Who Clicked? Affiliate Link Tracking
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 link tracking. Tracking means following where a sale came from!
In affiliate marketing, you only earn if a sale can be traced back to YOU. So tracking is super important! Let’s look at cookies, server-side tracking, the last click rule, and codes. (Selling your own products and want others to recommend them? Affiliate tracking explains the other side.)
Cookies
Not the yummy kind! When someone clicks your link, a tiny file goes into their browser. It remembers that they came from you.
If the person buys within a certain number of days, the cookie tells the brand: “This one’s from Lynnie!” That number of days is called the cookie duration.
Where cookies get tricky
Cookies live in ONE browser on ONE device. If someone clicks your link on their phone, but buys later on their laptop, the sale often doesn’t count for you. Ad blockers and privacy settings can also delete cookies.
And cookies expire! If the cookie duration is 24 hours, and the person buys two days later, you get nothing.
Never guaranteed
Even with good tracking, thank-you money is never guaranteed. Cookie duration, switching devices, how people behave, and the last click rule all matter. Expect that some sales you inspired won’t count for you. That’s okay!
The last click rule
Most programs use the last click rule. Imagine someone clicks your link. Later, they click ANOTHER affiliate’s link for the same shop, then buy. The other affiliate gets the thank-you money, not you!
This will happen sometimes. What matters is your result over lots of sales.
What that means for your content
Reviews, comparisons and “best of” lists usually win the last click. Inspiring content still builds your fans!
Codes instead of links
Want to be SURE every sale you bring counts? Use affiliate codes! They’re like coupons just for you. Any sale with your code always counts for you.
The catch: the customer has to remember your code and type it at checkout. So it’s not as automatic as links.
When codes work best
- In podcasts and talking videos, where clicking a link isn’t easy.
- When your fans often buy days after seeing your content.
- When a brand gives your fans a discount with your code.
Lots of affiliates use both: a link because it’s easy, and a code as a backup!
Test your links!
Before you share a new link everywhere, test it! Click it yourself in a private browser window, and check it goes to the right product. Then look at your program’s numbers to see if the click counted.
Lots of clicks but no sales for a long time? Ask the program’s helpers!
Small and private
Tracking works the same with or without your face. Secret Agent approved! And starting costs very little. You’d be surprised! No monthly payments before you have visitors.
What’s next?
The next article explains where to post affiliate links, and why marketplaces usually don’t allow them. All ten ways to earn are in the book on our products page. Want a grown-up to help pick programs? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
How are affiliate links tracked?
With cookies in the browser, or with computers talking directly.
If someone clicks my link, do I always get paid?
No! Lots of things can change that.
What is the last click rule?
The last link clicked before buying wins.
Links or codes, what’s the difference?
Links are automatic. Codes are typed in, but always count for you.
When should I use a code?
In podcasts and videos, or when you want to be sure.
What is cookie duration?
How many days a cookie remembers you.
Are there step-by-step lessons for starting each of the ten ways cheaply?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
What if someone switches devices?
With cookies, the sale often doesn’t count for you.
Can I start for free or almost free?
Yes! Lynnaider shows you how to start affiliate marketing 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.
