What it means
In affiliate marketing, affiliate network a third-party platform that connects merchants with affiliates. Networks handle tracking, reporting, and payments but typically charge fees on top of commissions.
Why it matters
Whether you're launching a new affiliate program or scaling an existing one, understanding affiliate network helps you make better decisions about commission structures, partner recruitment, and growth tactics. Most SaaS founders run into this concept early and benefit from a clear mental model before they start building.
See also
Related terms in the affiliate marketing glossary that connect to affiliate network:
- Affiliate Program -- A structured marketing arrangement where a business rewards external partners (affiliates) for driving traffic, leads...
- API Key -- A unique identifier used to authenticate requests to an affiliate platform's API. In Refgrow, API keys use the rgk_ p...
- Attribution -- The process of identifying which affiliate or marketing channel deserves credit for a conversion. Common models inclu...