboard
The tool or platform where affiliates can track their earnings, clicks, conversions, and performance metrics.
05
Affiliate Disclosure
A statement required by law that informs consumers when an affiliate may receive a commission for promoting a product or service.
06
Affiliate Link
A unique URL provided to affiliates to track sales or leads generated through their promotional efforts.
01
Ad Network
A company that connects advertisers with publishers or affiliates to run ads, facilitating the distribution of ads to targeted audiences.
02
Affiliate
A person or business who promotes a product or service on behalf of a company in exchange for a commission.
03
Affiliate Commission Structure
The framework that determines how affiliates are paid, including rates, payment methods, and frequency.
04
Affiliate Dashboard
The tool or platform where affiliates can track their earnings, clicks, conversions, and performance metrics.
05
Affiliate Disclosure
A statement required by law that informs consumers when an affiliate may receive a commission for promoting a product or service.
06
Affiliate Link
A unique URL provided to affiliates to track sales or leads generated through their promotional efforts.
07
Affiliate Network
A platform that connects affiliates with merchants offering affiliate programs (e.g., ShareASale).
08
Affiliate Program
A partnership where an affiliate earns a commission for promoting another company’s products or services.
09
Banner Ad
A type of display ad used by affiliates to promote products, often placed in prominent areas of websites or blogs.
10
Black Hat Marketing
Unethical marketing practices that may involve misleading tactics to boost traffic or rankings, often violating platform terms.
11
Brand Ambassador
An individual who promotes a company’s product or service in exchange for rewards or compensation, often through affiliate marketing.
12
Commission
The amount an affiliate earns for generating a sale or lead through their promotional efforts.
07
Affiliate Network
A platform that connects affiliates with merchants offering affiliate programs (e.g., ShareASale).
08
Affiliate Program
A partnership where an affiliate earns a commission for promoting another company’s products or services.
09
Banner Ad
A type of display ad used by affiliates to promote products, often placed in prominent areas of websites or blogs.
10
Black Hat Marketing
Unethical marketing practices that may involve misleading tactics to boost traffic or rankings, often violating platform terms.
11
Brand Ambassador
An individual who promotes a company’s product or service in exchange for rewards or compensation, often through affiliate marketing.
12
Commission
The amount an affiliate earns for generating a sale or lead through their promotional efforts.
13
Content Marketing
The creation and distribution of valuable content (like blogs or videos) to attract and engage potential customers.
14
Conversion Rate
The percentage of visitors who take a desired action (such as making a purchase) after clicking an affiliate link.
15
Conversion Tracking
The process of tracking and analyzing the actions of users who click on affiliate links, to determine if they make a purchase or take another desired action.
16
Cookie Duration
The length of time that a tracking cookie remains on a user’s device, determining how long an affiliate gets credit for a sale.
17
CPA (Cost Per Action)
A commission model where affiliates are paid when a specific action (like a sale or lead) is completed.
18
CPC (Cost Per Click)
An advertising model where affiliates earn money based on the number of clicks on their affiliate link.
13
Content Marketing
The creation and distribution of valuable content (like blogs or videos) to attract and engage potential customers.
14
Conversion Rate
The percentage of visitors who take a desired action (such as making a purchase) after clicking an affiliate link.
15
Conversion Tracking
The process of tracking and analyzing the actions of users who click on affiliate links, to determine if they make a purchase or take another desired action.
16
Cookie Duration
The length of time that a tracking cookie remains on a user’s device, determining how long an affiliate gets credit for a sale.
17
CPA (Cost Per Action)
A commission model where affiliates are paid when a specific action (like a sale or lead) is completed.
18
CPC (Cost Per Click)
An advertising model where affiliates earn money based on the number of clicks on their affiliate link.
19
CPL (Cost Per Lead)
A commission model where affiliates are paid for each lead generated, such as when a user fills out a contact form.
20
CPS (Cost Per Sale)
A commission model where affiliates are paid a percentage of the sale price when a product is sold through their affiliate link.
21
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
The percentage of people who click an affiliate link out of the total number of people who viewed it.
22
Dashboard
The interface where affiliates can track their sales, commissions, clicks, and other performance metrics.
23
Disruption
A market shift that significantly changes the way a product or service is delivered or marketed.
24
Email Marketing
A strategy where affiliates send promotional emails to a list of subscribers, typically including affiliate links to generate sales.
19
CPL (Cost Per Lead)
A commission model where affiliates are paid for each lead generated, such as when a user fills out a contact form.
20
CPS (Cost Per Sale)
A commission model where affiliates are paid a percentage of the sale price when a product is sold through their affiliate link.
21
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
The percentage of people who click an affiliate link out of the total number of people who viewed it.
22
Dashboard
The interface where affiliates can track their sales, commissions, clicks, and other performance metrics.
23
Disruption
A market shift that significantly changes the way a product or service is delivered or marketed.
24
Email Marketing
A strategy where affiliates send promotional emails to a list of subscribers, typically including affiliate links to generate sales.
25
EPC (Earnings Per Click)
A metric used to measure the average earnings per click on an affiliate link, calculated by dividing total earnings by the number of clicks.
26
Google Analytics
A web analytics service that helps affiliates track website traffic, user behavior, and other key metrics for optimization.
27
High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
A strategy where affiliates promote high-priced products or services, typically earning higher commissions per sale.
28
Influencer
A person with a large following on social media or other platforms who can influence their audience’s buying decisions.
29
Influencer Marketing
A type of affiliate marketing where an individual with a large social media following promotes a product to their audience.
30
Joint Venture (JV)
A partnership where two or more parties collaborate to achieve a common goal, like promoting a product or service.
25
EPC (Earnings Per Click)
A metric used to measure the average earnings per click on an affiliate link, calculated by dividing total earnings by the number of clicks.
26
Google Analytics
A web analytics service that helps affiliates track website traffic, user behavior, and other key metrics for optimization.
27
High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing
A strategy where affiliates promote high-priced products or services, typically earning higher commissions per sale.
28
Influencer
A person with a large following on social media or other platforms who can influence their audience’s buying decisions.
29
Influencer Marketing
A type of affiliate marketing where an individual with a large social media following promotes a product to their audience.
30
Joint Venture (JV)
A partnership where two or more parties collaborate to achieve a common goal, like promoting a product or service.
31
Landing Page
A dedicated webpage designed to capture a visitor’s information or encourage them to take a specific action (like making a purchase).
32
Lead
A potential customer who has shown interest in a product or service by providing personal information (e.g., email address).
33
Lead Magnet
A valuable resource (such as an ebook or checklist) offered in exchange for a visitor’s contact information, often used to build email lists.
34
Lifetime Commissions
A commission structure where affiliates continue to earn money from a customer’s purchases for the duration of their relationship with the merchant.
35
LTV (Lifetime Value)
LTV (Lifetime Value)
36
Merchant
A business or individual who sells a product or service and offers an affiliate program to promote it.
31
Landing Page
A dedicated webpage designed to capture a visitor’s information or encourage them to take a specific action (like making a purchase).
32
Lead
A potential customer who has shown interest in a product or service by providing personal information (e.g., email address).
33
Lead Magnet
A valuable resource (such as an ebook or checklist) offered in exchange for a visitor’s contact information, often used to build email lists.
34
Lifetime Commissions
A commission structure where affiliates continue to earn money from a customer’s purchases for the duration of their relationship with the merchant.
35
LTV (Lifetime Value)
LTV (Lifetime Value)
36
Merchant
A business or individual who sells a product or service and offers an affiliate program to promote it.
37
Native Advertising
A form of advertising that blends in with the content surrounding it, often appearing less like an ad and more like regular content.
38
Niche
A specific segment of the market that focuses on a particular interest or group, which can help affiliates target more relevant audiences.
39
Pay Per Lead
A model where affiliates earn money based on the number of qualified leads they refer to a merchant.
40
Payment Terms
The conditions under which affiliates are paid, such as monthly payments or after a certain threshold is met.
41
Pixel
A small piece of code placed on a website or landing page to track user actions (like clicks or conversions) for retargeting or analytics.
42
PPC (Pay Per Click)
An advertising model where advertisers pay each time their ad is clicked.
37
Native Advertising
A form of advertising that blends in with the content surrounding it, often appearing less like an ad and more like regular content.
38
Niche
A specific segment of the market that focuses on a particular interest or group, which can help affiliates target more relevant audiences.
39
Pay Per Lead
A model where affiliates earn money based on the number of qualified leads they refer to a merchant.
40
Payment Terms
The conditions under which affiliates are paid, such as monthly payments or after a certain threshold is met.
41
Pixel
A small piece of code placed on a website or landing page to track user actions (like clicks or conversions) for retargeting or analytics.
42
PPC (Pay Per Click)
An advertising model where advertisers pay each time their ad is clicked.
43
Product Launch
The introduction of a new product to the market, often accompanied by promotional efforts like affiliate marketing.
44
Product Review
A detailed analysis of a product or service, often written or presented by an affiliate to encourage potential buyers to make a purchase.
45
Reciprocal Link
A two-way link exchange where two websites agree to link to each other to boost SEO.
46
Referral Program
A program where affiliates are rewarded for referring new customers or clients to a merchant or business.
47
Retargeting
The process of showing targeted ads to users who have previously visited a website but did not complete a desired action (like a purchase).
48
Return on Investment (ROI)
A metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment, calculated by comparing net profit to total cost.
43
Product Launch
The introduction of a new product to the market, often accompanied by promotional efforts like affiliate marketing.
44
Product Review
A detailed analysis of a product or service, often written or presented by an affiliate to encourage potential buyers to make a purchase.
45
Reciprocal Link
A two-way link exchange where two websites agree to link to each other to boost SEO.
46
Referral Program
A program where affiliates are rewarded for referring new customers or clients to a merchant or business.
47
Retargeting
The process of showing targeted ads to users who have previously visited a website but did not complete a desired action (like a purchase).
48
Return on Investment (ROI)
A metric used to evaluate the profitability of an investment, calculated by comparing net profit to total cost.
49
Sales Cycle
The process that leads or prospects go through before making a purchase, from awareness to decision-making.
50
Sales Funnel
The journey a customer takes from initial contact to final purchase.
51
Sales Page
A webpage designed specifically to convert visitors into buyers, often featuring compelling product details and calls to action.
52
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The process of optimizing website content to rank higher in search engine results, improving organic traffic.
53
SEO Affiliate Marketing
The practice of optimizing affiliate content for search engines to increase organic traffic and sales.
54
ShareASale
An affiliate marketing network that connects merchants and affiliates, allowing them to work together in promoting products.
49
Sales Cycle
The process that leads or prospects go through before making a purchase, from awareness to decision-making.
50
Sales Funnel
The journey a customer takes from initial contact to final purchase.
51
Sales Page
A webpage designed specifically to convert visitors into buyers, often featuring compelling product details and calls to action.
52
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
The process of optimizing website content to rank higher in search engine results, improving organic traffic.
53
SEO Affiliate Marketing
The practice of optimizing affiliate content for search engines to increase organic traffic and sales.
54
ShareASale
An affiliate marketing network that connects merchants and affiliates, allowing them to work together in promoting products.
55
Split Testing (A/B Testing)
The process of testing two versions of a webpage or ad to see which one performs better.
56
Sticky Cookie
A tracking cookie that stays on a user’s device for a longer period, allowing affiliates to receive credit for sales even if they happen days later.
57
Sub-Affiliate
An individual or business that promotes an affiliate’s links and earns a commission based on their performance.
58
Tracking ID
A unique identifier added to affiliate links to track and differentiate traffic and sales from various affiliates.
59
Tracking Pixel
A small piece of code embedded in a webpage to track conversions, actions, or behavior of visitors who interact with affiliate links.
60
Traffic
The visitors who come to a website or landing page, used to measure campaign effectiveness.
55
Split Testing (A/B Testing)
The process of testing two versions of a webpage or ad to see which one performs better.
56
Sticky Cookie
A tracking cookie that stays on a user’s device for a longer period, allowing affiliates to receive credit for sales even if they happen days later.
57
Sub-Affiliate
An individual or business that promotes an affiliate’s links and earns a commission based on their performance.
58
Tracking ID
A unique identifier added to affiliate links to track and differentiate traffic and sales from various affiliates.
59
Tracking Pixel
A small piece of code embedded in a webpage to track conversions, actions, or behavior of visitors who interact with affiliate links.
60
Traffic
The visitors who come to a website or landing page, used to measure campaign effectiveness.
61
Upsell
A marketing strategy where an affiliate promotes a higher-priced or additional product to a customer who has already made a purchase.
62
URL Redirect
A method used to forward a visitor to a different URL, typically used in affiliate marketing to track clicks.
63
Vendor
Another term for merchant, referring to the business or individual who sells a product or service.
64
Webinar
A live or recorded online seminar or presentation used to promote products, often featuring affiliate links.
65
White Hat Marketing
Ethical marketing practices that follow search engine guidelines and don’t use deceptive or manipulative tactics.
66
White Label Product
A product that is manufactured by one company but branded and sold by another under their own label.
61
Upsell
A marketing strategy where an affiliate promotes a higher-priced or additional product to a customer who has already made a purchase.
62
URL Redirect
A method used to forward a visitor to a different URL, typically used in affiliate marketing to track clicks.
63
Vendor
Another term for merchant, referring to the business or individual who sells a product or service.
64
Webinar
A live or recorded online seminar or presentation used to promote products, often featuring affiliate links.
65
White Hat Marketing
Ethical marketing practices that follow search engine guidelines and don’t use deceptive or manipulative tactics.
66
White Label Product
A product that is manufactured by one company but branded and sold by another under their own label.