> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bixgrow.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bixgrow.com/bixgrow-intro/what-is-bixgrow.md).

# What is BixGrow?

BixGrow is a Shopify app that simplifies the process of connecting merchants and affiliates, allowing merchants to easily manage their affiliate marketing activities. BixGrow's user-friendly interface allows merchants to easily set up and monitor affiliate programs. Meanwhile, affiliates gain access to a carefully curated marketplace of opportunities, enabling them to effectively monetize their influence. 

One of the key advantages of an affiliate program is that it offers a low-cost, low-risk marketing solution - merchants only pay a portion of the sales revenue as commission once a sale has been made, ensuring that costs are tied directly to performance. To track referral orders, BixGrow provides affiliates with trackable links. Whenever someone makes a purchase through one of these links, the affiliate earns a commission, ensuring transparent and accurate tracking of performance and rewards.

### What are the differences between the Affiliate and Referral programs?

<figure><img src="https://1262132294-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F8I1FvDPwi1VP7QixsjAS%2Fuploads%2F2cNAjPEx6UboizR3YeNq%2FFrame%2060674.png?alt=media&amp;token=dd6f5ca9-c545-4b3e-a27e-f33b9b2f90e8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

BixGrow offers two distinct programs: the **Affiliate Program** and the **Referral Program**. While both programs involve rewarding others for promoting your business, they serve different purposes and target different audiences.

<table><thead><tr><th width="154.6171875">Choose program (or you can run both)</th><th width="304.22265625" valign="middle">Affiliate program</th><th>Referral program</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Partner type</strong></td><td valign="middle"><ul><li><strong>Affiliates</strong>: Influencers, brand ambassadors, bloggers, and marketers who have a similar audience to you.</li><li><strong>Channels</strong>: Promotions on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and blogs, through both organic and paid content.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li><strong>Advocates</strong>: Existing customers, fans, and brand enthusiasts.</li><li><strong>Channels</strong>: Direct sharing via Email, Messenger, and WhatsApp</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Collaboration tools</strong></td><td valign="middle"><ul><li><strong>Affiliate admin</strong>: Affiliates access tracking links, coupons, referral reports, and payout status.</li><li><strong>Email</strong> <strong>automation</strong>: Affiliates receive conversion notifications via email.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li><strong>Customer profile referral block</strong>: Advocates access their tracking links, referrals, and rewards from the Shopify customer account.</li><li><strong>Email automation</strong>: Advocates receive referral links, coupons, and rewards via email.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Rewards</strong></td><td valign="middle">Cash, Coupon, Store credit</td><td>Coupon, Store credits, or Free product</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Business fit</strong></td><td valign="middle">Ideal for businesses seeking a professional tracking system and the potential for growing an affiliate network</td><td>Ideal for businesses aiming for simplicity in customer outreach through word-of-mouth marketing and improved retention rates</td></tr></tbody></table>

The Affiliate Program is best suited for businesses aiming to collaborate with professional marketers to reach a wider audience. Meanwhile, the Referral Program is ideal for leveraging your current customer base to grow your store organically through word-of-mouth.