ConvertMinded Affiliate Marketing Glossary
Your Complete A-Z Guide to Affiliate Marketing Terms
Welcome to the most comprehensive affiliate marketing glossary on the web. Whether you’re decoding your first EPC report or optimizing advanced campaigns, this resource explains every term you’ll encounter in clear, practical language.
Quick Jump: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Most Searched Terms: EPC | Cookie Duration | Conversion Rate | Gravity | Sub-ID
Beginner Essentials
New to affiliate marketing? Start with these fundamental terms:
- Affiliate Link
- Commission
- Conversion
- Cookie Duration
- EPC
- Merchant
A
Above the Fold
Definition: The portion of a webpage visible without scrolling when it first loads.
Example: “Place your affiliate links above the fold for maximum visibility.”
Why It Matters: Content above the fold gets 73% more views than content below. Critical for conversion optimization.
Related Terms: Landing Page, CTR
Pro Tip: On mobile, “above the fold” is much smaller. Test your pages on multiple devices.
Advertiser
See Merchant
Affiliate
Definition: A person or company that promotes other companies’ products for a commission on resulting sales or actions.
Example: “As an affiliate for Amazon, Sarah earns 4% on every sale from her blog links.”
Why It Matters: This is you! Understanding your role as the bridge between merchants and customers is fundamental to success.
Related Terms: Publisher, Affiliate Network
Pro Tip: The best affiliates focus on helping customers make informed decisions, not just pushing products.
Affiliate Agreement
Definition: The legal contract between an affiliate and merchant outlining commission terms, restrictions, and responsibilities.
Example: “Always read the affiliate agreement—Amazon prohibits email marketing of their links.”
Why It Matters: Violating agreement terms can result in account termination and forfeited commissions.
Related Terms: Terms of Service, Compliance
Pro Tip: Screenshot agreement terms when you join programs—they can change without notice.
Affiliate Link
Definition: A unique URL containing your affiliate ID that tracks clicks and credits you for resulting sales.
Example: https://example.com/product?
Why It Matters: No affiliate link = no commission. This is how merchants know sales came from you.
Related Terms: Tracking, Deep Link, Cookie
Pro Tip: Always test your links in incognito mode to ensure proper tracking.
Affiliate Network
Definition: A platform connecting affiliates with multiple merchants, handling tracking, reporting, and payments.
Example: “ShareASale hosts thousands of merchants, so you can find products in any niche.”
Why It Matters: Networks simplify working with multiple merchants—one login, one payment, standardized reporting.
Related Terms: CJ Affiliate, ClickBank, ShareASale
Pro Tip: Start with 2-3 networks maximum to avoid overwhelming yourself with options.
AOV (Average Order Value)
Pronunciation: A-O-V
Definition: The average amount customers spend per transaction.
Example: “This merchant’s $75 AOV means promoting their products yields $11.25 per sale at 15% commission.”
Why It Matters: Higher AOV = higher commissions per sale. Factor this into product selection.
Related Terms: EPC, Conversion Rate
Pro Tip: Products with AOVs above $50 typically convert better with content marketing than paid ads.
API (Application Programming Interface)
Pronunciation: A-P-I
Definition: A system allowing different software applications to communicate and share data automatically.
Example: “Use Amazon’s API to automatically update product prices on your comparison site.”
Why It Matters: APIs enable advanced strategies like real-time price updates and automated content creation.
Related Terms: Data Feed, Webhook
Pro Tip: Most networks offer APIs free, but require approval. Apply early if you plan to scale.
Attribution
Definition: The process of determining which marketing touchpoint gets credit for a conversion.
Example: “Last-click attribution gives 100% credit to the final link clicked before purchase.”
Why It Matters: Understanding attribution helps you optimize your funnel and negotiate better terms.
Related Terms: Cookie Duration, Conversion
Pro Tip: Some merchants use first-click attribution—great for content creators who introduce products.
Auto-Approve
Definition: Affiliate programs that automatically accept new affiliates without manual review.
Example: “Target’s auto-approve program lets you start promoting immediately.”
Why It Matters: Faster start, but often indicates lower commissions or stricter compliance monitoring.
Related Terms: Manual Approval, Compliance
Pro Tip: Auto-approve programs are perfect for testing niches before investing in premium programs.
B
Banner Ad
Definition: A graphic advertisement in standard sizes (728×90, 300×250, etc.) provided by merchants for affiliates.
Example: “The merchant’s 300×250 banner perfectly fits my sidebar.”
Why It Matters: While convenient, banners typically convert worse than text links—test both.
Related Terms: Creative, CTR
Pro Tip: Banner blindness is real. Native content outperforms banners by 3-5x in our tests.
Base Commission
Definition: The standard commission rate before bonuses or tiers.
Example: “ShareASale shows a 10% base commission, but top affiliates earn 15%.”
Why It Matters: Know the starting point, but always ask about performance incentives.
Related Terms: Tiered Commission, Performance Bonus
Pro Tip: Merchants often negotiate higher base rates for affiliates with targeted traffic.
Bounce Rate
Definition: The percentage of visitors who leave a page without taking any action.
Example: “My review page has a 35% bounce rate—65% of visitors engage further.”
Why It Matters: High bounce rates signal content-audience mismatch or poor user experience.
Related Terms: Conversion Rate, Engagement
Pro Tip: Bounce rates above 70% usually indicate a problem. Check page speed first.
Bridge Page
Definition: An intermediate page between your traffic source and the merchant’s site, used to pre-sell or warm up visitors.
Example: “My bridge page explains the product benefits before sending visitors to Amazon.”
Why It Matters: Bridge pages can double conversion rates by setting proper expectations.
Related Terms: Landing Page, Pre-sell Page
Pro Tip: Some networks prohibit bridge pages for certain offers—always check terms.
C
Campaign
Definition: A coordinated marketing effort promoting specific products through defined channels over a set period.
Example: “My Black Friday campaign promoted 10 products across email and social media.”
Why It Matters: Organized campaigns outperform random promotions by focusing efforts and measuring results.
Related Terms: Promotion, Marketing Funnel
Pro Tip: Successful campaigns have clear goals, defined audiences, and measurable KPIs.
Chargeback
Definition: When a customer disputes a credit card charge, potentially reversing your commission.
Example: “The merchant deducted $47 from my earnings due to a customer chargeback.”
Why It Matters: High chargeback rates can get you banned from programs. Choose quality merchants.
Related Terms: Refund Rate, Merchant Quality
Pro Tip: Merchants with chargeback rates above 2% often have quality issues—avoid them.
CJ Affiliate
Formerly Commission Junction
Definition: One of the largest affiliate networks, known for big-brand advertisers and reliable tracking.
Example: “CJ Affiliate hosts programs for Home Depot, Office Depot, and other major retailers.”
Why It Matters: Access to premium brands with higher trust and conversion rates.
Related Terms: Affiliate Network, ShareASale
Pro Tip: CJ’s “Advertiser Lookup” tool shows which merchants auto-approve new affiliates.
Click
Definition: When a user activates your affiliate link by clicking/tapping it.
Example: “My review generated 1,000 clicks but only 25 sales—2.5% conversion rate.”
Why It Matters: Clicks are the first measurable action in your funnel. No clicks = no sales.
Related Terms: CTR, Conversion Rate
Pro Tip: Track clicks at the page level, not just overall—identify your best-performing content.
ClickBank
Definition: A digital marketplace specializing in information products, known for high commissions and gravity scores.
Example: “This ClickBank product offers 75% commission on a $47 ebook.”
Why It Matters: Digital products mean instant delivery, no shipping, and commissions up to 75%.
Related Terms: Gravity, Digital Product
Pro Tip: ClickBank’s refund rates can be high. Promote products with gravity 20-100 for balance.
Cloaking
Definition: Hiding or shortening affiliate links to make them more user-friendly or prevent commission theft.
Example: “I cloak ‘/recommends/blender’ instead of showing the long Amazon affiliate URL.”
Why It Matters: Clean URLs increase click rates and protect against commission hijacking.
Related Terms: Link Shortener, Pretty Links
Pro Tip: Use 301 redirects for cloaking—302s may not pass affiliate tracking properly.
Commission
Definition: The money you earn when someone completes a desired action through your affiliate link.
Example: “Amazon pays 4% commission, so a $100 sale earns me $4.”
Why It Matters: This is your income! Understanding commission structures helps you choose profitable products.
Related Terms: Revenue Share, CPA, Base Commission
Pro Tip: Factor in refund rates—a 50% commission with 40% refunds equals 30% effective commission.
Compliance
Definition: Following all rules, regulations, and terms set by merchants, networks, and governments.
Example: “FTC compliance requires disclosing affiliate relationships clearly.”
Why It Matters: Non-compliance can result in account termination, legal issues, and forfeited commissions.
Related Terms: FTC Disclosure, Terms of Service
Pro Tip: Add disclosures ABOVE affiliate links, not just in footers—visibility matters legally.
Conversion
Definition: When a click on your affiliate link results in the desired action (usually a sale).
Example: “100 clicks led to 3 sales—that’s a 3% conversion rate.”
Why It Matters: Conversions equal commissions. This is the ultimate metric of success.
Related Terms: Conversion Rate, EPC
Pro Tip: Industry average is 1-3%. Our tested products average 2.4%—10x better than most.
Conversion Rate (CR)
Pronunciation: C-R
Definition: The percentage of clicks that result in conversions, calculated as (Conversions ÷ Clicks) × 100.
Example: “25 sales from 1,000 clicks = 2.5% conversion rate.”
Why It Matters: CR directly impacts profitability. A small improvement can dramatically increase earnings.
Related Terms: EPC, Optimization
Pro Tip: Improve CR by matching traffic temperature to offer type—cold traffic needs warming up.
Cookie
Definition: A small file placed on a user’s device to track their activity and credit sales to the correct affiliate.
Example: “Amazon’s 24-hour cookie means I earn commission on anything purchased within 24 hours.”
Why It Matters: Cookies determine your attribution window. Longer cookies = more potential commissions.
Related Terms: Cookie Duration, Attribution
Pro Tip: Browser privacy settings can block cookies. Diversify traffic sources to minimize impact.
Cookie Duration
Definition: How long a merchant’s tracking cookie remains active after someone clicks your link.
Example: “Target’s 7-day cookie is short, but Bluehost’s 90-day cookie captures delayed decisions.”
Why It Matters: Longer durations capture customers who research before buying—critical for high-ticket items.
Related Terms: Attribution Window, Last-Click
Pro Tip: For expensive products, prioritize programs with 30+ day cookies to capture the full buying cycle.
CPA (Cost Per Action/Acquisition)
Pronunciation: C-P-A
Definition: A commission model where you’re paid a fixed amount for each qualifying action.
Example: “This email signup offer pays $2 CPA—no purchase required.”
Why It Matters: CPA offers can be easier to convert since they don’t require purchases.
Related Terms: CPL, Revenue Share
Pro Tip: CPA offers work best with paid traffic where you can calculate exact ROI.
CPC (Cost Per Click)
Pronunciation: C-P-C
Definition: The amount paid for each click in paid advertising, or rarely, an affiliate model paying per click.
Example: “My Facebook ads cost $0.50 CPC, so I need $0.51+ EPC to profit.”
Why It Matters: In paid traffic, CPC must be lower than EPC for profitability.
Related Terms: PPC, EPC, ROI
Pro Tip: Most “pay per click” affiliate programs are scams. Stick to performance-based commissions.
CPL (Cost Per Lead)
Pronunciation: C-P-L
Definition: Commission paid for generating a lead (usually email signup or form completion).
Example: “Insurance affiliates earn $15 CPL for qualified quote requests.”
Why It Matters: No purchase required means higher conversion rates than sales-based offers.
Related Terms: Lead Generation, CPA
Pro Tip: CPL offers in finance/insurance pay well but have strict quality requirements.
CPM (Cost Per Mille/Thousand)
Pronunciation: C-P-M
Definition: The cost per 1,000 impressions in display advertising.
Example: “This banner spot costs $5 CPM—$5 per 1,000 views.”
Why It Matters: Useful for calculating display ad costs, rarely used in affiliate commissions.
Related Terms: Impressions, Display Advertising
Pro Tip: CPM buying only makes sense with proven high-converting offers and landing pages.
Creative
Definition: Marketing materials provided by merchants including banners, text links, videos, and email templates.
Example: “The merchant’s creative library includes 20 banners and 50 text link options.”
Why It Matters: Good creatives save time, but custom content usually converts better.
Related Terms: Banner Ad, Swipe Copy
Pro Tip: Use merchant creatives for testing, then create custom versions of winners.
Cross-Device Tracking
Definition: Technology that follows users across phones, tablets, and computers to attribute conversions accurately.
Example: “She clicked on mobile but bought on desktop—cross-device tracking ensures I get credit.”
Why It Matters: 40% of purchases involve multiple devices. Without this, you lose commissions.
Related Terms: Attribution, Tracking
Pro Tip: Ask networks about their cross-device capabilities—not all tracking is created equal.
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
Pronunciation: C-T-R
Definition: The percentage of people who click your link after seeing it, calculated as (Clicks ÷ Impressions) × 100.
Example: “1,000 people saw my link, 50 clicked—that’s a 5% CTR.”
Why It Matters: Higher CTR means more traffic to offers without increasing audience size.
Related Terms: Conversion Rate, Impressions
Pro Tip: Average CTR is 2-3%. Use power words and urgency to boost clicks.
D
Data Feed
Definition: A file (usually CSV or XML) containing product information that updates automatically.
Example: “Import the merchant’s data feed to keep prices and inventory current.”
Why It Matters: Automation saves hours and prevents promoting out-of-stock items.
Related Terms: API, Product Catalog
Pro Tip: Set up daily feed imports—nothing hurts conversions like outdated information.
Deep Link
Definition: An affiliate link pointing to a specific product page rather than the merchant’s homepage.
Example: “Deep link directly to the product instead of making visitors search for it.”
Why It Matters: Deep links can triple conversion rates by reducing friction.
Related Terms: Affiliate Link, Landing Page
Pro Tip: Some merchants prohibit deep linking—always check terms first.
Disclosure
Definition: A clear statement informing readers about your affiliate relationships, required by FTC guidelines.
Example: “This post contains affiliate links, meaning I earn commission if you purchase through my links.”
Why It Matters: Legal requirement. Non-disclosure can result in FTC fines up to $43,792 per violation.
Related Terms: FTC Guidelines, Compliance
Pro Tip: Place disclosures before affiliate links, not after—visibility is legally important.
Display Advertising
Definition: Visual banner ads shown on websites, apps, or social media platforms.
Example: “My display campaign uses 300×250 banners on recipe sites.”
Why It Matters: Display can build awareness but typically has lower conversion rates than search/content.
Related Terms: Banner Ad, CPM
Pro Tip: Retargeting displays to previous visitors converts 10x better than cold traffic.
E
Earnings Per Click (EPC)
Pronunciation: E-P-C
Definition: Average commission earned per click, calculated as Total Commissions ÷ Total Clicks.
Example: “$500 commissions from 1,000 clicks = $0.50 EPC.”
Why It Matters: EPC is the ultimate metric for comparing different offers regardless of price or commission rate.
Related Terms: Conversion Rate, ROI
Pro Tip: Aim for EPCs above your traffic cost. Need $0.75+ EPC for profitable Facebook ads.
Earnings Per Visitor (EPV)
Pronunciation: E-P-V
Definition: Average commission per unique visitor, accounting for multiple page views.
Example: “$500 from 2,000 visitors = $0.25 EPV.”
Why It Matters: Better metric than EPC for content sites where visitors view multiple pages.
Related Terms: EPC, Visitor Value
Pro Tip: Increase EPV by promoting complementary products—visitors buying one thing often buy related items.
Email Marketing
Definition: Promoting affiliate products through email newsletters or automated sequences.
Example: “My welcome email series promotes three relevant affiliate products.”
Why It Matters: Email has the highest ROI of any marketing channel—$42 per $1 spent average.
Related Terms: List Building, Swipe Copy
Pro Tip: Many programs prohibit direct email links. Send to content first, then to offers.
Engagement Rate
Definition: How actively users interact with your content through clicks, shares, comments, and time on page.
Example: “Posts with 5%+ engagement rate convert 3x better than low-engagement content.”
Why It Matters: High engagement signals valuable content, improving both SEO and conversions.
Related Terms: Bounce Rate, User Experience
Pro Tip: Ask questions and include polls to boost engagement—interaction increases investment.
F
First-Click Attribution
Definition: Commission model crediting the first affiliate to introduce a customer to a product.
Example: “Even if they buy through another affiliate later, I get credit for introducing them.”
Why It Matters: Rewards content creators and educators who start the customer journey.
Related Terms: Last-Click Attribution, Attribution
Pro Tip: First-click programs favor content marketing over direct response—plan accordingly.
Flat Rate
Definition: A fixed commission amount regardless of sale price.
Example: “Earn $30 flat rate whether the customer buys the $97 or $197 package.”
Why It Matters: Predictable earnings, but may limit upside on high-value sales.
Related Terms: CPA, Revenue Share
Pro Tip: Flat rate works best for consistent price products—avoid for merchants with wide price ranges.
Fraud
Definition: Illegal activities like cookie stuffing, fake transactions, or trademark bidding to steal commissions.
Example: “The network terminated his account for cookie stuffing fraud.”
Why It Matters: Fraud hurts everyone—merchants raise standards, making approval harder for legitimate affiliates.
Related Terms: Compliance, Cookie Stuffing
Pro Tip: Report suspicious activity. Networks appreciate honest affiliates who protect the ecosystem.
FTC Guidelines
Definition: Federal Trade Commission rules requiring clear disclosure of material connections between affiliates and merchants.
Example: “FTC guidelines require disclosure even in social media posts with affiliate links.”
Why It Matters: Violations can result in massive fines and legal action.
Related Terms: Disclosure, Compliance
Pro Tip: When in doubt, over-disclose. “Assume readers are blind to anything subtle” – FTC guidance.
G
Geo-Targeting
Definition: Showing different content or offers based on visitor location.
Example: “Geo-target UK visitors to Amazon.co.uk for better conversions.”
Why It Matters: Localized offers convert better and some products have geographic restrictions.
Related Terms: Localization, International
Pro Tip: Use geo-targeting plugins to automatically route international traffic to appropriate programs.
Gravity
Definition: ClickBank’s metric showing how many unique affiliates made sales in the past 12 weeks.
Example: “A gravity of 50 means 50+ affiliates successfully sold this product recently.”
Why It Matters: Indicates proven products, but super-high gravity means heavy competition.
Related Terms: ClickBank, Competition
Pro Tip: Sweet spot is 20-100 gravity—proven but not oversaturated. Above 150 is usually too competitive.
H
High-Ticket
Definition: Expensive products typically priced above $500, offering larger commission amounts.
Example: “This $2,000 course pays $600 commission per sale.”
Why It Matters: Fewer sales needed to reach income goals, but requires more trust-building.
Related Terms: Low-Ticket, Commission
Pro Tip: High-ticket converts best with webinars, email sequences, and detailed reviews—not cold traffic.
Hop Link
Definition: ClickBank’s term for an affiliate link.
Example: “Generate your hop link from the marketplace to start promoting.”
Why It Matters: ClickBank uses unique terminology—hop link = affiliate link.
Related Terms: Affiliate Link, ClickBank
Pro Tip: Always use ClickBank’s link encryption to prevent commission theft.
I
Impression
Definition: Each time an ad or link is displayed to a user.
Example: “My banner received 10,000 impressions but only 100 clicks—1% CTR.”
Why It Matters: Impressions measure reach, but without clicks, they’re just vanity metrics.
Related Terms: CTR, View
Pro Tip: Focus on impression quality over quantity—1,000 targeted impressions beat 10,000 random ones.
Influencer
Definition: Someone with engaged followers who can drive purchasing decisions through recommendations.
Example: “Micro-influencers (10K-100K followers) often convert better than celebrities.”
Why It Matters: Influencer marketing can scale affiliate income through audience leverage.
Related Terms: Social Media Marketing, Audience
Pro Tip: Engagement rate matters more than follower count—5% engagement minimum for profitability.
In-House Program
Definition: Affiliate program managed directly by the merchant rather than through a network.
Example: “Amazon Associates is an in-house program with custom tracking.”
Why It Matters: Often better commissions (no network fees) but may have proprietary tracking systems.
Related Terms: Affiliate Network, Direct Program
Pro Tip: In-house programs may pay faster but require separate logins and tax forms.
J
JV (Joint Venture)
Pronunciation: J-V
Definition: Partnership between affiliates or with merchants for mutual benefit.
Example: “Our JV splits commissions 50/50—I provide traffic, they provide content.”
Why It Matters: JVs can unlock opportunities you couldn’t access alone.
Related Terms: Partnership, Collaboration
Pro Tip: Document all JV terms in writing—verbal agreements lead to disputes.
JVZoo
Definition: Digital marketplace popular for internet marketing products and software launches.
Example: “JVZoo specializes in ‘make money online’ products with instant commissions.”
Why It Matters: Instant PayPal commissions, but quality varies widely.
Related Terms: Product Launch, Affiliate Network
Pro Tip: Check seller history—JVZoo has less vetting than other networks. Avoid serial launchers.
K
Keyword
Definition: Words or phrases people search for that you target in content or ads.
Example: “The keyword ‘best standing desk’ gets 40,000 monthly searches.”
Why It Matters: Targeting the right keywords brings qualified traffic ready to buy.
Related Terms: SEO, Search Intent
Pro Tip: “Best” and “review” keywords convert 5x better than informational queries.
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Pronunciation: K-P-I
Definition: Metrics used to measure success in affiliate marketing.
Example: “My main KPIs are EPC, conversion rate, and monthly revenue.”
Why It Matters: What gets measured gets improved. Track KPIs to optimize performance.
Related Terms: Metrics, Analytics
Pro Tip: Focus on 3-5 KPIs maximum—too many metrics lead to analysis paralysis.
L
Landing Page
Definition: A standalone page designed to convert visitors into leads or customers.
Example: “My landing page pre-sells the product before sending to the merchant.”
Why It Matters: Good landing pages can double or triple conversion rates.
Related Terms: Bridge Page, Conversion Rate
Pro Tip: Match landing page messaging to traffic source—Facebook traffic needs different angles than Google.
Last-Click Attribution
Definition: Commission model crediting the final affiliate link clicked before purchase.
Example: “Even if others introduced the product, the last affiliate clicked gets paid.”
Why It Matters: Most common attribution model—favors closers over introducers.
Related Terms: Attribution, First-Click
Pro Tip: Last-click favors retargeting and email marketing—position yourself as the final touchpoint.
Lead
Definition: A potential customer who has shown interest by providing contact information.
Example: “Generated 100 insurance leads at $15 CPL = $1,500 commission.”
Why It Matters: Lead generation offers convert easier than sales but require quality traffic.
Related Terms: CPL, Lead Generation
Pro Tip: Qualify leads with questions—better to send 10 quality leads than 100 junk ones.
Lead Generation
Definition: The process of attracting and capturing potential customer information.
Example: “My quiz funnel generates 500 leads per month for affiliate offers.”
Why It Matters: Building a list lets you promote multiple offers to the same audience.
Related Terms: Email Marketing, Funnel
Pro Tip: The money is in the list, but only if you provide value—not just promotions.
Lifetime Value (LTV)
Pronunciation: L-T-V
Definition: Total revenue generated from a customer over their entire relationship.
Example: “Subscription products have higher LTV through recurring commissions.”
Why It Matters: High LTV products justify higher acquisition costs.
Related Terms: Recurring Commissions, Customer Value
Pro Tip: Prioritize recurring commission products—one sale can pay for months or years.
Link Cloaking
Definition: Shortening or masking affiliate links for aesthetics and tracking.
Example: “Cloak ‘site.com/go/product‘ instead of showing long affiliate URLs.”
Why It Matters: Clean links get more clicks and prevent commission theft.
Related Terms: URL Shortener, Pretty Links
Pro Tip: Use 301 redirects and add ‘nofollow’ tags to cloaked links for compliance.
Low-Ticket
Definition: Inexpensive products typically under $50.
Example: “This $27 ebook converts at 5% but only pays $13.50 commission.”
Why It Matters: Easier to sell but requires volume for significant income.
Related Terms: High-Ticket, Impulse Buy
Pro Tip: Low-ticket works best with impulse traffic—social media, email, display ads.
M
Manual Approval
Definition: Affiliate programs requiring human review before acceptance.
Example: “Luxury brands often use manual approval to maintain brand standards.”
Why It Matters: Higher barriers but often means better commissions and less competition.
Related Terms: Auto-Approve, Application
Pro Tip: Include traffic stats and content samples in applications—professionalism wins approvals.
Merchant
Definition: The company/seller whose products you promote for commission (also called Advertiser or Vendor).
Example: “This merchant pays 30% commission on all sales.”
Why It Matters: Your success depends on choosing quality merchants with good products and fair terms.
Related Terms: Advertiser, Vendor, Seller
Pro Tip: Test order from merchants before promoting—you can’t effectively sell what you don’t know.
Meta Description
Definition: HTML tag providing page summary for search engines, often showing in results.
Example: “Include your target keyword in the meta description for better CTR.”
Why It Matters: Good meta descriptions improve search click-through rates by 5-10%.
Related Terms: SEO, SERP
Pro Tip: Keep under 155 characters and include emotional triggers—”shocking,” “essential,” “mistakes.”
Metrics
Definition: Measurable values used to track affiliate marketing performance.
Example: “Key metrics include clicks, conversions, EPC, and ROI.”
Why It Matters: You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
Related Terms: Analytics, KPI
Pro Tip: Check metrics weekly, optimize monthly—daily checking leads to premature decisions.
N
Native Advertising
Definition: Paid content that matches the platform’s organic content format.
Example: “Native ads on news sites look like article recommendations.”
Why It Matters: Less intrusive than banners, often converting 3-5x better.
Related Terms: Content Marketing, Advertorial
Pro Tip: Best native headline formula: “Number + Adjective + Keyword + Promise.”
Negative Keywords
Definition: Terms you exclude from paid search campaigns to avoid irrelevant clicks.
Example: “Add ‘free’ as negative keyword to avoid freebie seekers.”
Why It Matters: Reduces wasted ad spend on non-converting traffic.
Related Terms: PPC, Keywords
Pro Tip: Common negatives: free, torrent, crack, DIY, cheap (unless targeting bargain hunters).
Network
See Affiliate Network
Niche
Definition: A specialized segment of a market with specific needs and interests.
Example: “Instead of ‘fitness,’ target ‘keto for busy moms’—more specific, less competition.”
Why It Matters: Riches are in the niches. Specific audiences convert better.
Related Terms: Target Market, Vertical
Pro Tip: Start narrow, expand later. Master one niche before attempting multiple.
Nofollow
Definition: HTML attribute telling search engines not to pass authority through a link.
Example: <a href="affiliate-link" rel="nofollow">Product Name</a>
Why It Matters: Google recommends nofollowing affiliate links to avoid penalties.
Related Terms: SEO, Link Attribute
Pro Tip: Most affiliate programs require nofollow. Use WordPress plugins to automate.
O
Offer
Definition: The specific product, service, or action being promoted to earn commissions.
Example: “This weight loss offer pays $40 per sale.”
Why It Matters: Choosing the right offers determines your success more than any other factor.
Related Terms: Product, Campaign
Pro Tip: Test 5 offers minimum—even experienced marketers can’t predict winners consistently.
Opt-In
Definition: When someone voluntarily subscribes to receive communications.
Example: “My opt-in form converts at 25% with a free guide incentive.”
Why It Matters: Building an email list creates a reusable asset for promotions.
Related Terms: Lead Generation, Email List
Pro Tip: Single opt-in converts better, but double opt-in has higher quality and deliverability.
Optimization
Definition: Improving performance through testing and refinement.
Example: “Split-testing headlines increased conversion rate from 2% to 3.5%.”
Why It Matters: Small optimizations compound into massive improvements.
Related Terms: Testing, Conversion Rate
Pro Tip: Optimize one element at a time—multiple changes make it impossible to identify winners.
Organic Traffic
Definition: Visitors who find your content through unpaid search results.
Example: “My review ranks #3 on Google, driving 1,000 organic visitors monthly.”
Why It Matters: Free, targeted traffic with high buying intent.
Related Terms: SEO, Search Traffic
Pro Tip: Organic traffic takes time but lasts years. Paid traffic stops when budget stops.
P
Paid Traffic
Definition: Visitors acquired through paid advertising on platforms like Google, Facebook, or native networks.
Example: “My Facebook ads drive paid traffic to product reviews at $0.50 per click.”
Why It Matters: Fastest way to scale but requires careful ROI management.
Related Terms: PPC, Media Buying
Pro Tip: Start with $5-10/day budgets. Scale only after proving profitability at small scale.
Partner
See Affiliate
Payment Threshold
Definition: Minimum commission balance required before receiving payment.
Example: “ShareASale’s $50 payment threshold means waiting if you only earned $40.”
Why It Matters: High thresholds can delay cash flow for new affiliates.
Related Terms: Payment Schedule, Minimum Payout
Pro Tip: Focus on one network until passing threshold—spreading thin delays all payments.
Payment Schedule
Definition: When and how often affiliate networks or merchants pay commissions.
Example: “Net-30 means payment 30 days after month ends—April commissions paid May 30.”
Why It Matters: Cash flow planning requires understanding payment delays.
Related Terms: Net-30, Payment Terms
Pro Tip: Most networks pay monthly. Build 60-90 day cash reserves for stability.
PPC (Pay-Per-Click)
Pronunciation: P-P-C
Definition: Advertising model where you pay for each click, commonly Google Ads or Bing Ads.
Example: “My PPC campaign targets ‘best mattress reviews’ at $2 per click.”
Why It Matters: Immediate traffic but requires higher converting offers to profit.
Related Terms: CPC, Paid Traffic
Pro Tip: Many merchants prohibit PPC on brand terms—always check terms first.
Performance Bonus
Definition: Extra commission earned by reaching specific sales milestones.
Example: “Hit 50 sales this month for a 25% commission boost.”
Why It Matters: Bonuses can significantly increase earnings for productive affiliates.
Related Terms: Tiered Commission, Incentive
Pro Tip: Ask managers about unpublished bonuses—many offer them to serious affiliates.
Pixel
Definition: Small code snippet tracking user actions for conversion attribution and retargeting.
Example: “Place the Facebook pixel to build custom audiences of cart abandoners.”
Why It Matters: Pixels enable advanced tracking and retargeting strategies.
Related Terms: Tracking, Retargeting
Pro Tip: iOS 14+ limits pixel tracking. Diversify tracking methods beyond pixels alone.
Postback URL
Definition: Server-to-server tracking method sending conversion data between platforms.
Example: “Set up postback URLs to sync ClickBank sales with your tracker.”
Why It Matters: More reliable than pixel tracking and works despite browser restrictions.
Related Terms: S2S Tracking, Conversion Tracking
Pro Tip: Test postbacks with small traffic first—incorrect setup can miss all conversions.
PPC Arbitrage
Definition: Buying traffic cheaper than the resulting affiliate commissions.
Example: “Buy clicks at $0.40, earn $0.60 EPC = $0.20 profit per click.”
Why It Matters: Scalable but risky—requires tight margin management.
Related Terms: Arbitrage, Media Buying
Pro Tip: Need 50%+ margin for safety—costs fluctuate and conversions vary.
Pre-Launch
Definition: Promotional period before a product officially releases, building anticipation.
Example: “The pre-launch offers 50% discount to early buyers.”
Why It Matters: Pre-launch buyers are most excited, leading to higher conversions.
Related Terms: Product Launch, Launch Sequence
Pro Tip: Focus on building anticipation, not selling—let scarcity do the work.
Pre-Sell Page
Definition: Content preparing visitors for an offer before sending to merchant’s site.
Example: “My pre-sell article explains why this solution beats alternatives.”
Why It Matters: Warm traffic converts 2-5x better than cold traffic.
Related Terms: Bridge Page, Landing Page
Pro Tip: Best pre-sells tell stories—personal experience beats feature lists.
Product Feed
See Data Feed
Product Launch
Definition: Coordinated release of a new product with multiple affiliates promoting simultaneously.
Example: “This Thursday’s launch includes $10,000 in affiliate prizes.”
Why It Matters: Launch urgency and social proof drive higher conversions.
Related Terms: JV Launch, Pre-Launch
Pro Tip: Promote launches to warm audiences only—cold traffic rarely converts on new products.
Publisher
Definition: Another term for affiliate, emphasizing content creation role.
Example: “Publishers create valuable content that happens to include affiliate links.”
Why It Matters: Thinking like a publisher (value-first) creates sustainable business.
Related Terms: Affiliate, Content Creator
Pro Tip: The best affiliates are publishers first, marketers second.
Q
Quality Score
Definition: Google’s rating of PPC ad relevance affecting cost and placement.
Example: “Improving quality score from 5 to 8 cut my costs by 40%.”
Why It Matters: Higher scores mean lower costs and better ad positions.
Related Terms: PPC, Google Ads
Pro Tip: Match ad copy to keywords to landing pages—consistency improves quality score.
R
Recurring Commissions
Definition: Ongoing payments for subscription products as long as customer remains active.
Example: “Earn $20/month for every active hosting customer you refer.”
Why It Matters: One sale can pay for months or years—true passive income.
Related Terms: Lifetime Value, Subscription
Pro Tip: Prioritize recurring offers. Five good referrals can equal full-time income.
Redirect
Definition: Automatically sending visitors from one URL to another.
Example: “301 redirect old affiliate links to new ones maintaining SEO value.”
Why It Matters: Proper redirects preserve traffic and commissions when URLs change.
Related Terms: 301 Redirect, Link Management
Pro Tip: Use 301 (permanent) not 302 (temporary) for affiliate link redirects.
Referral
Definition: A visitor sent to a merchant through your affiliate link.
Example: “Sent 1,000 referrals last month, converting 25 into sales.”
Why It Matters: Quality of referrals matters more than quantity.
Related Terms: Traffic, Click
Pro Tip: Track referral sources—knowing what works lets you scale winners.
Refund Rate
Definition: Percentage of sales that get refunded, reducing net commissions.
Example: “This product’s 30% refund rate means adjust expectations accordingly.”
Why It Matters: High refund rates indicate quality issues or mismatched expectations.
Related Terms: Chargeback, Net Revenue
Pro Tip: Anything over 15% refund rate is concerning—look for better offers.
Return Days
Definition: How long customers have to return products affecting commission locks.
Example: “Amazon’s 30-day return window means commissions aren’t safe immediately.”
Why It Matters: Plan cash flow around return periods—commissions can be reversed.
Related Terms: Commission Lock, Refund Period
Pro Tip: Digital products typically have lower return rates than physical products.
Revenue Share (RevShare)
Definition: Commission model paying percentage of sale price rather than fixed amount.
Example: “30% revenue share on a $100 product = $30 commission.”
Why It Matters: Scales with price—upsells and premium versions pay more.
Related Terms: Commission Structure, Percentage
Pro Tip: RevShare beats flat rate for products with variable pricing or upsells.
ROI (Return on Investment)
Pronunciation: R-O-I
Definition: Profit relative to cost, calculated as (Revenue – Cost) ÷ Cost × 100.
Example: “Spent $100 on ads, earned $300 in commissions = 200% ROI.”
Why It Matters: The ultimate measure of campaign profitability.
Related Terms: Profit, ROAS
Pro Tip: Include time cost in ROI calculations—$100 profit taking 100 hours isn’t good ROI.
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
Pronunciation: R-O-A-S
Definition: Revenue generated per dollar spent on advertising.
Example: “3:1 ROAS means earning $3 for every $1 in ad spend.”
Why It Matters: Quick way to assess paid campaign performance.
Related Terms: ROI, Ad Spend
Pro Tip: Need 2:1 ROAS minimum for breathing room—accounts for hidden costs.
S
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Pronunciation: sass or S-A-A-S
Definition: Subscription-based software accessed online, often with recurring commissions.
Example: “Email tools, project management, and hosting are profitable SaaS niches.”
Why It Matters: High lifetime values and recurring commissions create predictable income.
Related Terms: Recurring Commission, Subscription
Pro Tip: SaaS customers stick around—focus on quality over quantity.
Search Intent
Definition: The purpose behind a user’s search query.
Example: “Best mattress” shows commercial intent, “how to sleep better” is informational.”
Why It Matters: Matching content to intent dramatically improves conversions.
Related Terms: Keywords, User Intent
Pro Tip: Commercial intent keywords (“best,” “review,” “vs”) convert 5-10x better.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Pronunciation: S-E-O
Definition: Optimizing content to rank higher in search engine results.
Example: “Good SEO helped my review rank #1 for ‘best standing desk 2025’.”
Why It Matters: Free, targeted traffic that compounds over time.
Related Terms: Organic Traffic, Keywords
Pro Tip: Focus on long-tail keywords first—easier to rank and often better converting.
SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
Pronunciation: S-E-R-P
Definition: The page shown after a search query containing organic and paid results.
Example: “My site appears in position 3 on the SERP for my target keyword.”
Why It Matters: Higher SERP positions get exponentially more clicks.
Related Terms: SEO, Ranking
Pro Tip: Featured snippets (position 0) can outperform #1 rankings—optimize for them.
Session
Definition: A period of user activity on a website, typically ending after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Example: “Users average 3 pages per session with 2-minute session duration.”
Why It Matters: Longer sessions indicate engaged visitors more likely to convert.
Related Terms: User Engagement, Analytics
Pro Tip: Increase session duration with internal linking and related content suggestions.
ShareASale
Definition: Major affiliate network known for diverse merchants and reliable tracking.
Example: “ShareASale hosts thousands of merchants across all verticals.”
Why It Matters: One-stop shop for physical and digital products with good reporting.
Related Terms: Affiliate Network, CJ Affiliate
Pro Tip: Use ShareASale’s “Merchants by EPC” report to find proven converters.
Split Testing (A/B Testing)
Definition: Comparing two versions to determine which performs better.
Example: “Split test showed red buttons convert 15% better than blue.”
Why It Matters: Data beats opinions—testing reveals what actually works.
Related Terms: Optimization, Testing
Pro Tip: Test big changes first (headlines, offers) then refine smaller elements.
SSL Certificate
Definition: Security technology encrypting data between websites and visitors.
Example: “Sites with SSL show padlock icons and https:// URLs.”
Why It Matters: Required for SEO rankings and visitor trust.
Related Terms: Security, Trust Signals
Pro Tip: Free SSL from Let’s Encrypt works fine—no need for expensive certificates.
Sub-Affiliate
Definition: Affiliates recruited under you in two-tier programs.
Example: “Earn 5% of all sales your sub-affiliates generate.”
Why It Matters: Leverage other people’s efforts for passive income.
Related Terms: Two-Tier, Multi-Level
Pro Tip: Focus on recruiting quality over quantity—one good sub-affiliate beats 100 inactive ones.
Sub-ID
Definition: Additional tracking parameter for segmenting traffic sources or campaigns.
Example: “Use sub-IDs to track which blog posts drive sales.”
Why It Matters: Granular tracking reveals optimization opportunities.
Related Terms: Tracking, UTM Parameters
Pro Tip: Create consistent sub-ID naming conventions—organization enables analysis.
Super Affiliate
Definition: Top-performing affiliates generating significant volume or revenue.
Example: “Super affiliates often get exclusive deals and higher commissions.”
Why It Matters: Aspiration goal, plus understanding their strategies improves your results.
Related Terms: Top Performer, High Volume
Pro Tip: Most super affiliates focus on one traffic source mastered deeply.
Swipe Copy
Definition: Pre-written marketing copy provided by merchants for affiliate use.
Example: “The vendor provided email swipes for the product launch.”
Why It Matters: Saves time but should be customized for better results.
Related Terms: Creative, Email Template
Pro Tip: Never use swipe copy verbatim—everyone else is. Customize for uniqueness.
T
Targeting
Definition: Focusing marketing efforts on specific audiences likely to convert.
Example: “Target women 35-45 interested in yoga for this wellness product.”
Why It Matters: Precise targeting reduces costs and increases conversions.
Related Terms: Demographics, Audience
Pro Tip: Start narrow, expand gradually—broad targeting wastes money finding your audience.
Terms of Service (TOS)
Definition: Rules governing use of affiliate programs or networks.
Example: “Amazon’s TOS prohibits link cloaking and price mentions.”
Why It Matters: Violations result in account termination and forfeited commissions.
Related Terms: Compliance, Agreement
Pro Tip: Re-read TOS quarterly—terms change without notice.
Tiered Commission
Definition: Commission rates that increase with performance levels.
Example: “Earn 20% base, 25% at 10 sales, 30% at 25+ sales monthly.”
Why It Matters: Rewards growth and incentivizes pushing harder each month.
Related Terms: Performance Bonus, Commission Structure
Pro Tip: Calculate if reaching higher tiers justifies paid traffic investment.
Tracking
Definition: Technology monitoring clicks, conversions, and commission attribution.
Example: “Tracking shows mobile converts 2x better than desktop for this offer.”
Why It Matters: Can’t optimize what you don’t track.
Related Terms: Analytics, Attribution
Pro Tip: Use backup tracking methods—server issues can lose commission data.
Traffic
Definition: Visitors coming to your website or affiliate links.
Example: “Increased traffic 50% but conversions stayed flat—wrong audience.”
Why It Matters: Traffic quality matters more than quantity.
Related Terms: Visitors, Audience
Pro Tip: Track traffic temperature—cold, warm, hot—and match offers accordingly.
Traffic Source
Definition: Where your visitors originate (search, social, email, etc.).
Example: “Pinterest traffic converts best for home decor affiliates.”
Why It Matters: Different sources have different intents and conversion rates.
Related Terms: Channel, Origin
Pro Tip: Master one traffic source before adding others—depth beats breadth.
Two-Tier Program
Definition: Earning commissions on sales from affiliates you recruit.
Example: “Earn 30% on your sales plus 5% on sub-affiliate sales.”
Why It Matters: Creates passive income through team building.
Related Terms: Sub-Affiliate, MLM
Pro Tip: Only recruit if the program is solid—your reputation is on the line.
U
Unique Click
Definition: First click from a specific visitor within a defined period.
Example: “1,000 unique clicks means 1,000 different people, not repeat visitors.”
Why It Matters: Better metric than raw clicks for measuring reach.
Related Terms: Raw Click, Visitor
Pro Tip: Unique click EPC more accurately reflects true performance.
Upsell
Definition: Additional or premium offer presented after initial purchase.
Example: “The $47 ebook upsells to a $197 video course at 30% take rate.”
Why It Matters: Upsells can double or triple average order value.
Related Terms: Cross-sell, Order Bump
Pro Tip: Promote products with proven upsell funnels—backend is where profit lives.
URL
Definition: Web address for a specific page or resource.
Example: “Keep affiliate URLs organized in a spreadsheet for easy management.”
Why It Matters: Broken or incorrect URLs mean lost commissions.
Related Terms: Link, Web Address
Pro Tip: Use link management plugins to update multiple URLs from one location.
User Experience (UX)
Definition: How visitors interact with and perceive your website.
Example: “Improved UX by reducing page load time from 5 to 2 seconds.”
Why It Matters: Better UX = longer visits = more conversions.
Related Terms: Design, Usability
Pro Tip: Mobile UX matters most—60%+ of traffic is mobile now.
UTM Parameters
Definition: Tags added to URLs for tracking traffic sources in analytics.
Example: “?utm_source=facebook&utm_
Why It Matters: Enables precise tracking without relying on platform data.
Related Terms: Tracking, Analytics
Pro Tip: Keep UTM naming consistent—inconsistency ruins data analysis.
V
Vendor
See Merchant
Vertical
Definition: A specific industry or market category.
Example: “Health, wealth, and relationships are the biggest affiliate verticals.”
Why It Matters: Some verticals have higher commissions and conversion rates.
Related Terms: Niche, Market
Pro Tip: Start in one vertical—cross-vertical promotion confuses audiences.
Visitor Value
Definition: Average revenue generated per site visitor.
Example: “$0.50 visitor value means 1,000 visitors = $500 revenue.”
Why It Matters: Knowing visitor value determines acceptable traffic costs.
Related Terms: EPV, Monetization
Pro Tip: Increase visitor value with email capture and multiple offer exposure.
W
Webinar
Definition: Online presentation used to educate and sell high-ticket products.
Example: “This webinar converts at 10% on a $997 product.”
Why It Matters: Best conversion tool for expensive products requiring trust.
Related Terms: High-Ticket, Presentation
Pro Tip: Automated webinars convert nearly as well as live with 10x less work.
Webhook
Definition: Automated notification sent between systems when events occur.
Example: “Webhook fires to my autoresponder when someone purchases.”
Why It Matters: Enables real-time automation and tracking.
Related Terms: API, Postback
Pro Tip: Test webhooks thoroughly—silent failures lose data permanently.
White Hat
Definition: Ethical marketing practices following all rules and guidelines.
Example: “White hat SEO focuses on value for users, not gaming algorithms.”
Why It Matters: Sustainable long-term approach avoiding penalties.
Related Terms: Black Hat, Ethics
Pro Tip: White hat takes longer but builds real businesses—shortcuts eventually fail.
X
XML Sitemap
Definition: File listing all pages on your site for search engine crawling.
Example: “Submit XML sitemap to Google for faster indexing.”
Why It Matters: Ensures search engines find all your content.
Related Terms: SEO, Indexing
Pro Tip: Update sitemaps automatically with plugins—manual updating gets forgotten.
Y
Year-Over-Year (YOY)
Definition: Comparing current performance to same period last year.
Example: “Revenue up 150% YOY shows strong growth.”
Why It Matters: Accounts for seasonality in performance measurement.
Related Terms: Growth, Analytics
Pro Tip: Track YOY from month one—builds valuable historical data.
Z
Zero-Click Search
Definition: Search where users get answers without clicking results.
Example: “Google’s featured snippets provide answers without clicks.”
Why It Matters: Reduces organic traffic to affiliate sites.
Related Terms: Featured Snippet, SERP
Pro Tip: Target queries requiring detailed answers that snippets can’t satisfy.
Quick Reference: Common Acronyms
- AOV – Average Order Value
- API – Application Programming Interface
- CPA – Cost Per Action/Acquisition
- CPC – Cost Per Click
- CPL – Cost Per Lead
- CPM – Cost Per Mille (Thousand)
- CR – Conversion Rate
- CRO – Conversion Rate Optimization
- CTR – Click-Through Rate
- EPC – Earnings Per Click
- EPV – Earnings Per Visitor
- FTC – Federal Trade Commission
- KPI – Key Performance Indicator
- LTV – Lifetime Value
- PPC – Pay-Per-Click
- ROI – Return on Investment
- ROAS – Return on Ad Spend
- S2S – Server-to-Server
- SaaS – Software as a Service
- SEO – Search Engine Optimization
- SERP – Search Engine Results Page
- TOS – Terms of Service
- UX – User Experience
- YOY – Year-Over-Year
Metric Calculations
EPC (Earnings Per Click) Formula: Total Commissions ÷ Total Clicks Example: $500 ÷ 1,000 clicks = $0.50 EPC
Conversion Rate Formula: (Conversions ÷ Clicks) × 100 Example: (25 ÷ 1,000) × 100 = 2.5%
ROI (Return on Investment) Formula: ((Revenue – Cost) ÷ Cost) × 100 Example: (($300 – $100) ÷ $100) × 100 = 200%
CTR (Click-Through Rate) Formula: (Clicks ÷ Impressions) × 100 Example: (50 ÷ 1,000) × 100 = 5%
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) Formula: Revenue ÷ Ad Spend Example: $300 ÷ $100 = 3:1 ROAS
Common Confusions Clarified
Impressions vs. Clicks
- Impressions: How many times shown
- Clicks: How many times acted upon
Gross vs. Net EPC
- Gross: Before refunds/chargebacks
- Net: After all deductions
RevShare vs. CPA
- RevShare: Percentage of sale price
- CPA: Fixed amount per action
Cookie Duration vs. Attribution Window
- Same concept, different terminology
Affiliate vs. Publisher
- Same role, different emphasis
Have a Term We Missed?
Contact us at support@convertminded.com to suggest additions. We update this glossary monthly as the industry evolves.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this page for quick reference during your affiliate marketing journey. Understanding the language is the first step to mastering the business.
Last Updated: July 2025