Tracking Link

Definition

A tracking link is a unique URL provided to affiliates that contains embedded codes or parameters to identify and track traffic sources, user actions, and conversions. It enables precise attribution of clicks and sales to the correct affiliate.

Detailed Explanation

Tracking links are fundamental tools in affiliate marketing, allowing advertisers and networks to monitor where traffic originates and which affiliates generate sales or leads. Each tracking link includes identifiers such as affiliate IDs, campaign codes, or sub-IDs that help segment and analyze performance.

When a user clicks on a tracking link, their activity is recorded through cookies, pixels, or server logs. This data helps determine:

  • Which affiliate referred the user
  • The specific campaign or ad that generated the click
  • User behavior on the landing page and beyond
  • Conversions, such as purchases or sign-ups, attributed to the affiliate

Tracking links ensure transparency and fairness in commission payments by accurately crediting affiliates for their referrals. They also provide valuable insights for optimizing campaigns, testing creatives, and allocating budgets.

Many affiliate programs allow customization of tracking links through parameters to better organize traffic sources or run A/B tests. Link cloaking is often used to create cleaner, branded tracking URLs.

Example

An affiliate receives a tracking link like:
https://affiliate.example.com/?ref=12345&campaign=spring_sale

When users click this link and complete a purchase, the sale is recorded and the affiliate earns a commission based on the identifiers in the URL.

Getting Started

To use tracking links, always generate unique URLs from your affiliate dashboard for each campaign or traffic source. Monitor your analytics to assess performance and optimize accordingly. Use cloaking tools if allowed to improve link appearance and user trust.

Want precise tracking for every click? AW Empire provides affiliates with advanced tracking link management and real-time analytics to maximize your marketing impact. Explore our tracking solutions.

Similar content from our blog

Link Codes And Other High-Performance Ad Formats

How does one promote LiveJasmin while making a profit? — It’s a basic question that comes with a complex and nuanced answer. It depends on a number of factors, including the Promo Tools used. All the ad materials at A.W. Empire are field-tested and convert when made relevant to the audience.  However, some Promo Tools are […]

Common Affiliate Marketing Mistakes to Avoid

When people learn about affiliate marketing, they can encounter the lifestyle of top affiliates, who brag about luxurious houses, expensive trips, and exotic meals. The reality is more down-to-earth because such channels serve as a showcase of success, omitting the long journey of trial-and-error. This, in turn, can set unrealistic expectations for new affiliates — […]

Top 5 Webcam Niches for Beginners

The world of webcams is diverse, featuring all kinds of niches imaginable: romantic shows, fetishes, solo, pair, girls, boys, trannies, and so much more. With such a variability before you, it’s easy to get lost, especially if you are just starting. With this in mind, we’ve decided to create an article on the best webcam […]

Powering Up Whitelabels with Email Marketing

When working with A.W. Empire, you have the ability to make your Whitelabels. They can be whatever you want them to be, thanks to unparalleled customization. But to add extra personalization, you need some warm-touch emails. Since this July, we’ve been pumping out emails on behalf of your Whitelabels, where “Girls” is the main category. […]

Answering Common Questions of Our Affiliates

A.W. Empire is a robust platform with a lot of tools and functions, so we occasionally receive questions from affiliates regarding how to use certain features. Some of them pop up more frequently, so we decided to present you with this mini-guide, answering questions about registration, payment terms, tracking, and promo tools. This guide will […]

Media Buying at Its Best

Affiliate marketing is dynamic: one day an affiliate might be riding a wave, then the next day hitting rock bottom. We want to keep you high and dry, so we’re here with some tips and suggestions on how to keep up performance and what to pay attention to when running campaigns. Some of our suggestions […]