piece of code that is added to your computer when you visit
someone's site. Once you are 'cookied' in, that person will
receive the affiliate commission if you should make a
purchase by going through their link.
Some affiliate programs use what is referred to as 'first
cookie' meaning that the original referrer is credited for the
sale. The most fair way of doing this is by using the 'last
cookie' model. Even if someone has clicked on several
people's links, if they click on your link last before making
their purchase the affiliate commission belongs to you.
This will become more clear as you begin doing this on a
regular basis.
It's very important that you test out your affiliate link to
make certain that it leads to the exact product you are
intending to promote. You don't want to have any
confusion with this. Then shorten this link right away,
using one of the URL shortening services. I use Budurl.com
(http://budurl.com/budforyou) for this. It tracks the clicks
on my links, and also gives me a way to promote an affiliate
product very quickly in an email message and on the social
media sites. Once I make the decision to promote an
product widely, I will then purchase a domain to use
exclusively for this product or service.