# How affiliate marketing works

Many affiliate programs are free to join. Affiliate programs work by allowing individuals or businesses to promote and sell the products or services of another company in exchange for a commission on each sale.

The affiliate earns a commission each time someone makes a purchase through the unique affiliate link associated with their recommendation.

Here’s how affiliate marketing works at a high level:

* An affiliate promotes an affiliate link to their website visitors, blog readers, or social network.
* An audience member clicks the link.&#x20;
* The audience member makes a purchase.
* The affiliate network records the transaction.
* The affiliate gets paid a monetary commission.

Commission rates for affiliate sales vary depending on the product, industry, and the agreement negotiated between the affiliate and brand.
