What is Affiliate Marketing?

Remember back before the internet? Well if you don't, the business world worked something like this:

You run a little shop on Main St. selling office supplies. A lot of local business owners come into your shop to buy their paper and type writer ribbons. Being the friendly sort, you chat with your customers and get to know them pretty well. In the 90s we called that "networking". Every so often a customer would mention they needed to find a good lawyer or banker or accountant. That was when you introduced them to one of your other customers. As a thank you for the referral of business, you are given a little bit of cash, a gift certificate for dinner or maybe even tickets to a ball game.

Now in the 21st century, old fashion friendliness and networking has given way to Affiliate Marketing, but the concept is still the same. With affiliate marketing, you introduce people who need something with those who can sell it to them online. In return, they share a portion of the profits with you. It really is that simple.