subject: What Exactly Is CPA? [print this page] CPA or Cost Per Action is an online business model, which pays out for every action completed by the consumer. Advertisers will pay YOU when a consumer gives his email, zip code, opts in for a free trial, or supplies relevant information pertaining to their campaign.CPA is one of the most popular methods of making money online through your website, blogs, or newsletters.This strategy is a bit different from the Adsense program where one is paid when a visitor clicks on an advertisement. CPA often requires specific action.As you will discover while learning the ins and outs of CPA campaigns, the more actions required from a user typically equates to a higher potential to earn.For example, you may be paid $1.00 for every email address compiled from visitors to your website signing up for a free report, while you could earn $50 or more from the same person purchasing a product or subscription.Why Is CPA So Popular?Cost Per Action marketing is one of the best channels to explore if you are interested in generating an extra stream of income, even if you are brand new to online business and Internet Marketing.Here are just a few reasons why CPA campaigns and opportunities are so appealing:- No need to generate sales in order to earn.- No need to do cold calling or massive ad campaigns that typically require a lot of upfront costs and investment.- Advertisers design their campaigns to convert. Market research and testing is usually not required at all. Your job is to generate traffic to their offers.- No experience required: CPA Marketing is something that anyone can become involved in, regardless of location, experience or knowledge.- Promotional Media Provided: Many companies will provide you with all of the promotional tools and media that you need, eliminating any requirement of designing web pages.CPA TerminologyYOU will encounter different terms when you go deeper into the CPA Marketing world. Here are the more common ones:Affiliate Vs. MerchantYou are considered an affiliate when you participate in CPA opportunities where you are paid on a commission basis.CampaignA campaign is a promotion that you will run or participate in. Each campaign pays out based on a different action.CPA NetworkThe "network" is the company offering CPA opportunities.Per Lead or Per SalePay per lead is when you earn money for every new lead generated by your marketing efforts. You do not need to sell anything in order to earn with PPL. With Pay Per Sale (PPS), you must generate a sale in order to be eligible to receive commissions, based on a flat fee or percentage basis.
