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November 9, 2026

Configuring Affiliate Links

Using UTM Parameters Alongside ref
You can add UTM parameters like utm_source to affiliate links. They are added next to the ref parameter, not instead of it: Tapfiliate always appends ref (or tap_a and tap_s) to affiliate links, because that is what the tracking script reads to record the click. To configure this:
  1. Navigate to your Program’s General Settings in Tapfiliate.
  2. Update the Landing Page URL to include the UTM parameter with the affiliate referral code merge tag. For example: https://your-site.com/?utm_source=${affiliate.referral_code} Affiliate links will then carry both your UTM parameters and the ref parameter, so platforms that track standard UTM parameters see them while Tapfiliate continues to attribute conversions correctly. Do not use ref, tap_a or tap_s for your own parameters: the form does not accept a landing page URL that contains them.
If ref must not appear in the link at all: go to Programs > Advanced and set Tracking method to Custom. Affiliate links then become your landing page URL with the merge tags filled in, for example https://your-site.com/?utm_source=${affiliate.referral_code}, and nothing else is appended. Then tell the tracking script on your site where to find the referral code by calling tap('detect', {referral_code_param: 'utm_source'}); instead of tap('detect');. Without this last step, clicks are not recorded.
Formatting Sub-IDs in Referral URLs
To include additional tracking details, add parameters that start with tm_, such as tm_location or tm_internal_id. Example: https://yourdomain.com/?ref=[AFFILIATE_ID]&tm_location=[LOCATION]&tm_internal_id=[INTERNAL_ID] No pre-setup is required in Tapfiliate; the tracking script on your landing page stores these values with the click (without the tm_ prefix), and they can be passed to postbacks or external systems. Parameters without the tm_ prefix, such as sub_id_1, are not stored. See Adding Sub ID Parameters to Your Referral Links.
Do Affiliates Need to Update Links After Changes?
Yes, if you update the landing page URL to include new UTM parameters, affiliates should refresh their referral links from their portal to ensure the updated parameters are included.

Tracking and Attribution

Capturing the ref Parameter
If the ref parameter disappears on subsequent pages (e.g., checkout), follow these steps:
  1. Capture the ref value from the landing URL when the user first arrives.
  2. Store it in a cookie, session, or database.
  3. Include the stored value when creating the conversion (e.g., via Zapier).
This ensures accurate attribution even if the parameter is not visible on later pages.
Impact of Adding UTM Parameters on Older Links
Older affiliate links will still track conversions in Tapfiliate because UTM parameters are additional analytics tags and do not affect Tapfiliate’s core tracking. However, older links won’t include the new UTM parameters, so analytics tools like Google Analytics won’t capture the added attribution data.
Do You Need to Manually Add ref=${affiliate.id}?
No, Tapfiliate automatically appends the affiliate referral parameter to links. If you’re adding UTM parameters, simply include them in the Landing Page URL without manually adding the ref parameter. For example:
Tapfiliate will handle attribution automatically.

Alternative Attribution Methods Without Cookies

For scenarios where cookies are not viable, Tapfiliate supports alternative attribution methods:
  1. Coupon Code Attribution: Assign each affiliate a unique coupon code. Conversions can then be tracked using the coupon parameter instead of a click ID. This method works seamlessly across web and mobile platforms without requiring cross-device persistence.
  2. Customer-Based Attribution: Link clicks to customers in Tapfiliate and report all conversions using a customer ID. This approach enables cross-device attribution without relying on cookies. Optionally, an install-attribution service can be used to carry the click ID across app store redirects when necessary.

Limitations of Using a Single Affiliate Link

If all traffic is directed through a single agency-owned affiliate link with different UTM parameters for sub-affiliates, Tapfiliate will attribute all conversions to the agency’s affiliate account. UTM parameters can help identify traffic sources but do not create separate affiliate accounts or split commissions. To track individual performance and ensure proper attribution, each sub-affiliate must have their own Tapfiliate account and unique affiliate link.

Managing Affiliate Accounts

Program Sign-Up Links
Each program in Tapfiliate has a unique affiliate sign-up link. To direct affiliates to a specific program, share that program’s dedicated link. Only one program can be set as the default.
Creating and Sharing Referral Links
Once affiliates are added and approved, they automatically receive unique referral links. These can be accessed and shared in two ways:
  • From the Advertiser Dashboard by opening the affiliate’s profile.
  • By affiliates logging into their portal to copy their own link.

Best Practices for Affiliate Tracking

  • Assign unique affiliate links to each affiliate to ensure accurate attribution and payouts.
  • Use coupon codes or customer-based attribution for cookie-less tracking scenarios.
  • Avoid relying solely on UTM parameters for sub-affiliate tracking, as they do not split attribution or payouts.
  • Consider your specific use case (e.g., mobile apps, cross-device tracking) when selecting an attribution method.
Tapfiliate provides robust tools for managing affiliate links and tracking conversions. By leveraging UTM parameters, capturing referral data early, ensuring affiliates use updated links, and adopting cookie-less attribution methods when necessary, you can optimize your affiliate program for accurate tracking and analytics.