How Do Affiliate Links Work?
Have you ever wondered why you see so many influencers and creators sharing links to shop online? Here’s a little insight on how affiliate links and cookies work - and how your online shopping supports your favorite creators.
What Are Affiliate Links?
First, what’s an affiliate link? These are special URLs that influencers or affiliates use to promote products. Each link is unique to the person sharing it.
How Affiliate Links Work
When someone clicks on an affiliate link, they are taken to the brand's website. But there's something happening behind the scenes – a cookie is being placed on their device.
What Are Cookies?
What exactly is a cookie? A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser. It holds information like the affiliate's ID and the time you clicked the link.
Tracking User Activity
As you browse the brand's website, the cookie tracks your activity. If you make a purchase or sign up for a service, the cookie ensures that the action is attributed to the affiliate who shared the link."
Attribution Window
Cookies have an expiration date, known as the attribution window. This can range from a few days to several months. If any purchase is made with the brand during this window, the affiliate gets credit for the sale.
Commission Structure
Commission rates for affiliates can range anywhere from 1-50%, with most consumer brands averaging around 10%. On top of that, some brands will offer special promotions or incentive programs with higher commission rates to boost sales.
Benefits for Affiliates and Brands
This system benefits both the affiliate and the brand. Affiliates earn a commission for driving sales, and brands get more exposure and customers.
To sum it up: affiliate links and cookies work together to track and reward affiliates for their efforts. Even with a small commission, it can add up quickly, making it a lucrative way for creators to monetize their influence. It's a simple yet powerful system in the world of online marketing.
Keep an eye out for our next post where you can learn how you can use your personal Influence for Good!
