How do affiliate marketing platforms track sales?

Affiliate marketing platforms track sales through the use of unique tracking links, cookies, and tracking pixels. Here's how the process typically works:

1. **Unique Tracking Links**: When an affiliate joins an affiliate program, they are provided with unique tracking links that they can use to promote the advertiser's products or services. These tracking links contain a special tracking code or affiliate ID that identifies the affiliate as the source of the referral.

2. **Cookies**: When a potential customer clicks on an affiliate's tracking link, a cookie is placed on their device. This cookie contains information about the affiliate and the specific link clicked. The cookie typically has a predetermined lifespan, such as 30 days, during which it remains active.

3. **Attribution**: If the customer makes a purchase or completes a desired action (e.g., signing up for a service) within the cookie lifespan, the affiliate platform records the transaction and attributes it to the affiliate who referred the customer. This allows the affiliate to receive credit for the sale or conversion.

4. **Tracking Pixels**: In addition to cookies, some affiliate marketing platforms use tracking pixels or scripts embedded on the advertiser's website to track user interactions and conversions. These tracking pixels can capture data such as page views, clicks, and purchases, which are then attributed to the appropriate affiliate.

5. **Conversion Tracking**: Affiliate platforms typically provide affiliates with access to real-time reporting and analytics tools that allow them to track their performance, monitor clicks and conversions, and view earnings and commission data.

By using tracking links, cookies, and tracking pixels, affiliate marketing platforms can accurately track sales and conversions generated by affiliates, allowing them to attribute commissions to the appropriate affiliates and provide performance insights and analytics. This tracking infrastructure forms the backbone of affiliate marketing programs and enables affiliates to earn commissions based on their promotional efforts.