100 Affiliate Marketing Terms and Concepts

Affiliate Marketing is a performance-based online marketing model in which individuals or businesses (called “affiliates” or “Affiliates”) earn commissions by promoting the products or services of other companies (merchants or advertisers). Commissions are usually paid when users complete purchases, registrations, or other specific actions through unique links provided by affiliates. This model relies on partnerships and is common on blogs, websites, social media, and other platforms.

To put it simply: you recommend a product, someone buys it through your link, and you earn a commission.

If you are a novice entering this industry, you will find too many terms, and you may not be able to understand the meaning behind these terms for a while. This article is a literacy of basic network marketing terms to help you understand these professional terms more quickly. In fact, these terms are just the conventional names for something in network marketing work, which are not complicated in themselves. I will try to use the simplest explanations and examples to illustrate the meaning of these terms.

I suggest you save this list of professional terms and use it as a dictionary to search. You can also use the search function on this page to quickly locate and find a specific term you are looking for.

1. BANNER

Explanation : An advertisement image placed on a website page, usually with a size of 468*60 pixels, is often used to display the advertisement content of a business. In order to attract more attention, banners are usually designed in an animated form.
Example : When you browse a news website, the dynamic advertising image that appears at the top or side of the page is a Banner.

2. PAGE VIEW

Explanation : The total number of times each web page on the website is viewed. A visitor may browse multiple pages, so Page View is usually greater than the number of visitors.
Example : If a user visits the homepage, product pages, and about us page of a website, then this visit generates 3 Page Views.

3. IMPRESSIONS

Explanation : The number of times the ad banner is displayed on a web page. Each time the web page is loaded, the ad is displayed once, which is counted as one impression.
Example : If an ad banner is displayed 1000 times on a web page, then the Impression is 1000.

4. CLICKS

Explanation : The number of times visitors visit the merchant’s web page by clicking on the ad banner. Each click indicates that the user is interested in the ad content.
Example : If an ad is clicked 50 times, then Clicks is 50.

5. CLICKS RATIO

Explanation : The ratio of the number of clicks on an ad to the number of times it is displayed. The calculation formula is: Click-through rate = (number of clicks / number of displays) * 100%.
Example : If an ad is shown 10,000 times and clicked 300 times, then the click-through rate is 3%.

6. FIRST VIEW

Explanation : When a user opens a web page, the first screen of content that can be seen without scrolling the page. Ads in this position usually have better effects and higher prices.
Example : When you open a news website, the first top ad you see is the First View ad.

7. CPM（Cost Per Thousand Impression）

Explanation : Cost per thousand ad impressions. Advertisers pay when their ad is displayed 1,000 times.
For example , if the CPM of an ad is 10, it means that the advertiser needs to pay 10 for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed.

8. Why not charge based on the number of times the ad banner is clicked?

Explanation : CPC is less used internationally because the click rate is affected by many factors, such as ad design, website content, etc. CPM is more common because it is more stable.
Example : A beautifully designed ad may have a high CTR, but a website with poor content may have a low CTR, so it is fairer to charge on a CPM basis.

9. PTC（Pay to Click）

Explanation : A model where users earn money by clicking on ads. Advertisers pay for each click.
Example : Some websites allow users to earn small payments by clicking on ads.

10. CPM（Cost Per Thousand Impression）

Explanation : Cost per thousand ad impressions.
For example , if an advertiser pays 10CPM, it means that for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed, the advertiser pays 10 CPM , which means that for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed, the advertiser pays 10.

11. CPC（Cost Per Click）

Explanation : The cost per click of an ad. Advertisers pay based on the number of times a user clicks on the ad.
Example : If the CPC of an ad is 0.50, it means that every time a user clicks on the ad, the advertiser pays 0.50.

12. SURF

Explanation : Refers to the act of browsing the web.
Example : When a user browses the news, social media, etc. online, it can be called “surfing”.

13. b/c = because

Explanation : An abbreviation of because, often used in informal situations.
Example : I can’t go out b/c I have work.

14. PO = Program Owner

Explanation : Project owner usually refers to the person in charge of an advertising alliance or advertising project.
Example : A PO is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an ad network.

15. plz = Please

Explanation : An abbreviation of please, often used in informal situations.
Example : Plz send me the details.

16. addy = address

Explanation : An abbreviation of address, often used in informal situations.
Example : What’s your addy?

17. FYI = For Your Information

Explanation : For your reference, often used in emails or messages.
Example : FYI, the meeting is postponed.

18. cmi = count me in

Explanation : Count me in to express willingness to participate in something.
Example : If you’re going to the party, cmi!

19. cmo = count me out

Explanation : Don’t count me in, which means unwilling to participate in something.
Example : If it’s a late night, cmo. (If it’s a late night event, don’t count me in.)

20. IMO = In My Opinion

Explanation : In my opinion, it expresses personal point of view.
Example : IMO, this is the best solution.

21. IOW = In Other Words

Explain : To restate something in other words.
Example : IOW, we need to work harder. (In other words, we need to work harder.)

22. ISO = In Search Of

Explanation : Search, often used in advertisements or posts.
Example : ISO a good web designer.

23. BTW = By The Way

Explanation : By the way, used to introduce additional information.
Example : BTW, did you see the email?

24. BRB = Be Right Back

Explanation : Be right back, indicating a short absence.
Example : BRB, need to grab a coffee. (I’ll be right back. I’ll go get a cup of coffee.)

25. BRT = Be Right There

Explanation : Arrive soon, indicating that you are about to arrive at a place.
Example : BRT, just parking the car.

26. IM = Instant Message

Explanation : Instant messaging refers to messages sent through chat software.
Example : Send me an IM when you’re free.

27. PM = Personal Message

Explanation : Private message refers to a private message sent through social media or forums.
Example : I’ll send you a PM with the details.

28. LOL = Laughing Out Loud

Explanation : Laughing out loud means finding something very funny.
Example : That joke was hilarious, LOL!

29. LMAO = Laughing My A Off**

Explanation : I am dying of laughter, which means something is very funny.
Example : LMAO, that was so funny!

**30. LMFAO = Laughing My F*cking A Off

Explanation : I laughed to death, the tone is stronger than LMAO.
Example : LMFAO, I can’t believe that happened!

31. ROTFLMAO = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A Off**

Explanation : Rolling on the ground with laughter means something is extremely funny.
Example : ROTFLMAO, that was the funniest thing ever!

**32. ROTFLMFAO = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My F*cking A Off

Explanation : Rolling on the ground laughing, the tone is stronger than ROTFLMAO.
Example : ROTFLMFAO, I can’t stop laughing! (I’m rolling on the ground laughing. I can’t stop laughing!)

33. SLMAO = Still Laughing My A Off**

Explanation : Still laughing means something still makes you laugh.
Example : SLMAO, that joke is still funny!

34. Peeps = People

Explanation : People’s slang expressions.
Example : What are you peeps up to tonight?

35. 2QT2BSTR8 = Too Cute To Be Straight

Explanation : Too cute to be straight, often used to tease someone.
Example : That puppy is 2QT2BSTR8! (That puppy is too cute to be straight!)

36. NPA = New Program Alert

Explanation : New project reminder, usually used to notify advertising alliances of new project launches.
Example : NPA: Check out the new offer!

37. WM = Web Master

Explanation : Webmaster, responsible for the operation and maintenance of the website.
Example : Contact the WM if you have any issues.

38. TOS = Terms of Service

Explanation : Terms of Service, the rules that users must agree to when using a website or service.
Example : Make sure to read the TOS before signing up.

39. FAQ = Frequently Asked Questions

Explanation : FAQ, lists frequently asked questions by users and their answers.
Example : Check the FAQ for answers to common questions.

40. IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

Explanation : In my humble opinion, it expresses a humble personal point of view.
Example : IMHO, this is the best approach.

41. AFAIK = As Far As I Know

Explanation : As far as I know, indicates a statement based on personal knowledge.
Example : AFAIK, the meeting is still on.

42. PBUH = Peace Be Upon Him

Explanation : Peace be upon him, often used to express respect when referring to a prophet or religious figure.
Example : Muhammad (PBUH) is a central figure in Islam.

43. SO = Significant Other

Explanation : The other half refers to spouse or partner.
Example : I’m going out with my SO tonight.

44. GF = GirlFriend

Explanation : Girlfriend refers to the female partner in a romantic relationship.
Example : My GF and I are going on vacation.

45. W8 = wait

Explanation : Abbreviation for wait, often used in informal situations.
Example : W8 for me, I’ll be there soon.

46. U = you

Explanation : Your abbreviation, often used in informal situations.
Example : Can u send me the file?

47. AD views

Explanation : The number of times an ad is downloaded or displayed by users is equivalent to Impression.
Example : If an ad is shown 5000 times, then AD views is 5000.

48. Advertisement Management

Explanation : Use a specific system to manage advertisements on web pages or advertising networks, and provide statistical information such as the number of displays and clicks.
Example : Ad management systems can help advertisers optimize their advertising strategies.

49. Banner

Explanation : Banners other than the standard GIF format are called Rich Media Banners, which usually contain animation or interactive elements.
Example : A banner ad that includes a video is a Rich Media Banner.

50. C/I Ratio

Explanation : The ratio of the number of times an ad is clicked to the number of times it is shown.
Example : If an ad is shown 10,000 times and clicked 200 times, then the C/I Ratio is 2%.

51. Click Ratio

Explanation : The ratio of the number of times an ad is clicked to the number of times it is shown.
Example : If an ad is shown 10,000 times and clicked 500 times, then the click-through rate is 5%.

52. Click Through

Explanation : The act of a user clicking on an advertisement or link.
Example : When a user clicks on an ad and is redirected to the merchant’s website, this is a Click Through.

53. Co-Brand

Explanation : Alliance members can place their own logos and trademarks in the frame at the top of the page to facilitate visitors browsing their web pages.
Example : When two brands collaborate on a promotion, both brands’ logos may be displayed on the page.

54. Commission

Explanation : The income earned by affiliates by promoting advertisers’ products or services.
Example : If an affiliate earns 100 in sales through promotion, the commission may be 10 for 100 in sales.

55. CPM（Cost Per Thousand Impression）

Explanation : Cost per thousand ad impressions.
For example , if an advertiser pays 10CPM, it means that for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed, the advertiser pays 10 CPM , which means that for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed, the advertiser pays 10.

56. CPC（Cost Per Click）

Explanation : The cost of each click on your ad.
Example : If the CPC of an ad is 0.50, it means that every time a user clicks on the ad, the advertiser pays 0.50.

57. EPC（Average Earning Per One Hundred Clicks）

Explanation : The average revenue per 100 clicks, used to measure the ability of clicks to convert into commissions.
For example : If the EPC of an Offer is 5, it means that every 100 clicks bring an average of 5 revenue.

58. Hosting/Hosted

Explanation : When a user clicks a link, the page they enter contains images and HTML documents provided by the website server.
Example : The advertiser’s page is hosted on a server, and users are redirected to that page after clicking on the ad.

59. Impression

Explanation : The number of times a web page is visited is equivalent to the number of times an ad is displayed.
Example : If an ad is shown 1000 times, then Impression is 1000.

60. Lead

Explanation : The user’s act of registering, joining or downloading on the advertiser’s website.
Example : A user fills out a form to register as a member, which is a Lead.

61. O/C Ratio

Explanation : The ratio of actual clicks to the number of orders to the advertiser’s website.
Example : If an ad is clicked 100 times and results in 10 orders, then the O/C Ratio is 10%.

62. Pay-For-Performance

Explanation : Advertisers pay based on actions taken by users (e.g. registration, purchase).
Example : Advertiser pays $5 per signup.

63. Pay-per-Click

Explanation : Advertisers pay per click.
Example : An advertiser pays $0.50 per click.

64. Pay-per-Impression

Explanation : Advertisers pay a fee each time their ad is displayed.
Example : An advertiser pays $10 for every 1,000 impressions.

65. Pay-per-Lead

Explanation : Advertisers pay for each effective lead (such as registration).
Example : Advertiser pays $5 per valid registration.

66. Pay-per-Sale

Explanation : Advertisers pay a commission per sale.
Example : An advertiser pays a 10% commission on each sale.

67. Portal Page

Explanation : The page that users jump to after clicking on an ad is usually a page that has been redesigned based on the ad content.
Example : After clicking on an ad, a user is directed to a specially designed promotional page.

68. Return Days

Explanation : The number of days between a user’s first visit and the next visit to the advertiser’s website.
Example : If a user visits again 7 days after their first visit, Return Days is 7.

69. Storefront

Explanation : A customized page used to display new or special products.
Example : A page designed specifically for a promotion by an advertiser is a Storefront.

70. Sub-Affiliates

Explanation : Use one account to maintain multiple sites, the main site is the alliance site, and the other sites are alliance sub-sites.
Example : An affiliate may have multiple websites, including a main site and multiple sub-sites.

71. deposit

Explanation : Deposit funds into an account.
Example : User deposits $100 into an affiliate network account.

72. withdraw

Explanation : Withdraw funds from an account.
Example : A user withdraws $50 from an ad network account.

73. refund

Explanation : Return funds to users or reimburse expenses.
Example : Ad networks return unused advertising fees to advertisers.

74. compensation

Explanation : Compensation for loss or inconvenience.
Example : An advertising network compensates a user $10 due to a system failure.

75. rate

Explanation : The ratio between two values.
Example : Click-through rate is the ratio of clicks to impressions.

76. exchange

Explanation : To exchange one currency or asset for another.
Example : User converts USD to EUR.

77. interest

Explanation : The income generated after funds are deposited into the account.
Example : A user deposits 1000, the annual interest rate is 51000, and the annual interest rate is 550.

78. principle

Explanation : The original amount of investment or deposit.
For example : If a user invests 1000, the principal is 1000, and the principal is 1000.

79. investment

Explanation : To invest money in a project or asset in the hope of receiving a return.
Example : User invests $1000 to buy stocks.

80. account

Explanation : An account used to store funds or record transactions.
Example : A user opens an account in an advertising network to manage advertising expenses.

81. charge

Explanation : A fee charged when performing a transaction or service.
Example : An advertising network charges a 2% commission.

82. bonus

Explanation : An extra reward or bonus.
Example : An advertising network offers a $10 registration bonus to new users.

83. money order

Explanation : A method of payment, similar to a check.
Example : User pays for advertising via money order.

84. bank wire

Explanation : Funds transfer through a bank.
Example : User pays for advertising via bank transfer.

85. PPC（Pay Per Click）

Explanation : Pay-per-click advertising model, advertisers pay per click.
Example : Baidu bidding advertising is the PPC model.

Explanation : Advertisements placed on social networking platforms usually come in two forms: PPC and CPM.
Examples : Advertisements on Facebook and POF are social network advertisements.

87. Display

Explanation : Purchase advertising space on a third-party website, usually displayed in the form of a banner, and charged on a CPM basis.
Example : Banner ads seen on news websites are Display ads.

88. PPV（Pay Per View）

Explanation : Pop-up ads, ads pop up when users visit a specific URL.
Example : When a user visits a website, a promotional ad pops up.

89. Affiliate Network, CPA Network

Explanation : A platform that connects advertisers and publishers. The advertising alliance itself does not promote ads, but promotes ads through publishers.
Example : CJ Affiliate is a well-known advertising network.

90. Merchant, Advertiser

Explanation : Merchants who place advertisements in the advertising network.
Example : An e-commerce company places promotional ads in an advertising alliance.

91. Affiliate, Publisher

Explanation : An individual or company that selects advertisements from an advertising alliance for promotion and earns commissions.
Example : A blogger earns commissions by promoting ads.

92. Traffic Alliance (Traffic Network, AD Network)

Explanation : An alliance that mainly sells traffic may have its own traffic or resell traffic.
Example : Google Adwords content advertising is a type of traffic alliance.

93. ROI（Return on Investment）

Explanation : Return on investment, an indicator to measure the effectiveness of investment.
Example : If you invest 10 in advertising, earn 10, and get a profit of 15, then the ROI is 50%.

94. CTR（Click Through Rate）

Explanation : Click-through rate, the ratio of the number of times an ad is clicked to the number of times it is displayed.
Example : If an ad is clicked 3 times and shown 100 times, then the CTR is 3%.

95. EPC（Earning Per Click）

Explanation : Average revenue per click.
Example : If the EPC of an Offer is 1, it means that each click brings an average of 1, which means that each click brings an average of 1 revenue.

96. CR%（Conversion Rate）

Explanation : Conversion rate, the ratio of ad clicks to conversions.
Example : If an ad is clicked 100 times and converts 10 times, then the CR% is 10%.

97. Campaign

Explanation : An advertising campaign usually contains multiple ad groups or ad styles.
Example : An ad group for a promotion is a Campaign.

98. Creative (advertising style)

Explanation : The specific form of advertising, such as pictures, texts, etc.
Example : The design of a banner advertisement is Creative.

99. CTA（Call to Action）

Explanation : A call to action, usually a button or text in an ad, that encourages users to take action.
Example : A “Buy Now” button in an ad is a CTA.

100. Pixel

Explanation : A small code used to track ad conversions, usually placed on the advertiser’s page.
Example : Advertisers use Pixel to track users’ purchasing behavior.

101. LP（Landing Page）

Explanation : The guide page is the page that users enter after clicking on the ad, usually used to improve conversion rate.
Example : The promotion page that users enter after clicking on an ad is LP.

102. CPA（Cost Per Action）

Explanation : Pay-per-action, advertisers pay when users complete specific actions (such as registration, purchase).
Example : Advertiser pays $5 per signup.

103. CPL（Cost Per Lead）

Explanation : Pay per lead, advertisers pay for each valid lead (such as registration).
Example : Advertiser pays $5 per valid registration.

104. CPS（Cost Per Sale）

Explanation : Pay per sale, advertisers pay a commission per sale.
Example : An advertiser pays a 10% commission on each sale.

105. CPM（Cost Per Thousand Impression）

Explanation : The fee is charged by the thousand impressions, and the advertiser pays for every 1,000 times the ad is displayed.
Example : An advertiser pays $10 for every 1,000 impressions.

Explanation : Advertisers share the revenue brought by users with publishers.
Example : Advertisers share 20% of the revenue generated by users with publishers.

107. Split Test

Explanation : Testing multiple ads or pages simultaneously to determine which performs better.
Example : Testing two different LPs simultaneously to determine which converts better.