10 Origin Facts About Affiliate Marketing
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Pre-Internet Roots:
The concept of affiliate marketing has roots in revenue-sharing arrangements that existed before the Internet. Businesses would partner with third parties to promote their products in exchange for a percentage of the sales.
Progenitor to Affiliate Marketing - PC Flowers & Gifts:
The first recorded instance of what we now recognize as affiliate marketing dates back to 1989 when William J. Tobin launched the PC Flowers & Gifts program on the Prodigy Network. This program allowed individuals to earn a commission for sales generated through their referrals.
Emergence of ClickBank:
In 1998, ClickBank was founded, playing a crucial role in the development of affiliate marketing. It provided a platform where vendors could list their products, and affiliates could promote them, earning commissions on sales.
Amazon Associates Program Pioneers E-commerce Affiliate Marketing:
https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/
In 1996, Amazon launched its Associates Program, one of the earliest examples of e-commerce affiliate marketing. This program laid the foundation for many modern affiliate marketing structures.
Introduction of Tracking Cookies:
The introduction of tracking cookies in the mid-1990s was a game-changer for affiliate marketing. Cookies allowed for accurate tracking of referrals and enabled affiliates to receive credit for sales made even if the customer didn't make an immediate purchase.
Commission Junction's Role:
Commission Junction (now CJ Affiliate) was founded in 1998 and became one of the first affiliate marketing networks. It facilitated relationships between merchants and affiliates, streamlining the affiliate marketing process.
Rapid Growth in the 2000s:
The early 2000s saw a rapid expansion of affiliate marketing as more businesses recognized its potential. This period also witnessed the emergence of various affiliate marketing forums and communities.
Evolution of Payment Models:
Initially, affiliate marketing primarily used a cost-per-sale model. However, over time, other payment models like cost-per-click (CPC) and cost-per-action (CPA) emerged, offering more flexibility for advertisers and affiliates.
Affiliate Marketing in the Blogging Boom:
The mid-2000s blogging boom significantly contributed to the growth of affiliate marketing. Bloggers started using affiliate links to monetize their content, giving rise to a new breed of affiliate marketers.
Technological Advances and Mobile Influence:
Technological advancements and the widespread use of mobile devices have further shaped affiliate marketing. Mobile optimization and the ability to track cross-device conversions have become integral parts of successful affiliate programs.
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