Affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where a company rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought to their website through the affiliate's own marketing efforts. Essentially, the affiliate acts as a middleman between the company and potential customers.

The affiliate earns a commission on each sale made through their unique affiliate link or code, which they promote through various channels such as their website, social media, email marketing, and paid advertising. The commission rate and terms are agreed upon between the company and affiliate before the promotion begins.

Affiliate marketing is a popular way for companies to increase their online reach and sales without investing in traditional advertising methods. It allows them to tap into the networks of affiliates who have built an audience and credibility in a specific niche or industry.

For affiliates, it can be a way to monetize their website or social media following by recommending products or services that align with their audience's interests. It can also be a passive income stream, as once the affiliate link is set up, they can earn commissions on any sales made without ongoing effort.

Overall, affiliate marketing can be a win-win situation for both companies and affiliates, as long as it is done ethically and transparently.