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How does Amazon detect and track affiliate clicks?
Amazon tracks affiliate clicks using a combination of unique tracking codes and cookies to ensure that affiliates are credited with the commissions they deserve. Here’s how the process works:
1. Unique Affiliate Tracking Links
- Affiliate Tracking Code: Each Amazon affiliate (through the Amazon Associates program) is provided with a unique tracking ID or Associate ID. This ID is embedded in the affiliate’s referral link. When an affiliate creates a link to an Amazon product, it includes this tracking code, which is a key component that identifies which affiliate referred the visitor.
- Example Link: An Amazon affiliate link might look like this:
The
?tag=youraffiliateID-20part is the unique tracking code that tells Amazon which affiliate referred the visitor.
2. Cookies for Tracking
- Affiliate Cookie: When a user clicks on an affiliate link, Amazon stores a cookie in their browser. This cookie contains information about the affiliate who referred the visitor and the specific product they clicked on.
- Duration of the Cookie: Amazon’s cookie typically lasts 24 hours, meaning if the visitor purchases a product within that window, the affiliate will receive a commission. However, the cookie duration can be extended if the user adds a product to their cart, and if they purchase the item within 90 days, the affiliate still receives credit.
- Cookie Benefits: If the customer browses for other products after clicking the affiliate link, Amazon will track all purchases made during the cookie’s duration, ensuring that the affiliate is credited for any qualifying transactions, not just the product they initially clicked on.
3. Tracking Events and Purchases
- Click Event: When a user clicks an affiliate link, Amazon records that action as a “click event.” The tracking ID is associated with the click, and the cookie is placed in the user’s browser.
- Purchase Event: If the user makes a purchase on Amazon (whether they buy the product they clicked on or another product), Amazon checks if there is an active affiliate cookie with a valid tracking ID. If the cookie is still valid (within the time window), the affiliate is credited with the sale.
4. Amazon’s Internal Systems
- Server-Side Tracking: Amazon’s system tracks the entire process on its server side. When a user clicks an affiliate link, the tracking data is sent to Amazon’s server, which then verifies the affiliate’s ID, the product clicked, and any subsequent purchase made.
- Transaction Confirmation: After a purchase is made, Amazon’s system checks the user’s cookies to see if an affiliate’s tracking code is associated with the transaction. If it is, the affiliate earns a commission based on the sale, depending on Amazon’s commission structure.
5. Affiliate Dashboard
- Reporting: Affiliates can view detailed reports of their performance on the Amazon Associates Dashboard. This includes data on clicks, conversion rates, earnings, and the products sold via their affiliate links.
- Real-Time Data: Affiliates can track how many clicks their links are receiving and the sales they’ve generated, which helps them understand the effectiveness of their campaigns and optimize future promotions.
6. Amazon’s Attribution System
- Multi-Channel Attribution: Amazon provides an attribution system that tracks whether the affiliate link led to an initial sale or a return purchase. This system helps Amazon track the entire user journey across different channels and devices.
- Cross-Device Tracking: If a user clicks on an affiliate link from one device (e.g., mobile) but completes the purchase from another device (e.g., desktop), Amazon is able to attribute the sale to the affiliate, as long as the cookie is still valid.
7. Amazon’s Anti-Fraud Measures
- Invalid Clicks and Fraud Prevention: Amazon has systems in place to detect suspicious or fraudulent activity, such as repeated clicks from the same IP address or automated bots. Invalid clicks are filtered out to ensure affiliates are only credited for genuine referrals.
- Cookie Policy: Amazon also restricts the use of certain methods to circumvent cookie tracking, such as using cookies from third-party services or manipulating click data. Affiliates must adhere to Amazon’s policies to ensure they are properly credited.
Conclusion:
Amazon detects and tracks affiliate clicks through unique affiliate tracking links embedded with tracking IDs, and by using cookies that record the user’s visit and any purchases they make. These cookies help Amazon link purchases back to the referring affiliate, ensuring that the affiliate earns the appropriate commission. Amazon’s tracking system is designed to be accurate, secure, and to credit affiliates for sales generated through their links, while also preventing fraudulent or invalid clicks.
