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How do affiliate cookies work?
Affiliate cookies are a core component of how affiliate marketing works, enabling merchants to track and credit affiliates for sales or actions that result from their referrals. Here’s how they function:
1. Cookie Creation
When a user clicks on an affiliate link, a cookie is placed in their web browser. This cookie contains information such as:
- Affiliate ID: A unique identifier for the affiliate who referred the user.
- Referral Information: Details about the campaign, the affiliate’s link, or the product the user clicked on.
- Timestamp: The time when the click occurred.
- Other data: Information such as the affiliate’s tracking code or the specific landing page.
2. Tracking User Behavior
After the cookie is set, it tracks the user’s behavior across their browsing session. If the user decides to purchase something or complete a specified action (like signing up for a service), the affiliate platform checks the cookies stored in the browser to determine if the user came from an affiliate link.
3. Conversion
If the user makes a purchase or completes the desired action (e.g., filling out a form), the merchant’s affiliate program checks for the presence of the cookie and associates the conversion with the corresponding affiliate. The affiliate then earns a commission or reward for the action.
4. Cookie Duration
Cookies have an expiration time, which is set by the merchant. This duration can vary:
- Session Cookies: These cookies last only until the user closes the browser or tab.
- Persistent Cookies: These stay in the user’s browser for a specified period (e.g., 30 days, 60 days, etc.), allowing the affiliate to earn commissions for purchases or actions completed during that time.
For example, if an affiliate program has a 30-day cookie window, and a user clicks on an affiliate link but doesn’t purchase right away, the affiliate will still earn a commission if the user makes a purchase within the next 30 days.
5. Cookie Overwrite
If a user clicks on multiple affiliate links from different affiliates or advertisers, the most recent click often overwrites the previous cookie. This means the affiliate whose link was clicked last will be credited for the sale, provided that the cookie is still valid.
6. Third-Party Affiliate Networks
In many cases, affiliate cookies are managed through third-party affiliate networks (like ShareASale, Commission Junction, or Amazon Associates). These networks facilitate the cookie-setting process, ensuring that affiliates are properly credited for conversions.
7. Cookie Tracking Limitations
- Ad Blockers: Some ad blockers and privacy tools can prevent cookies from being placed, which may lead to tracking issues or lost commissions.
- Cookie Deletion: If a user clears their browser cookies, the affiliate tracking information is lost, and the affiliate may not get credited for the sale.
- Cross-device Tracking: Cookies typically work within the same device or browser. If a user clicks an affiliate link on one device but purchases on another, tracking may not transfer.
In summary, affiliate cookies are essential for ensuring affiliates are credited for their referrals. They work by storing tracking information on the user’s browser, which is then used to identify and reward the affiliate responsible for a sale or conversion.
