Affiliate
An affiliate is a partner who promotes someone else’s products or services and gets paid for users’ targeted actions (clicks, registrations, deposits, purchases). In arbitrage, an affiliate buys ads, directing users to a desired site or platform in exchange for a reward. Specialists choose offers themselves, test bundles, and utilize sources such as Facebook, TikTok, push notifications, in-app ads, or others. Income depends on skills, traffic source, and the ability to analyze results.
The essence of affiliate marketing
The core of the model is "payment for results." The advertiser doesn’t pay for views or clicks, but only for specific actions (as registration, purchase, or deposit).
The affiliate closes the bottom of the funnel, bringing motivated users through their own channels. It is beneficial for everyone: brands can acquire customers without incurring extra expenses, while affiliates can build a profitable business without having to produce their own product.
Choosing an affiliate program
Choosing an affiliate program is a key step for those starting in arbitrage. It determines not only the convenience of work but also the stability of payments, support, available offers, and growth prospects. You shouldn’t chase loud promises; it’s better to rely on facts, analytics, and trusted networks, taking into account the following criteria:
- vertical (finance, dating, nutra, betting);
- allowed traffic sources (FB, TikTok, SEO, push);
- payments (model, minimum payout, frequency);
- availability of tracking and anti-fraud;
- reputation (reviews on forums, in chats).
Whitehat verticals are a good starting point, and an experienced affiliate manager will help with onboarding, provide tips on funnels and creatives, and suggest how to reach profitability.
Mistakes and difficulties that hinder beginners from earning
One of the key mistakes that beginners in arbitrage make is launching campaigns without a clear understanding of their audience and the offer structure. Rules on traffic sources are often ignored, which quickly leads to bans. Many bet on a single channel and don’t test alternatives, missing opportunities for scaling.
It’s also impossible to collect data without a tracker, which means growth and optimization opportunities will be significantly limited. Thoughtless copying won’t bring results either. Unique content is valued in the market, but only when combined with analytics and a systematic approach to its development.