Types of Affiliate Marketing – A Complete Guide
Published: 16 Sep 2025
Are you confused about where to start in affiliate marketing? With so many programs and strategies available, beginners often feel lost. Should you choose pay-per-click, pay-per-sale, or influencer-based promotion? Do not worry, this article will explain the types of affiliate marketing in a simple way so you can make the right choice.
Types of affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is not just one single method; it comes in many different forms. Understanding the various types of affiliate marketing will help you select the most effective strategy for achieving success. Here are the main types of affiliate marketing:
- Pay Per Sale (PPS)
- Pay Per Lead (PPL)
- Pay Per Click (PPC)
- Unattached Affiliate Marketing
- Related Affiliate Marketing
- Involved Affiliate Marketing
- Content Marketing Affiliates
- Coupon & Deal Sites Affiliates
- Review Sites Affiliates
- Comparison Sites Affiliates
- Loyalty & Cashback Program Affiliates
- Mobile App Affiliate Marketing
- Podcast Affiliate Marketing
- Video / YouTube Affiliate Marketing
- AI & Chatbot-Based Affiliate Marketing
Pay Per Sale (PPS)
In this type, you earn money when someone buys a product through your link. The company gives you a part of the sale as a reward. It is simple and easy to understand. Many people like this model because it offers a good salary.
If someone clicks your link and buys a book from Amazon, you get a part of that money.
Pay Per Lead (PPL)
In Pay Per Lead, you earn money when someone takes an action. The action can be as simple as filling out a form, signing up for a newsletter, or creating an account on a website. You do not need a sale to get paid. The company pays you only for bringing leads. It is a marketing strategy that is very common and simple.
If someone signs up for a free trial of a software using your link, you earn money.
Pay Per Click (PPC)
In Pay Per Click, you earn money when someone clicks on your link. The person does not need to buy anything. The company pays you only for the click. This type is simple and fast, but the payment is usually small.
If someone clicks on a shoe ad you shared, you get paid even if they don’t buy the shoes.
Unattached Affiliate Marketing
Unattached affiliate marketing means promoting a product without any personal connection. The person does not use the product or share their own experience. They only share the link or ad. It is easy to do, but people may not always trust the promotion.
A person runs Google Ads for an online course. They never joined the course, but they still earn money when someone buys through their ad.
Related Affiliate Marketing
Related affiliate marketing happens when someone promotes products that match their niche or field. The person may not use the product, but it is still connected to their content. This type feels more natural because the products are relevant to the audience.
A fitness blogger might share links to yoga mats or workout clothes. Even if they do not try every item, the products still fit well with their fitness content.
Involved Affiliate Marketing
Being involved in affiliate marketing means the person really uses the product. They share their own experience and give honest reviews. People trust them more because they know the product has been thoroughly tested.
A beauty blogger uses a face cream she likes and then shares the link with her followers.
Content Marketing Affiliates
Content marketing affiliates share products through blogs, articles, or videos. They give useful information that helps people understand the product. This method builds trust because people feel the content is helpful.
A blogger writes a simple review about a laptop and adds an affiliate link. When readers buy the laptop through that link, the blogger earns money.
Coupon & Deal Sites Affiliates
Coupon and deal sites’ affiliates attract people by offering discounts and special offers. Many buyers search for coupons before shopping online. These affiliates earn money when someone uses their coupon or deal link.
A website shares a 20% off coupon for an online store. When people shop with that coupon, the website owner earns a commission.
Review Sites Affiliates
Review sites’ affiliates write detailed reviews about products or services. They explain the good and bad points in simple words. People read these reviews before buying, so they trust the link shared on the site.
A website reviews different mobile phones. When readers buy a phone through the affiliate link, the website earns money.
Comparison Sites Affiliates
Comparison sites’ affiliates help people compare different products. They put features, prices, and reviews side by side. This makes it easy for buyers to choose the best option.
A website compares three different hosting services. When someone picks one service through the link, the site owner earns money.
Loyalty & Cashback Program Affiliates
Loyalty and cashback affiliates give rewards or money back to customers when they shop through their links. It makes buyers happy because they save money or earn points. People often return to use these programs.
Mobile App Affiliate Marketing
In this type, affiliates promote products through mobile apps. People spend a significant amount of time on apps, making it easy to reach them.
A gaming app shows ads for headphones. When users buy through the ad, the app owner earns money.
Podcast Affiliate Marketing
Podcasters talk about products during their shows. Listeners trust their voice and often check the links they share.
A tech podcast host recommends a software tool and gives a link. When listeners make a purchase, the host earns a commission.
Video / YouTube Affiliate Marketing
YouTubers create videos to explain or review products and services. Viewers watch, trust, and click the links in the video description.
A YouTuber reviews a camera and adds an affiliate link below the video. When viewers buy the camera, the YouTuber earns money.
AI & Chatbot-Based Affiliate Marketing
Chatbots and AI tools suggest products while talking to users. They give fast answers and share links directly.
A chatbot on a shopping website suggests shoes and gives a buying link. If the customer makes a purchase, the owner earns money.
Conclusion
So, friends, it’s time to wrap up! We have discussed types of affiliate marketing. From my experience, content marketing affiliates give long-term results because people trust helpful content. I suggest you focus on creating value for your audience. Don’t wait—choose your type and begin your affiliate marketing journey now!
FAQs about types of affiliate marketing
Here are some FAQs about types of affiliate marketing
For beginners, Pay-Per-Sale (PPS) and Content Marketing are the best options. They are simple and easy to understand. You just need to share helpful content or links and get paid when people buy.
Yes, you can start affiliate marketing for free. You only need internet, a platform like social media or a blog, and time to share links. Later, you can invest in ads or tools to grow faster.
Companies or affiliate networks pay you through bank transfer, PayPal, or other payment methods. The money depends on the sales, clicks, or leads you bring. Each program has its own payment rules.
Yes, affiliate marketing is safe and legal if you work with trusted companies. Big brands, such as Amazon and ClickBank, run affiliate programs. Always follow the company’s rules and be honest with your audience.
Yes, many people do affiliate marketing as a full-time career. It takes time and effort to grow, but the income can become very good. You need to stay focused and consistent.
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
