20 Types of Affiliate Marketing: Explained for 2025

20 Types of Affiliate Marketing: Explained for 2025

Affiliate marketing has grown exponentially over the past decade, becoming one of the most lucrative ways to earn online. Whether you’re a beginner, blogger, small business owner, or digital marketing professional, understanding the types of affiliate marketing is key to building a successful online revenue stream. In this article, we break down 20 types of affiliate marketing, provide examples, and explain strategies suitable for different audiences in 2025.

To dive deeper into practical tips and strategies, check out our complete Affiliate Marketing Guide and start building your online income today

What is Affiliate Marketing?

Affiliate marketing is a results-driven strategy where you earn money by promoting other companies’ products or services. Think of yourself as a trusted guide connecting customers with products they need every time someone makes a purchase, clicks your link, or completes a desired action, you earn a commission. It’s a win-win: businesses get more sales, and you get rewarded for helping them grow.

Why Understanding Types of Affiliate Marketing Matters

Not all affiliate marketing models are created equal. Picking the right type can dramatically impact your success and earnings. Some models are perfect for beginners just starting out, while others are designed for bloggers, content creators, or small business owners looking to scale. For digital marketing professionals, certain strategies offer advanced opportunities to maximize revenue. Understanding which type fits your goals is the key to building a profitable and sustainable affiliate marketing journey.

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20 Types of Affiliate Marketing

We’ve categorized these into general models, user demographics, and niche-specific variations so you can quickly identify the types that align with your goals and audience.

1. Pay-Per-Sale (PPS)

Description: Earn a commission every time someone you refer makes a purchase. It’s straightforward and performance-driven.
 Best For: Beginners and small business owners.
 Example: Amazon Associates Program.
 Feature: Easy to track with high earning potential, especially for high-ticket products.

2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

Description: Get paid each time someone clicks your affiliate link, regardless of whether they make a purchase.
 Best For: Bloggers and digital marketers with high website traffic.
 Example: Google AdSense with affiliate link integration.
 Feature: Great for driving traffic and building an audience, rather than immediate sales.

3. Pay-Per-Lead (PPL)

Description: Earn a commission whenever someone submits their information, such as signing up for a newsletter or registering for a trial.
 Best For: Beginners and B2B marketers.
 Example: Email sign-ups or free software trials.
 Feature: Perfect for products that require nurturing leads before conversion.

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4. Cost-Per-Action (CPA)

Description: Similar to PPL but broader—you get paid when users complete any predefined action (e.g., survey, app download, trial signup).
 Best For: Professional digital marketers and experienced bloggers.
 Example: CPA networks like MaxBounty.
 Feature: High conversion potential when campaigns are well-targeted.

5. Influencer Affiliate Marketing

Description: Influencers promote products to their audience through social media, earning a commission for each sale or action.
 Best For: YouTubers, Instagram creators, and TikTokers.
 Example: Product promotions on Instagram Stories or YouTube videos.
 Feature: Works especially well for niche audiences with high trust in the influencer.

6. Two-Tier Affiliate Marketing

Description: Earn commissions not only from your own referrals but also from the sales your referred affiliates generate.
 Best For: Experienced marketers and entrepreneurs.
 Example: Hosting services like Bluehost.
 Feature: Allows passive earnings through building a network of sub-affiliates.

7. Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)

Description: Affiliates earn from both direct sales and the sales made by people they recruit into the program.
 Best For: Small business owners and network marketers.
 Example: Health and wellness MLM brands.
 Feature: Can generate recurring income, though it requires active recruitment and relationship-building.

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8. Recurring Affiliate Marketing

Description: Earn commissions repeatedly from subscription-based products or services. The longer your referrals stay subscribed, the more you earn.
 Best For: Bloggers, SaaS marketers, and professionals.
 Example: ClickFunnels, web hosting subscriptions.
 Feature: Generates long-term passive income and predictable revenue.

9. Coupon and Cashback Sites

Description: Drive traffic by sharing exclusive coupons, discounts, or cashback offers. Users love savings, and you earn a commission on each purchase.
 Best For: Bloggers and price-conscious audiences.
 Example: Rakuten, Honey, Dealspotr.
 Feature: Ideal for e-commerce products and seasonal promotions.

10. Review and Comparison Sites

Description: Create detailed product reviews and comparison content to help users make informed choices.
 Best For: Bloggers and content creators.
 Example: Tech blogs comparing gadgets or software tools.
 Feature: Builds authority, trust, and high user engagement.

11. Email Marketing Affiliate

Description: Promote affiliate products directly to subscribers through targeted email campaigns.
 Best For: Digital marketers and professional affiliates.
 Example: Product recommendations in newsletters.
 Feature: Personalized emails can dramatically increase conversions.

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12. Niche-Specific Affiliate Marketing

Description: Focus on a particular industry or niche such as travel, health, or tech, providing highly relevant recommendations.
 Best For: Experts in a specific niche.
 Example: Travel bloggers promoting flights, hotels, or experiences.
 Feature: Builds authority and attracts a targeted, high-converting audience.

13. Video Affiliate Marketing

Description: Promote products via video content such as tutorials, reviews, or demonstrations.
 Best For: YouTubers, Instagram Reels creators, TikTok influencers.
 Example: Product unboxing or how-to videos with affiliate links.
 Feature: Highly engaging format that fosters trust and boosts conversions.

14. Social Media Affiliate Marketing

Description: Share affiliate products directly on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
 Best For: Influencers and social media marketers.
 Example: Instagram Stories, Facebook posts, or LinkedIn recommendations.
 Feature: Quick traffic generation and high visibility for products.

15. Blogging Affiliate Marketing

Description: Naturally integrate affiliate links into your blog content, tutorials, or “best product” lists.
 Best For: Bloggers and content creators.
 Example: “Top 10 tech gadgets of 2025” blog posts with affiliate links.
 Feature: SEO-friendly approach that drives long-term traffic and conversions.

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16. Mobile App Affiliate Marketing

Description: Promote mobile apps and earn commissions from downloads, installations, or in-app actions.
 Best For: Mobile marketers and tech bloggers.
 Example: App install campaigns via networks like AppLovin.
 Feature: Perfect for tech-savvy audiences and app-centric niches.

17. Affiliate Networks

Description: Join affiliate networks to access multiple programs from a single platform, simplifying management and payments.
 Best For: Beginners and professionals seeking variety.
 Example: CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, Rakuten.
 Feature: Provides easy access to trusted programs with reliable tracking.

18. Loyalty and Rewards Affiliate Marketing

Description: Promote programs that offer points, rewards, or cashback to customers, incentivizing repeat purchases.
 Best For: E-commerce marketers and bloggers.
 Example: Cashback sites or loyalty programs.
 Feature: Encourages customer loyalty and recurring sales.

19. High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing

Description: Focus on high-priced products or services that offer higher commissions per sale.
 Best For: Professional marketers and entrepreneurs.
 Example: Premium software, online courses, luxury goods.
 Feature: Fewer sales required to generate substantial revenue, making it highly profitable.

20. Hybrid Affiliate Marketing

Description: Combine multiple affiliate models, such as PPC PPL content marketing, for a diversified approach.
 Best For: Advanced marketers and agencies.
 Example: Comprehensive campaigns promoting several products across channels.
 Feature: Maximizes earnings potential and reduces dependency on a single traffic source.

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Affiliate Marketing for Different Demographics

Different types of affiliate marketing work better for different audiences. Let’s break down which strategies are most effective for beginners, content creators, business owners, and professionals.

Beginners & Learners

For those just starting out, it’s best to focus on simple and easy-to-understand models like Pay-Per-Sale (PPS), Pay-Per-Click (PPC), or Pay-Per-Lead (PPL). These programs are beginner-friendly and allow you to start earning without complex setups.
 Recommended Platforms: Amazon Associates, Flipkart, or beginner-friendly CPA networks.
 Pro Tip: Start small, focus on learning the basics, and gradually scale your affiliate campaigns.

Bloggers & Content Creators

If you create content, leverage review blogs, YouTube videos, and influencer-based affiliate marketing. The key is to build trust and credibility with your audience—people are more likely to buy when they value your recommendations.
 Best Models for Content Creators: Recurring commissions, niche-specific products, and high-converting review or comparison content.
 Pro Tip: Integrate affiliate links naturally into your content to maintain authenticity and improve conversions.

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Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Affiliate marketing can significantly boost online sales and brand reach for small businesses. Strategies like Two-Tier Affiliate Marketing and MLM models help you expand your network and generate multiple revenue streams.
 Recommended Products: SaaS solutions, e-commerce products, or subscription-based offerings.
 Pro Tip: Focus on recurring revenue models for steady, long-term income.

Digital Marketers & Professionals

For experienced marketers, exploring advanced and hybrid affiliate marketing strategies is essential. Combining high-ticket offers, CPA campaigns, and content-driven promotions can maximize your profits.
 Pro Tip: Keep up with the latest affiliate marketing trends and models that work in 2025 to stay ahead of the competition.

Niche-Specific Variations

Certain industries perform exceptionally well with targeted affiliate strategies, including health and wellness, e-commerce, tech products, and travel. Choosing products relevant to your audience not only boosts credibility but also significantly improves conversion rates.
 Pro Tip: Deep dive into your niche to identify high-demand products and tailor your campaigns accordingly.

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Examples of Affiliate Marketing Strategies

Once you know which affiliate marketing types suit your audience, the next step is to see how these strategies are applied in real-world scenarios. Here are some practical examples to get you started.

1. Tutorial Affiliate Links

Create a step-by-step guide or video demonstrating how to use a product, and include your affiliate links naturally. This approach not only educates your audience but also encourages them to make a purchase.

2. Email Campaigns

Send personalized email recommendations promoting software, tools, or services. Using recurring commission products in emails can turn one-time clicks into long-term passive income.

3. Social Media Promotions

Leverage platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to share deals, discounts, or product highlights. Quick, visually appealing posts can generate high traffic and immediate conversions.

4. Comparison Content

Publish content comparing multiple products, such as “Top 5 Tech Gadgets in 2025”. Comparison posts help users make informed decisions and increase the likelihood of them clicking your affiliate links.

5. Coupon Sites

Create content highlighting exclusive coupons or seasonal discounts. Coupon-based strategies are particularly effective for e-commerce products and can drive high conversion rates.

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FAQs About Affiliate Marketing

Q1. What is the easiest type of affiliate marketing for beginners?
A: Pay-Per-Sale (PPS) and Pay-Per-Click (PPC) models are easiest for beginners because they require minimal technical setup.

Q2. Can bloggers earn a full-time income from affiliate marketing?
A: Yes, especially using recurring commissions, review blogs, and niche-specific strategies.

Q3. How much can I earn from affiliate marketing in 2025?
A: Earnings vary widely. Beginners may earn $100–$500/month, while experienced marketers can make $5,000 per month depending on traffic, niche, and affiliate programs.

Q4. Do I need a website to start affiliate marketing?
A: Not necessarily. Social media, YouTube, and email marketing also work. However, a blog or website increases credibility and SEO potential.

Q5. Which affiliate marketing type is best for small businesses?
A: Recurring affiliate marketing, two-tier marketing, and high-ticket affiliate programs are highly effective for small business owners.

Start Learning Affiliate Marketing with TLS

Take your digital marketing skills to the next level with Code with TLS! Our professional courses cover everything from affiliate marketing to SEO, social media, email marketing, and PPC. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a professional aiming to maximize online earnings, we have tailored programs to help you succeed.

Course Highlights:

• Practical Affiliate Marketing Strategies: Learn step-by-step techniques for beginners, bloggers, and advanced professionals.
• Comprehensive Digital Marketing Training: Master SEO, email campaigns, content marketing, social media, and PPC strategies.
• Hands-On Projects: Build real-world affiliate campaigns and gain practical experience you can apply immediately.

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Conclusion

Affiliate marketing in 2025 is diverse and full of opportunities for every type of learner, blogger, business owner, or professional. By understanding the different types of affiliate marketing strategies, you can choose the right model, increase your conversions, and grow a sustainable online income.

Start today with the right tools, strategies, and mentorship from Code with TLS, and watch your affiliate earnings soar.