To echo the other explanation, you have 2 main types of payouts. Lead Generation and Performance (conversion).
In some contexts a click through might count as a lead, but most of the time you need something called a "partial", which some sort of customer information. Be it an email, phone number, address, etc, that the user willing submits.
Most affiliate programs are based off conversion because unqualified leads could quite literally be worth nothing to the business.
The amount the affiliate earns from each also varies greatly. Clicks would be a few cents, partials potentially a few $, conversions tens of $.
In some contexts a click through might count as a lead, but most of the time you need something called a "partial", which some sort of customer information. Be it an email, phone number, address, etc, that the user willing submits.
Most affiliate programs are based off conversion because unqualified leads could quite literally be worth nothing to the business.
The amount the affiliate earns from each also varies greatly. Clicks would be a few cents, partials potentially a few $, conversions tens of $.