Configuring Affiliate Links
Using UTM Parameters Instead of ref
Yes, you can replace the ref parameter with UTM parameters like utm_source in affiliate links. To configure this:
Navigate to your Program’s General Settings in Tapfiliate.
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=${affiliate.referral_code} This ensures compatibility with platforms that track standard UTM parameters while Tapfiliate continues to attribute conversions correctly.
Formatting Sub-IDs in Referral URLs
To include additional tracking details, use sub-ID parameters in snake_case format, such as sub_id_1 or sub_id_2. Example:
https://yourdomain.com/?ref=[AFFILIATE_ID]&sub_id_1=[LOCATION]&sub_id_2=[INTERNAL_ID]
No pre-setup is required in Tapfiliate; these values will be captured automatically and can be passed to postbacks or external systems.
Do Affiliates Need to Update Links After Changes?
Yes, if you update the landing page URL to include new UTM parameters, affiliates should refresh their referral links from their portal to ensure the updated parameters are included.
Tracking and Attribution
Capturing the ref Parameter
If the ref parameter disappears on subsequent pages (e.g., checkout), follow these steps:
Capture the
refvalue from the landing URL when the user first arrives.Store it in a cookie, session, or database.
Include the stored value when creating the conversion (e.g., via Zapier).
This ensures accurate attribution even if the parameter is not visible on later pages.
Impact of Adding UTM Parameters on Older Links
Older affiliate links will still track conversions in Tapfiliate because UTM parameters are additional analytics tags and do not affect Tapfiliate’s core tracking. However, older links won’t include the new UTM parameters, so analytics tools like Google Analytics won’t capture the added attribution data.
Do You Need to Manually Add ref=${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:
https://your-site.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=affiliate
Tapfiliate will handle attribution automatically.
Alternative Attribution Methods Without Cookies
For scenarios where cookies are not viable, Tapfiliate supports alternative attribution methods:
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.
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.