Technology has transformed the life of man or the lifestyle completely. The new way of living is totally based on the numerous innovations that have been made possible in the last century. This impact can be observed at all levels and in different human institutions. In this context business makes up no exception.

Marketing is the pulse of the business. If it fails the business can’t stand for long. The rules and methods about marketing have been changing. In old days word of mouth was very popular as communities were small and message could be easily spread. As these communities grew in number and size new means were needed and discovered. The latest additions are the web services to carry out marketing chores.

There are many web services which have helped marketers to put forth their deals and communication to their customers. Affiliate marketing is one such service. Affiliate marketing involves the participation of web site publishers to spread the news and information. It has also led to the deployment of business deals via the site owners.

Web site owners use web sites to target their audiences. For example, an owner of web site which has content about cameras will try to target the camera buyers all around the world. Any advertiser or merchant selling the cameras would put his advertisement or links on the web site. When a customer visits the page he might buy it then and there or express his wish of buying the same. In this way the web site owner has pitched the product of camera dealer and has done marketing for him.

In affiliate marketing, advertising and marketing are separated by a very thin line. A web site owner may be doing both of these activities simultaneously. By putting the advertisement, he is promoting the brand. If there is a click and purchase made, it is marketing and sales.

Affiliates marketing has been considered as an e-commerce entity. It is true that affiliates and advertisers mostly endorse e-commerce deals and projects, but there is no restriction as who the advertiser may be or the kind of business he is in. The two functions served by affiliate marketing, viz advertising and marketing are for anyone and everyone.