in simpler terms, is defined as a relationship between a merchant or an online retailer who is willing to sell his products or services, and his affiliates who promote the products of merchant on their website.
In the process of affiliate marketing, merchant supplies text ads and banners associated with his site to the affiliate. The affiliate's role is to post these ads on the merchants website and earns money whenever traffic is addressed on the merchants website. Many affiliates gets paid in terms of commission but some merchants may also choose to give a predetermined fee for affiliate's recompense.
Affiliate marketing has proved to be very beneficial for the consumers as well as merchants. Selling or promoting products through online marketing has made the reach easier and quicker. It has helped in creating a bigger market and hence additional profits. Many are available which proves very beneficial for this.
The other advantage of online business lies in the fact that it is cost efficient. The money involved in placing any online business is lesser as compared to the cost required for establishing actual business.
Another attractive feature about online marketing is that one does not require having own products for starting the business. You can make good money even by engaging yourself in selling the products and services of others. For getting this started, all you require to do is to make an agreement with the merchant and proceed ahead once all the necessary formalities have been fulfilled.
Making money online is comparatively easier and quicker. All you require to do is to make a contract as an affiliate with an online company providing affiliate programs.
Benefits of affiliate marketing
To Affiliates:
1. You can choose a program best suited to your site subject matter, from a large range of programs.
2. You have a choice to publish those affiliate program which seems most attractive to you.
3. You can earn good commission by getting associated with the merchants desiring to do online business.
To Merchant:
1. No worry of ROI, as payment is made on performance basis.
2. Provides a cheaper and quicker way of setting business online.
3. There is No real limitation regarding the space for advertising.