Affiliate marketing wouldn’t exist without one simple thing:

The Link

That tiny link is what makes everything trackable — and it’s how you get paid.

🔗 What’s in an Affiliate Link?

Your affiliate link is unique to you.
It contains a code (called a referral ID) that tells the system you referred the sale.

Example: product.com?ref=yourID123

That referral ID is everything — it’s how platforms know who to reward.

🍪 What Happens When Someone Clicks?

When someone clicks your affiliate link, a small file called a cookie is stored in their browser.
That cookie tracks their activity for a certain period — often 24 hours, 7 days, or even 30+ days.

If they make a purchase during that window?

✅ You get credit.
✅ You get paid.

⏱️ How Long Does the Cookie Last?

Each program has its own rules:

• Amazon = 24 hours
  
  

• Systeme.io = Lifetime cookie
  
  

• Others = Usually 30 to 90 days
  
  

The key: If your link is clicked first — and they buy within the cookie window — you earn the commission.

🤝 Always Be Transparent

It’s important to disclose when you’re using affiliate links.

• It’s honest
  
  

• It builds trust
  
  

• And on many platforms, it’s required
  
  

That’s why we also disclose it in our content here at SkillSphere Horizon.

🧰 Tools We Recommend

To manage and create our affiliate links, we use Systeme.io

It lets us:

• Create custom affiliate links
  
  

• Track clicks and commissions
  
  

• Build landing pages, emails, and more — all in one place
  
  

It’s free to start, beginner-friendly, and removes the tech overwhelm most beginners face.

🔗 Try Systeme.io here (Affiliate link – we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)

🔄 Coming Up Next

Now that you understand the power behind the link...
Let’s explore where people actually use these links — and how to choose the right platform for you.

➡️ Up Next: Where to Use Your Affiliate Links