Affiliate link
What is an affiliate link?
An affiliate link is a URL containing a unique ID for one partner. When someone clicks it and buys, the tracking system records the sale against that partner, who earns a commission under the affiliate programme.
Tracking usually relies on a cookie or a parameter with an attribution window, for example 30 days from the click.
Why an affiliate link matters
Links make results measurable per creator, which is how you learn who actually sells. Most rules on disclosure require creators to say clearly when a link earns them money.
Related marketing terms
Affiliate marketing pays partners a commission for each sale or sign-up they send through a tracked link or code, so you only pay for results.
A promo code is a discount code customers enter at checkout. Unique codes per creator also show which creator drove each sale.
FTC disclosureWhite hat
FTC disclosure is the US rule that creators must clearly say when they have a paid or material connection with a brand they promote.
Conversion rate is the share of people who take a desired action, such as signing up, replying or buying, out of all who could have.