What Is Affiliate Conversion Tracking: A Guide

As crucial as affiliate marketing is for a brand, its products, and its affiliates, keeping track of conversions is essential for monitoring the effectiveness of an affiliate program. 

Affiliate tracking provides brands with information regarding page views, clicks, and vital conversion data that can influence the performance of an affiliate program and, ultimately, its success. 

Want to enhance your affiliate tracking today? 👉 Try Tapfiliate today! 

What Is an Affiliate Conversion? 

Affiliate marketing allows partners (individuals or businesses) to promote and sell the products or services of a brand in exchange for a commission on sales. Each time somebody purchases the brand’s product through an affiliate’s link, that partner receives a percentage of that sale. 

An affiliate conversion involves converting a potential customer into an active, buying one. Conversions are the primary goal of affiliate marketing and the main method for the affiliate to earn revenue from a brand. 

Conversions promote a brand and widen its audience through various partner channels.

What Is Affiliate Conversion Tracking?

We know what affiliate conversions are and why they matter; now, we need to understand conversion tracking and how to implement it for your brand. 

Affiliate conversion tracking involves tracking the journey of referrals, leads, or any orders made by an individual or company from an affiliate to your brand. 

Tracking is essential as it determines the reward your brand will provide to the necessary affiliate partners in charge of promoting your product or service. 

The goal is to use an affiliate tracking software platform that can perform various tracking methods simultaneously.

Using an Affiliate Software like Tapfiliate to Track Conversions

Affiliate software such as Tapfiliate can cover all your affiliate marketing bases. Your brand can keep track of link referrals, commission payouts, and program management and help protect your brand from fraudulent affiliates. 

How does an affiliate platform keep track of all this vital first-party data? Via pixel and server-to-server tracking. As it sounds, pixel tracking uses hidden images when tracking web analytics (user data, conversions, traffic). 

A tracking pixel can provide valuable information about an affiliate link and its impressions, sales conversions, and associated web traffic. 

Server-to-server tracking does not use cookies on a user’s device. Instead, this method uses a unique click ID whenever someone clicks on an affiliate link. 

Tapfiliate provides a comprehensive affiliate management software solution for brands looking to automate their affiliate tracking procedures: 

Link Referrals 

Tapfiliate uses pixel and server-to-server tracking to track when a visitor clicks on an affiliate link and performs a desired action on the target site, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. 

This allows for accurate attribution of sales or conversions to the correct affiliate.

Commissions 

Calculating affiliate commissions is automated on the platform and based on the rules set by the brand. 

Whether it’s a fixed amount per sale, a percentage of the sale value, or custom commission structures for different products or affiliate tiers, Tapfiliate handles the calculations, making the process efficient and reducing the room for error.

Program Management 

The onboarding process for new affiliates is streamlined, providing them access to the brand’s marketing materials, affiliate links, and performance dashboards. 

It also allows brands to manage their affiliates efficiently, segment them into different groups, and communicate updates or promotional information, all from within the platform.

How Do Affiliate Tracking Links Work? 

We now know conversion tracking and how it can be measured and tracked. But how do the mechanics behind tracking links work? 

URL Parameters

Also known as query strings, URL parameters are attached to the end of a URL to track information about the click or interaction. 

In affiliate marketing, parameters might include an affiliate ID, campaign source, or other relevant data that specifies where the traffic is coming from. 

For example, a tracking link might look something like this: 

[http://www.example.com/?affiliate_id=12345]

When a user clicks this link, the website can record the affiliate ID and attribute any subsequent actions (like a purchase) to that affiliate.

First-Party Cookies

Cookies are small data stored on a user’s browser when they visit a website. In affiliate marketing, a cookie is placed on the browser when a user clicks on an affiliate link. This cookie contains the affiliate’s ID and possibly other information related to the campaign. 

The domain sets first-party cookies the user is visiting, which means they are generally more privacy-friendly and less likely to be blocked by browsers than third-party cookies.

The use of first-party cookies is crucial for tracking conversions over time. 

For instance, if a user clicks on an affiliate link but doesn’t make a purchase until a week later, the cookie can still attribute the sale to the correct affiliate, assuming it hasn’t expired. Cookie duration (or “cookie life”) is a vital aspect of an affiliate program’s terms and conditions.

Tracking Technology 

The technology behind tracking links involves several components working together, including:

Web Servers and Databases 

Stores and manages click data, conversions, and affiliate information.

Tracking Software or Platforms 

Tapfiliate’s sophisticated algorithms process data, attribute conversions, and manage payouts. Dashboards for both affiliates and merchants to track performance are provided.

JavaScript and Tracking Pixels 

Often used together to record user actions on a website. When a user visits a page with a tracking pixel (or executes JavaScript code tied to an affiliate program), the pixel requests the server, which then records the visit, conversion, or other relevant action.

What Are the Best Tools for Affiliate Conversion Tracking?

An affiliate tracking platform can simplify your brand’s affiliate marketing processes and provide up-to-date and real-time information on how your campaign(s) is performing. 

Below are seven tools that have been tried and tested and continue to come out on top. 

Tapfiliate

Tapfiliate is a cloud-based affiliate tracking software designed to help businesses manage and automate their affiliate networks efficiently. 

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools that cover various aspects of affiliate marketing management. Tapfiliate lets users create custom affiliate programs that align with the brand’s goals. 

Using pixel tracking and a robust API, Tapfiliate offers detailed insights into affiliate partner performance, including data on clicks, conversions, and web traffic. 

Pricing: $89 – $149+ per month

Key Features: Real-time insights; automated workflow; numerous integration opportunities 

Refersion 

Refersion assists brands and affiliate marketers with tracking, managing, and growing their affiliate partner relationships. 

The platform is compatible with many reputable eCommerce sites like Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, and others. 

Pricing: $99 – $249+ per month

Key Features: Affiliate campaign management; DTC (Direct to Consumer) platform integrations; on-time payment features

Trackdesk 

Trackdesk provides various affiliate tracking and management features for its users. Its attribution tracking ability ensures your brand’s affiliates receive the correct commissions they deserve. 

Users can discover where their traffic is coming from and how to optimize their programs further for better engagement with Trackdesk’s advanced tracking abilities. There is also a free plan available. 

Pricing: $67 – $499+ per month

Key Features: Attribution tracking; program optimization; free plan

PartnerPortal

PartnerPortal’s goal is to help brands scale their affiliate partnerships. The platform has numerous customization features to suit any type of program. 

Automation, analytics, and partner discovery are its core functions. PartnerPortal lets users compare and analyze important partner metrics so brands can rest assured they are building trusted affiliate relationships. 

There is a free trial available for this software. 

Pricing: $199 per month – Custom 

Key Features: Partner growth; automation features; customizable interface; free trial

PartnerStack

PartnerStack focuses on improving the growth of your affiliate partner relationships with its simple yet effective capabilities. 

Brands can discover new partners, grow their market share, increase their product demand, and break into new market segments. 

Pricing: Available upon request 

Key Features: Market share growth; new partner discoveries; efficient reporting; product demand optimization

OSI Affiliate 

OSI Affiliate allows brands to expand their reach and connect with a wide range of valuable new partners and influencers. 

The platform is a referral marketing software that prioritizes helping brands find trusted and compatible brand ambassadors. 

There is a free trial available for this software. 

Pricing: $47 – $97 per month

Key Features: Brand reach expansion; advanced referral marketing; trusted partner relationships; free trial 

LinkMink

LinkMink provides brands with affiliate management and tracking features built for SaaS. 

The platform handles recurring revenue, commissions, refunds, and monthly payments quickly and efficiently. 

Pricing: $39 – $125 per month

Key Features: Affiliate management and tracking; SaaS-focused; affiliate revenue management

How Long Do Tracking Cookies Last?

Based on their awareness of consumer behavior, sales cycle, and marketing plan, brands are free to determine how long their monitoring cookies will last. The length of a cookie can range greatly, from 24 hours to 90 days or more.

The length of tracking cookies is essential for affiliates to consider when selecting recommended programs. If a product needs more thought or investigation before purchase, a longer cookie duration increases the chance of earning commissions from delayed conversions. 

Longer cookie durations offer a more significant referral opportunity to result in profits. Affiliates frequently choose to promote brands with longer cookie durations.

Tracking cookies and their length has a direct impact on conversion attribution, which establishes whether an affiliate gets given credit for a transaction. This is necessary when a prospective buyer clicks through several affiliate links from several affiliates before completing a transaction. 

Usually, the latest affiliate link clicked before the sale (within the cookie’s lifetime) receives credit. This might change depending on the attribution model used by the program.

When setting up an affiliate program, brands must ensure that existing and prospective affiliates know the cookie length. Affiliates may better assess their prospective revenues and adjust their strategies based on the information. 

For example, if the cookie lifespan is shortened, affiliates may concentrate on goods that promote fast purchases. On the other hand, if cookies are set for longer, partners may focus on goods that need more time to be considered.

How Can I Improve My Affiliate Conversion Rates?

Since greater conversion rates increase revenue for both individual affiliates and brands, improving affiliate conversion rates is a shared goal. 

Optimize Landing Pages 

Clear, compelling calls to action (CTAs) make it clear what action you want your visitors to take. The landing page should be relevant and consistent with the commitment or offer provided in the affiliate’s material. 

To lower bounce rates, make sure the landing page loads quickly. With rising numbers of people purchasing products online via mobile devices, a mobile-friendly landing page is essential.

A/B Testing

A/B testing allows brands to optimize their sales funnels. Brands can identify what works best for their target audience by testing various components of their landing pages or checkout process.

Consider testing several variations of headlines, photos, and product descriptions to see what connects most with your audience. 

Prioritize Traffic Quality 

Not all traffic is equal. Brands should collaborate with affiliates who reach a demographic that is likely to be interested in their products or services. 

The best practices to attract quality traffic include partnering with affiliates whose content and audience are related to your brand and product offerings. Offering a product at a reduced price or with a discount code can also significantly influence conversion rates.

Remember to analyze which affiliates are delivering not just the most traffic but also the highest conversion rates. Customizing your affiliate program to reward and support top-achieving partners is important. 

Can I Track Offline Conversions in Affiliate Marketing? 

Monitoring offline conversions in affiliate marketing is possible and often done by utilizing discount or coupon codes. 

Affiliates are given unique promo codes by brands to share with their audience. These codes are unique to each affiliate, so when a consumer uses one, the brand immediately credits the transaction to the appropriate partner.

Tapfiliate tracks offline conversions with coupon tracking and IDs. Users can easily assign each affiliate a coupon code hassle-free. 

Tracking offline conversions offers a more complete picture of an affiliate’s impact, ensuring that they are adequately reimbursed for all transactions, not only those generated online.

How Do I Ensure the Privacy and Compliance of My Tracking Methods?

Ensuring the privacy and compliance of tracking systems in affiliate marketing is critical for both affiliates and brands, especially in light of growing user privacy concerns and legal frameworks such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

First-party data is information gathered directly from your audience or consumers during interactions with them. First-party data is considered more privacy-compliant and dependable than third-party data acquired by an organization without direct contact with the user. 

Tapfiliate uses this data to measure affiliate conversions, making them more compliant with privacy standards. 

Transparency is essential for compliance and establishing confidence with your audience. Inform users clearly about the data you gather and how it will be used, including affiliate tracking tools. 

Ensure that your affiliates are aware of the privacy and compliance standards. Set standards for how they should structure promotion strategies and disclose their affiliate affiliation to their audience.

Key Takeaways

Conversions are crucial to a brand’s affiliate marketing strategy because they reflect potential consumers’ transformation into buyers, directly impacting a brand’s reach and its partners. 

Tracking affiliate conversions is essential for brands to track the efficiency of their affiliate program, appropriately attribute sales to partners, and optimize performance using actionable, accurate data.

Platforms like Tapfiliate streamline the process of tracking conversions, offering an all-in-one solution for managing link referrals and commission amounts and safeguarding against fraudulent activities through actionable insights.

Affiliate conversion tracking is a fundamental aspect of managing a successful affiliate program for brands, requiring careful consideration of privacy, compliance, and effective use of technology to optimize performance and maintain strong affiliate partner relationships.

Brands can simplify their affiliate marketing efforts by selecting a trusted affiliate tracking tool, like Tapfiliate, which offers comprehensive features and valuable insights from real-time reporting to efficient and secure program management. 

Keen to take your affiliate marketing further? 👉 Sign up to Tapfiliate today!