You've probably seen affiliate marketers taking the world by storm in recent months and have probably googled it a thousand times - but you aren't alone if you are thinking that starting in the world of affiliate marketing can be daunting, especially with the jargon that comes with it. In this article, we cover five key terms to have you feeling confident as you kickstart your affiliate marketing journey.

Affiliate Program

At its core, an affiliate program is a partnership between a brand or product creator and an affiliate marketer. The affiliate promotes the product or service and earns a commission for each sale, click, or lead generated through their unique affiliate link. Joining an affiliate program is the first step for marketers looking to monetise their online presence.

Commission Structure

Understanding the commission structure is vital for affiliate marketers. This term refers to how affiliates earn money. Commissions can be a percentage of the sale, a fixed amount per sale, or a hybrid of both. Examining and choosing the right commission structure aligns with your revenue goals and the profitability of the products or services you're promoting.

Cookie Duration

The cookie duration plays a crucial role in affiliate marketing. A cookie is a small piece of data stored on a user's device after clicking an affiliate link. The duration defines how long the affiliate will receive credit for a sale generated by that user. A longer cookie duration provides affiliates with a more extended window to earn commissions, even if the user doesn't make an immediate purchase.

Conversion Rate

The conversion rate is a metric indicating the percentage of visitors who take the desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form, after clicking on an affiliate link. Monitoring and optimising conversion rates are essential for a Bish to be able to maximise her affiliate earnings.


Hot Tip 🔥 : A higher conversion rate usually signifies a more effective marketing strategy.

EPC (Earnings Per Click)

EPC, or earnings per click, is a metric that gauges the average earnings generated for each click on an affiliate link. It is calculated by dividing the total earnings by the total number of clicks. Affiliates use EPC to assess the profitability of promoting a particular product or program. A higher EPC indicates better earning potential for affiliates.

Bish, whether you're a seasoned affiliate marketer or just starting out - understanding affiliate programs, commission structures, cookie durations, conversion rates, and EPC is key to success. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions, optimise your strategies, and maximise your earning potential as an affiliate marketer. 

Have you ever tried affiliate marketing? If YES, then tell us why you chose affiliate marketing. If NO, tell us what's stopping you from trying this as a side hustle or income stream?