What is an Affiliate Network?

Affiliate networking is a multi-billion dollar industry. It has existed for several decades and was one of the first ways Internet entrepreneurs began making big bucks online. Today, it's more relevant than ever, benefiting publishers and companies wanting to advertise their products or services.

But what exactly is an affiliate network, and how do they work?

Affiliate Networking Basics

An affiliate network is a marketing platform purpose-built to connect online publishers like bloggers and influencers with brands. The network is like a middleman. Companies can turn to networks to expand their reach and raise awareness about their goods. Meanwhile, affiliates are the online publishers who market those goods on a brand's behalf.

It's a win-win situation. Brands get the exposure they need to grow, while affiliates get paid for referring the brand's goods.

How Affiliates Get Paid

Affiliate networks go by many names. Some call them referral programs. Either way, the concept is simple.

Companies work with the network to determine what products they want to promote and how much they pay for exposure. Networks typically work with many brands, giving affiliates plenty of options on what products they want to highlight to get a referral program payout.

Affiliates determine which products make sense for their audience. Then, they receive special links embedded with digital cookies. Those product links get published on blogs, websites or social media posts, joining their regular content.

The affiliate gets a commission whenever a reader clicks on the link and purchases the promoted product. The network knows who to pay because the product link has digital cookies. Affiliates get paid whenever a buyer purchases the designated product before the cookie expires.

Is Affiliate Networking Worth It?

There's substantial earning potential for influencers and bloggers. A referral program payout can be sizeable. For an Internet entrepreneur with considerable website traffic, it can be a significant source of income.

It's beneficial to brands, too. Many brands will participate in affiliate marketing to increase exposure to high-quality audiences. Instead of blasting promos into the ether, they can ensure their goods get in front of the right customers.

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