Comprehensive definitions of affiliate marketing and Affelios platform terminology with links to detailed guides.
This glossary provides essential terminology for understanding affiliate marketing and the Affelios platform. Terms are regularly updated to reflect industry changes and platform developments. Click on linked terms to explore detailed guides and implementation instructions.
A unified login system used by both affiliates and program operators. One identity can belong to multiple programs, streamlining account management across different affiliate relationships.
Program
A branded space managed by a business (operator). Inside a program you configure commission plans, trackers, branding, traffic sources, and payout rules. See: Key Concepts
Operator
Business or company that creates and manages affiliate programs. Defines rules, approves affiliates, issues payments, and manages program operations. See: Key Concepts
Affiliate
A marketing partner who promotes products or services for operators in exchange for commissions. Affiliates use tracking links, creatives, and reporting tools to drive traffic and conversions. See: Affiliate Onboarding Guide
The query parameter that carries a click-identifier in affiliate tracking links. Configurable per program to match affiliate/traffic source needs. See: Key Concepts
Tracker
A tool used by affiliates to segregate attributions by traffic source or campaign, allowing them to analyze which promotional efforts perform better than others. See: Tracking Links Guide
Tracking Link
Special URL containing parameters to track affiliate attribution, generated when an affiliate creates a tracker and selects a brand/product combination. See: Tracking Links Guide
Attribution
Process of crediting conversions to the appropriate affiliate or marketing touchpoint. Affelios supports multiple attribution models including first-click, last-click, and multi-touch attribution. See: Attribution Guide
Attribution Window
Time period during which conversions can be attributed to an affiliate click. Configurable per program to match business models and customer journey lengths.
First-Click Attribution
Attribution model crediting the first affiliate interaction. Customer’s first click on any affiliate link gets credit for subsequent conversions.
Last-Click Attribution
Attribution model crediting the final affiliate interaction. The last affiliate link clicked before conversion receives full credit.
Cookie
Small text file stored on user’s device to track affiliate attribution. Used to maintain ClickKey association throughout customer journey.
Cookie Duration
Length of time a tracking cookie remains active for attribution. Configurable per program based on typical customer journey length.
Payment made to affiliates for successful referrals or conversions. Can be structured as revenue share, CPA, or hybrid models. See: Commission Plans Guide
Commission Plan
Defines how affiliates are rewarded. Can be CPA, revenue share, or a customized hybrid. You can assign different plans for different affiliates. See: Key Concepts
Revenue Share
Commission model paying a percentage of each sale generated. Most common commission structure in affiliate marketing.
Cost Per Acquisition / Cost Per Action (CPA)
Amount paid for each successful conversion or customer acquisition. Common commission model for lead generation programs.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC)
Commission model paying for each click generated. Less common than conversion-based models, focuses on traffic generation.
Revenue Share (RS)
Commission model paying percentage per sale. Most common commission structure in affiliate marketing.
Payout
Payment made to affiliates for earned commissions. Affelios supports multiple payout methods including bank transfer, PayPal, and cryptocurrency. See: Payout Methods Guide
Visitors directed to operator websites through affiliate efforts. The primary deliverable of affiliate marketing programs.
Traffic Source
The origin of traffic: websites, social media profiles, promotional content, etc. Programs may require verification of traffic sources (DNS or meta-tag). See: Key Concepts
Conversion
Desired action taken by a referred customer (purchase, signup, etc.). Tracked through ClickKey attribution and commission processing.
Click
Action of a user clicking on an affiliate tracking link. Each click generates a unique ClickKey for attribution tracking.
Landing Page
Destination page where users arrive after clicking affiliate links. Should be optimized for conversions and include proper tracking parameters.
Lead
Potential customer who has shown interest but hasn’t purchased yet. Qualifies for CPA-based commission structures.
Referral
Customer directed to operator through affiliate marketing efforts. The core value proposition of affiliate marketing programs.
Person responsible for recruiting, managing, and supporting affiliate partners. Handles onboarding, performance monitoring, and relationship management.
Affiliate Agreement
Legal contract outlining terms, conditions, and obligations between affiliates and operators. Establishes commission rates, payment terms, and promotional guidelines.
Affiliate ID
Unique identifier assigned to each affiliate for tracking and attribution purposes. Used internally by the platform to associate clicks, conversions, and commissions with specific affiliates.
Exclusive Offer
Special promotion available only to selected affiliates. Used to reward high-performing partners or test new products.
White Label
Customizable platform branded with operator’s identity. Allows operators to maintain brand consistency throughout the affiliate experience.
Platform connecting multiple affiliates with various operators. Provides centralized access to multiple affiliate programs and opportunities.
Affiliate Network
Platform that connects affiliates with multiple operators and programs. Provides centralized access to various affiliate opportunities and management tools.
In-house Program
Affiliate program managed directly by the operator company. Contrasts with network-managed programs where third parties handle operations.
Organic Traffic
Visitors arriving through unpaid search engine results. Contrasts with paid traffic from affiliate marketing efforts.
This glossary is regularly updated to reflect industry changes and platform developments. If you don’t find a term you’re looking for, check our Key Concepts page or contact support for assistance.
