Who Sent You? Affiliate Tracking Explained
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! Today I’m telling you about affiliate tracking.
If affiliates tell people about your stuff, you need to know WHO brought WHICH sale. That’s what tracking does! It’s like a little detective that follows each sale back to the right helper.
Why tracking matters
Without good tracking, affiliates can’t be paid fairly, and they stop trusting you!
The old way: cookies
Before, tracking mostly happened with cookies in the customer’s browser. When someone clicks an affiliate link, a tiny cookie gets saved. Later, when they buy, the cookie says: “This affiliate sent me!” (Remember cookies from the cookie article?)
It works. But it has weak spots! Ad blockers, cookie settings, and switching from a computer to a phone can stop the cookie from being read.
The newer way: server-side
Lots of new affiliate apps also do server-side tracking. It’s much more reliable! The information goes straight between computers in the background, instead of through the customer’s browser. So ad blockers and cookie settings are less likely to mess things up.
When you pick an affiliate app, check if it has server-side tracking. It protects you AND your affiliates from lost rewards.
What you need to give
Your main job is giving each affiliate their own special link or code. They put it in their own content. So your affiliates are the ones making content for you!
Where do links come from? From the affiliate part of your website builder or platform, like Kajabi. Shops often use an affiliate app connected to their store. After that, your affiliates take over!
How much control do you have?
You usually don’t check every post. But you CAN choose who joins, by looking at profiles first. And usually affiliates do a great job, because good recommendations bring sales!
Beginner’s tip
Lynnaider has its own affiliate program too! Right now, applications are open, following the program’s rules. It’s a real example of a small business working with affiliates.
An example
You sell digital wedding planners on your own website, with an affiliate app. A wedding blogger joins and gets her special link. She puts it in an article about planning tools.
A reader clicks on her computer, then buys days later on her phone. With server-side tracking, the sale still counts for the blogger! She trusts your program and shares it more.
Picking a tracking tool
Check four things:
- Does it have server-side tracking?
- Does it work with your shop or course platform?
- Can affiliates see their own clicks, sales and rewards?
- Does it pay affiliates for you, or do you pay them yourself?
Your platform’s basic affiliate tool is often enough to start!
Cheap and private
You only pay rewards when you sell, so it fits a tiny budget. And your affiliates make the content while your product stays in the middle. No face needed!
What’s next?
Affiliate tracking connects to affiliate marketing, one of the ten ways to earn. The next article is about way number eight: marketplace ads. The whole lesson is in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help set up tracking? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
How does affiliate tracking work?
Each affiliate gets a special link or code. When someone buys with it, the sale counts for them.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What is client-side tracking?
The old way, with cookies in the customer’s browser.
What is server-side tracking?
The newer way, straight between computers. More reliable!
Where do I make affiliate links?
In your platform’s affiliate section, or an affiliate app.
Do I check every affiliate post?
Usually not. But you can choose who joins.
Does Lynnaider have an affiliate program?
Yes! Right now applications are open, following the program’s rules.
Is there a cheap way to start?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start each of the ten ways for free, or for very, very little money. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
