How affiliate marketing works

Affiliate marketing involves referring a product or service by sharing it on a blog, social media platform, podcast, or website. The affiliate earns a commission each time someone makes a purchase through the unique link associated with their recommendation. 

• You show an ad or a link for Store Z on your website, blog, or social network.
• A customer clicks your unique link.
• The customer makes a purchase in Store Z. 
• The affiliate network records the transaction.
• The purchase is confirmed by Store Z. 
• You get paid a monetary commission.

Commission rates vary depending on the company and the offer. On the low end, you’ll earn about 5% of the sale but, with some arrangements, you can earn as much as 50%, usually when promoting a class or event. There are also affiliate marketing programs that provide a flat rate per sale instead of a percentage.