Affiliate marketing is a popular and effective way for beginners to earn passive income online. It is a performance-based marketing strategy that allows individuals to promote products and services of other companies and earn a commission for every sale or lead generated through their efforts.

The process of affiliate marketing starts with the affiliate, also known as the publisher or influencer, who partners with a company or merchant. The affiliate then promotes the merchant's products or services to their audience through various channels such as websites, blogs, social media, or email marketing.

To track the performance of the affiliate, a unique affiliate link is provided by the merchant. This link contains a special tracking code that identifies the affiliate and ensures they receive credit for any sales or leads generated through their promotional efforts. When a customer clicks on the affiliate link and makes a purchase or completes a desired action, such as signing up for a newsletter or filling out a form, the affiliate earns a commission.

The commission structure varies depending on the affiliate program and the merchant. Some programs offer a percentage of the sale, while others provide a fixed amount per lead or a combination of both. It is essential for beginners to understand the commission structure before signing up for an affiliate program to ensure it aligns with their goals and expectations.