> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.jaka.app/shopify/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.jaka.app/shopify/affiliate-marketing-general-knowledge/essential-affiliate-marketing-terms.md). # Essential Affiliate Marketing terms Here are the most important terms you should know: This guide explains the most important terms you’ll encounter when using affiliate marketing. Understanding these terms will help you set up, manage, and grow your affiliate program with confidence. ### 🧩 Affiliate Marketing **Affiliate marketing** is a performance-based marketing model where businesses reward partners for promoting their products or services. Affiliates earn commissions only when their promotion leads to a successful result, such as a sale, signup, or subscription. This makes affiliate marketing a low-risk and results-driven growth strategy. *** ### 🧩 Affiliate An **affiliate** is an individual or organization that promotes a merchant’s products or services in exchange for a commission. Affiliates are often: * Content creators or influencers * Bloggers or website owners * Media buyers * Marketing partners Affiliates may also be referred to as partners, publishers, or external marketers. *** ### 🧩 Affiliate Program An **affiliate program** is the system a merchant creates to manage affiliates, commissions, and tracking. In an affiliate program, the merchant defines: * Commission rates * Eligible products * Tracking rules * Approval and payout conditions Affiliates join the program and promote products based on these rules. *** ### 🧩 Affiliate Link An **affiliate link** is a unique tracking link generated automatically by the app when an affiliate joins a campaign. Affiliates use this link to promote the store.\ Any order placed through the link is tracked and attributed to the affiliate. *** ### 🧩 Affiliate Order (Referral Order) An **affiliate order** (also called a referral order) is an order placed by a customer who clicked an affiliate link before purchasing. These orders are used to: * Calculate commissions * Track affiliate performance * Approve payouts *** ### 🧩 Commission A **commission** is the reward paid to an affiliate for generating a successful result. Commissions can be: * A percentage of the sale * A fixed amount per order * Based on specific rules or conditions Affiliate marketing commissions are always **performance-based**. *** ### 🧩 Affiliate Network (Multi-level Marketing) An **affiliate network** (or multi-level marketing) allows affiliates to invite other affiliates into the program. In this model: * An affiliate can earn commissions from their own sales * They may also earn additional commissions when affiliates they invited generate sales This helps expand the affiliate program organically. *** ### 🧩 Creatives **Creatives** are brand assets provided to affiliates to help them promote products effectively. Common creatives include: * Banners and images * Text links * Promotional content Providing creatives ensures consistent branding and makes promotion easier for affiliates. *** ### 🧩 Landing Page A **landing page** is a webpage where affiliates send traffic. Landing pages are designed to: * Present products clearly * Encourage conversions * Improve affiliate performance Affiliate links typically direct customers to a landing page or product page. *** #### 📧 **Still need support?** If you still need help, please feel free to contact us at . We’ll be happy to assist you further.