CPC is a pricing model where the advertiser pays for each click on their ad or affiliate link, regardless of whether the click converts into a purchase or signup. Google Ads and most paid search platforms default to CPC bidding because it ties cost directly to traffic intent signals.
In affiliate marketing, CPC deals are less common than CPA because the advertiser bears conversion risk. They appear in content networks, sponsored content placements, and comparison sites where traffic volume matters more than direct attribution. CPC rates vary widely by niche — competitive SaaS categories can run $10–$50+ per click on branded terms.