Learning the Lingo: Explaining the Language of Internet Marketing Affiliate Programs

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that affiliate programs are a good way to make cash from your website. The opportunities are limitless and the potential huge. If done properly, it can almost become a passive income. But one hurdle to making the most of joining an online affiliate program is a lack of understanding. Not only will the concept be new to you, but a lot of the language will be too.

Worry not. If you don’t know your verticals from your funnels, or your PPC from your CPC, we’re here to help.

6 Acronyms You Need to Understand to Succeed in an Internet Marketing Affiliate Program

PPC. The most common of acronyms used in affiliate programs, PPC stands for ‘Pay Per Click’. For every click an ad or a link on your website receives, you’ll receive a small payment. The most popular PPC platform is Google Adwords, but there are plenty of others out there.

CPC. CPC is Cost Per Click and it’s inextricably linked to PPC. In short, it refers to the amount of money you will receive for each ad click.

CPA. Cost Per Action is the next step on from PPC. Here, a click alone is not good enough. Actions, such as making a purchase or signing up to a newsletter must be taken. It might seem like more of a challenge, but the rewards can be greater. CPS – Cost Per Sale – is also often used if a purchase is the desired action.

CPL. Similar to CPA and CPC, Cost Per Lead relates to the price advertisers will pay for each lead generated by an advert on your site.

CTR. This means Click Through Rate and refers to the number of times that your ad was clicked on.

URL. You [hopefully] already know this, but if not… URL stands for Uniform Relay Link and basically means a web address.

5 Words You Need to Understand to Succeed in an Internet Marketing Affiliate Program

Affiliate Link. When you join any affiliate network, like Affiliate2Day, you will be assigned a personal URL that will underlie each of your adverts. It will track all traffic generated by your website to the advertiser’s platform, enabling you to get paid. Also known as a Referral Link or Partnership Link.

Contextual Link. AKA Text Link, a contextual link takes the form of text alone, making it look like content, rather than an obvious ad.

Verticals. Your verticals are your areas of interest; the potential market for your adverts. Knowing the latest trends can help you select your verticals.

Charge Back. A charge back is basically a safety net for advertisers. If your CPA sales referral decides to cancel their order, then you lose your referral fee. Many internet marketing affiliate programs retain a percentage of your monthly earnings to cover charge back. If no cancellations take place, the funds are added to your next month’s remuneration.

Affiliate Marketing Funnel. A funnel is a virtual trail to get your web visitors to take the action that will earn you cash. If you want to learn more about this, read this excellent article.

So, there you have it. Your at-a-glance dictionary to help you find your way through the foreign land of internet marketing affiliate programs. You’ll be talking like a native in no time!