> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.uppromote.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.uppromote.com/basic-knowledge/basic-terms.md).
# Glossary: Key Terms in UpPromote
These are the terms you'll see most often when you run an affiliate program with UpPromote. Knowing them makes the app much easier to use. They're grouped below by what they relate to: the people, the tracking, and the commission.
### The people and the program
#### Merchant
The merchant is the business owner who sells the products and runs the affiliate program. If you're reading this, that's most likely you. You set the commission, approve affiliates, and pay them. See[ What Does a Merchant Do in Affiliate Marketing?](/basic-knowledge/merchant-roles-in-affiliate-marketing.md)
#### Affiliate
An affiliate is a person or business that promotes your products. They earn a commission for each sale they bring in. An affiliate can be a content creator, a partner, an influencer, or even a happy customer. See[ What Does an Affiliate Do in Affiliate Marketing?](/basic-knowledge/affiliate-roles-in-affiliate-marketing.md)
#### Affiliate program
A[ program](/management/programs.md) is how UpPromote groups your affiliates. Each program has its own commission rule, so you can manage different affiliate groups in their own way.
You need at least one program to start. Inside a program, you set a main commission rule, plus special rules for certain products if you want. You can run more than one program on the Growth plan and above.
#### Affiliate registration form
This is the[ sign-up form](/management/affiliate-registration-form/form-editor.md) affiliates fill out to join your program. It collects their details and sends them to you, so you can approve or deny each request.
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### Tracking and sales
#### Affiliate link
An[ affiliate link](/settings/affiliate-link-settings.md) is a unique tracking link that UpPromote creates for each affiliate once they're approved. They share it to promote your store. Any order made through that link becomes a referral order.
#### Affiliate coupon
An[ affiliate coupon](/motivation/coupons.md) is a coupon code an affiliate shares instead of, or along with, their link. It does the same job: it tracks sales back to that affiliate. It also gives the customer a discount.
#### Referral order
A[ referral order](/management/referrals.md) is a sale made through an affiliate's link or coupon. It's the basis for the affiliate's commission. UpPromote records it right after the customer pays. To learn how sales are matched to affiliates, see[ How Affiliate Tracking Works](/management/referrals/tracking-types-priority.md).
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### Commission
#### Commission
[Commission](/management/programs/program-settings/commission-structure.md) is the reward an affiliate earns for a referral order. You set the rate. It can be a flat amount per sale, a percentage of the order, a per-product rate, or a [tiered rate](/management/programs/auto-tier-commission.md) that grows as the affiliate sells more.
#### Network commission (MLM)
Network commission is an extra reward an affiliate earns when someone they invited brings in a referral order. This is used in[ multi-level (network) programs](/outreach/affiliate-recruitment/mlm.md). It's available on the Professional plan and above.
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### Getting in touch
#### Affiliate contact email
This is the[ email address](/settings/general-settings/contact-email.md) affiliates see when they want to reach you. UpPromote can also use it as the sender address for the notifications you send to affiliates.
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### Frequently asked questions
#### What's the difference between an affiliate link and an affiliate coupon?
Both track sales back to an affiliate. A link works when a customer clicks it. A coupon works when a customer enters the code at checkout. Many affiliates use both.
#### Do I need more than one affiliate program?
No. One program is enough to start. Add more when you want different commission rules for different affiliate groups. Multiple programs are available on the Growth plan and above.
#### What turns a normal order into a referral order?
The order has to be tracked to an affiliate. This happens through their affiliate link, their coupon code, or, if you turn it on, the customer's email. See[ How Affiliate Tracking Works in UpPromote](/management/referrals/tracking-types-priority.md).
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### Related articles
* [What Is Affiliate Marketing?](/basic-knowledge/affiliate-marketing-definition.md)
* [What Does a Merchant Do in Affiliate Marketing?](/basic-knowledge/merchant-roles-in-affiliate-marketing.md)
* [What Does an Affiliate Do in Affiliate Marketing?](/basic-knowledge/affiliate-roles-in-affiliate-marketing.md)
* [How to Set Up Commission Structure in UpPromote](/management/programs/program-settings/commission-structure.md)
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*Last updated: June 2026*