> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.tapfiliate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Tracking Different Traffic Sources
> Learn how to track and manage different traffic sources in Tapfiliate to optimize affiliate performance and accurately attribute conversions.
October 1, 2026
1. **[What tracking sources are and why you should use them](#h_430db1a571)**
2. **[How to add tracking sources](#h_ddea3331c1)**
3. **[How to attach tracking source IDs to affiliate links](#h_cae9d6d32c)**
4. **[How to check traffic source performance](#h_5d4af52f3f)**
5. **[Next Steps](#h_ea7737a226)**
***
## What tracking sources are and why you should use them
**Tracking sources** are custom identifiers that allow **affiliates** to pinpoint exactly which of their marketing efforts are generating revenue. Instead of seeing a single lump sum of traffic, you can break down your performance by specific origins—such as a particular blog post, a targeted email blast, or a social media campaign.\
By utilizing these sources, you can:
* **Audit conversion quality:** Identify which specific channels drive the most high-value sales rather than just raw clicks.
* **Calculate precise ROI:** See exactly how much commission you are earning relative to the time or ad spend invested in a specific traffic source.
* **Scale profitable campaigns:** Confidently shift your focus and budget toward the sources that result in the highest payouts.
Using tracking sources gives you a granular view of your earnings and provides the data needed to make informed decisions that maximize your affiliate income.
***
## How to add tracking sources
Adding tracking sources in Tapfiliate is simple:
1. Log in to your affiliate account.
2. Go to the **Sources** tab.
3. Click the **Create New Source** button.
4. Choose the type of source: **Website** or **Other**.
* **Website**: for an actual website.
* **Other**: for anything else, like social media, media buying, etc.
1. Give your source a name.
2. Click the **Add** button.
**Note**: The **Default Source** is an ID that is automatically applied to affiliate links when a source\_id is used for tracking instead of a referral code at the end of the link. These cases are rare and only work this way when explicitly set up by the advertiser.
***
## How to attach tracking source IDs to affiliate links
After creating tracking sources, you can attach them to affiliate links to track where traffic comes from:
1. Log in to your affiliate account.
2. Go to the **Programs** tab.
3. Click the **View** button to select the program.
4. Click **Manage SubID** and **Source**.
5. Select the source from the drop-down menu. **Note**: If the landing page URL is updated in Tapfiliate, the new structure applies only to newly generated links. Existing links that have already been created or are in circulation will not be retroactively updated. These links will continue to function but will not include any newly added parameters unless they are replaced or regenerated.
## Appending Dynamic Variables
Affiliates can append dynamic variables to their tracking links to automatically populate values from their system. For example, after adding the `&tm_subid2` parameter to a link, any dynamic variable or value can be appended to it. This flexibility allows affiliates to tailor their tracking links to their unique requirements. **Note**: When a source is applied, the source ID is automatically appended to the `tap_s` parameter for all links associated with that program. This ensures consistent tracking across all links.
***
## How to check traffic source performance
Once tracking sources are set up and used in affiliate links, you can monitor their performance:
1. Log in to your affiliate account.
2. Go to the **Reporting** tab.
3. Click on the **Source** tab.
***
## Next Steps
1. **[Generate your first Deeplink](https://support.tapfiliate.com/affiliate-portal-help-collection/working-with-your-promotional-materials/generating-deeplinks.md):** Head to the **Assets** or **Links** section in your dashboard to create a direct link to a specific product or category page. This is proven to increase conversion rates by reducing the steps a customer takes to buy.
2. **[Viewing Conversion and Customer Data](https://support.tapfiliate.com/affiliate-portal-help-collection/monitoring-your-results/viewing-conversion-and-customer-data.md):** Check the **Conversions** tab regularly to see which specific traffic sources are turning into sales. You can view detailed customer insights to better understand your audience's purchasing behavior.
3. **[Accessing Reports](https://support.tapfiliate.com/affiliate-portal-help-collection/monitoring-your-results/accessing-reports.md):** Use the **Reports** section to generate comprehensive data summaries. Use these insights to identify your highest-performing campaigns and optimize your strategy for the coming month.
4. **[Review Bonus Progress](https://support.tapfiliate.com/affiliate-portal-help-collection/monitoring-your-results/tracking-bonus-results-a-guide-for-affiliates.md):** If your program offers them, visit the **Bonuses** or **Achievements** tab to see how close you are to reaching your next performance milestone.
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