The infographic below explains the complete affiliate marketing cycle, look at each of the 3 people involved in the process carefully to fully understand it...
Different referral programs will offer different types of affiliate commission structures. Some may give a one-time-only payout when one of your contacts signs a new deal, while some will continue to give lifetime commissions each and every time that contact makes a purchase.

Here are the top reasons why you should leverage affiliate marketing both as a marketer and a merchant. It is a highly cost-effective marketing option. There is no need to employ a vast sales staff for management. You have 100% control over your business (and life). It is the fastest way to become a millionaire if done strategically. It is easy to scale. No regular work required.
Brands select either an affiliate network or a SaaS platform as their technology partner, not both. For greater insight into networks and SaaS platforms and the types of companies that fall under each type, download our free Quick Guide to Affiliate Networks and SaaS Platforms. Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations, and strategy of a program on behalf of brands, including partner relationships, partner recruiting, activation and optimization. They work directly with affiliates and with the affiliate network or SaaS platform that services the technological needs of the program. The audience that affiliates look to influence to make a purchase, submit a lead form, sign up for a newsletter, test out a service, become a new customer, etc.