Business models

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Internet marketing is associated with several business models:

• E-commerce: a model whereby goods and services are sold directly to a consumer or business.
• Lead-based websites: a strategy whereby an organization generates value by acquiring sales leads from its website.^{[citation needed]} Similar to walk-in customers in retail world. These prospects are often referred to as organic leads.
• Affiliate marketing: a process wherein a product or service developed by one entity is sold by other active sellers for a share of profits.^{[citation needed]} The entity that owns the product may provide some marketing material (e.g., sales letters, affiliate links, tracking facilities, etc.); however, the vast majority of affiliate marketing relationships come from e-commerce businesses that offer affiliate programs.^{[citation needed]}