What is an affiliate link?

An affiliate link is a unique URL provided to affiliates by merchants or affiliate networks to track and attribute referrals, clicks, and conversions generated by the affiliate's promotional efforts. It contains special tracking parameters or codes that identify the affiliate and enable the tracking system to record and credit the affiliate for any sales or actions resulting from user interactions with the link.

Here's how an affiliate link typically works:

1. **Unique Identifier**: Each affiliate is assigned a unique affiliate ID or tracking code that is embedded within their affiliate links. This identifier allows the tracking system to associate clicks and conversions with the corresponding affiliate.

2. **Tracking Parameters**: Affiliate links include additional tracking parameters or codes appended to the URL, such as source, medium, campaign, or sub-ID, to provide additional data and context about the referral source and promotional campaign.

3. **Redirect**: When a user clicks on an affiliate link, they are automatically redirected to the merchant's website or product page through a process called URL redirection. The tracking parameters are preserved during the redirection process to ensure accurate tracking and attribution of referrals.

4. **Cookie Placement**: Upon clicking on the affiliate link, a tracking cookie is typically stored on the user's browser. This cookie contains the affiliate's tracking code and helps track the user's activity and interactions with the merchant's website over a specified period, usually ranging from several days to several months.

5. **Tracking and Attribution**: As the user navigates the merchant's website or takes action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service, the tracking cookie is used to attribute the action to the appropriate affiliate. The affiliate tracking system records the user's activity and credits the affiliate with the referral, earning them a commission based on the agreed-upon terms of the affiliate program.

Affiliate links are essential for accurately tracking and crediting affiliates for their promotional efforts, ensuring fair compensation and accountability within the affiliate marketing ecosystem. Affiliates use these links to promote products or services through various marketing channels, such as websites, blogs, social media, email marketing, or PPC advertising, and earn commissions on sales or referrals generated through their affiliate links.