What is Affiliate Marketing and How to Start
If you hear about making money just by sharing a single link on your blog or social media, you probably start wondering exactly what affiliate marketing is. Sometimes, you might jump in because it sounds appealing, only to get confused about where or how the money actually comes from.
In this post, we'll start by breaking down what affiliate marketing means. Then, we'll cover how the revenue structure works, how to choose the right affiliate marketing sites and CPA agencies/CPADBs, and finally, we'll go over the pitfalls to avoid when starting shopping programs like the Ali Affiliate. By the end, you'll be able to decide which program is the right fit for you.
What is Affiliate Marketing and How Does It Work?
Affiliate simply means 'partnership,' and in Korea, it's often shortened to affiliate marketing. It's a system where you promote a brand's product or service, and you get paid a commission when a specific action—like a purchase or sign-up—happens through the link you shared.
There are usually four main players in this setup: the Advertiser (Merchant), the platform that connects the advertiser's product, the Publisher (you, who promotes the link), and the Consumer who clicks the link and makes a purchase. As a Publisher, you write content on your blog or channel and place a link. If your readers click that link and generate a result, you earn a commission based on a set rate.
- You don't pay upfront for advertising; you only get paid when you achieve results.
- To make money, you first need content that your audience trusts enough to click on.
- The criteria for payment vary by program, so you must check them before signing up.
CPA vs. CPS: Understanding Your Payment Models
When you start looking at affiliate marketing sites, you'll constantly hear terms like CPA and CPS. CPA stands for Cost Per Action, meaning you get paid for completing a specific action, like a sign-up or submitting an inquiry. CPS, on the other hand, is Cost Per Sale, where you earn a percentage of the actual sale amount when a purchase goes through.
| Category | When You Get Paid | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CPA | Upon completion of an action (e.g., sign-up, inquiry) | Conversion criteria are clear, but the payout per action can vary widely |
| CPS | When a purchase is actually made | Payout fluctuates based on the sale amount |
Whether CPA or CPS is better really depends on your niche and your audience. If your content naturally drives a lot of sign-ups, CPA might be a good fit. But if you're promoting physical goods where the purchase decision is straightforward, CPS could feel more natural.
What Are CPA Agencies and CPADB?
A CPA advertising agency acts as a middleman, gathering CPA campaigns from various advertisers and connecting them to publishers like you. It's a great way to access campaigns without having to hunt down and negotiate with every single advertiser yourself. Keep in mind that different agencies handle different types of ads and have different payout structures, so you should check what kind of advertising they specialize in first.
CPADB is generally used to describe a database-style service that aggregates CPA advertising information in one place. It’s helpful for comparing the terms and reward structures across multiple campaigns, but you absolutely must verify if the information is current and if their payment processing is reliable.
How to Choose a Great Affiliate Marketing Site
An affiliate marketing site is essentially a platform that connects advertisers with publishers. When you're looking around, it’s safest to prioritize platforms that have clear sign-up requirements and transparent payout schedules. Here is a checklist to help you compare them:
- Does the site clearly state whether the compensation is CPA or CPS, and how the commission rate is determined?
- Is the payment schedule and the minimum payout threshold publicly available?
- Is the site actively maintained, with consistent updates and announcements?
- Does it feature ads that align with your blog or channel's topic and audience?
- Are the steps for joining and the required information clearly outlined after you sign up?
Things to Keep in Mind When Starting AliExpress Affiliate Marketing
AliExpress Affiliate is a shopping-style program where you earn a commission for introducing AliExpress products and when a purchase is made. Since the structure is similar to programs like Coupang Partners—where you place product links in your posts or videos—if you've tried other affiliate programs, the flow will feel familiar.
When you first start, make sure to accurately fill out all the required information during the sign-up process and wait for your approval before sharing any links. There might also be a step where you need to register your bank details to receive commissions, so it’s smart to have an account in your own name ready to go. Also, keep in mind that your earnings aren't guaranteed right away because returns or cancellations can happen.
Furthermore, when you share links, avoid making exaggerated claims. Being upfront with your audience that it's an advertisement is the best way to maintain trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does "affiliate" mean?
Affiliate refers to a partnership, and it describes a marketing method where you promote another company's products or services and get paid for the results generated through your link. In Korea, this is commonly called affiliate marketing.
Is AliExpress Affiliate right for me?
It works best for people who can consistently upload product reviews or lifestyle information. Your success tends to be more stable when you build up helpful content for your readers over time, rather than relying on one-off posts.
Will I definitely make money if I go through a CPA agency?
Not necessarily. Even if an agency connects you with a campaign, the conversion results will vary greatly depending on reader interest and the quality of your content. You need to think about both choosing the right agency and selecting the right topics.
If you're new to this, start by picking two or three affiliate marketing sites that match the topic of your current blog or channel. Then, create a chart comparing their commission structures and payout schedules.