Complete Guide to Setting Up Affiliate Tracking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Proper affiliate tracking is the foundation of a successful affiliate program. This comprehensive guide walks you through setting up tracking from scratch.

Why Tracking Matters

Without proper tracking:

• Affiliates don't get credited
• Can't measure performance
• Commission disputes
• Program credibility issues

With proper tracking:

• Accurate attribution
• Reliable analytics
• Fair commissions
• Program trust

Types of Affiliate Tracking

1. Cookie-Based Tracking

How it works:

• Sets cookie when link clicked
• Cookie tracks affiliate
• Conversion credits affiliate
• Cookie duration (30-90 days typical)

Best for: Most affiliate programs

2. Coupon Code Tracking

How it works:

• Unique codes per affiliate
• Customer enters code
• System credits affiliate
• No cookie required

Best for: Email marketing, influencers

3. Direct Link Tracking

How it works:

• Unique URLs per affiliate
• Tracks clicks
• Attributes conversions
• Simple implementation

Best for: Simple programs

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Choose Your Tracking Method

Consider:

• Your platform
• Affiliate types
• Technical capabilities
• Program needs

Recommendation: Cookie-based for most

Step 2: Install Tracking Code

JavaScript Integration:

<!-- Add to your website -->
<script src="https://cdn.refvenue.com/track.js"></script>
<script>
  refVenue.init({
    programId: 'your-program-id',
    cookieDuration: 30 // days
  });
</script>

Placement:

• Before closing </head> tag
• On all pages
• Test thoroughly

Step 3: Configure Cookie Settings

Settings:

• Cookie duration: 30-90 days
• Cookie name: Unique identifier
• Domain: Your domain
• Secure: HTTPS only

Best Practices:

• 30 days minimum
• 90 days for longer sales cycles
• Test expiration behavior

Step 4: Set Up Conversion Tracking

Conversion Events:

• Purchase completion
• Sign-up completion
• Form submissions
• Custom events

Implementation:

// Track conversion
refVenue.trackConversion({
  orderId: 'order-123',
  amount: 99.00,
  currency: 'USD'
});

Where to Add:

• Checkout success page
• Thank you page
• After payment confirmation

Step 5: Test Everything

Testing Checklist:

• Click tracking works
• Cookie sets correctly
• Conversion tracks
• Attribution correct
• Multiple clicks handled
• Cookie expiration works

Platform-Specific Guides

Shopify Integration

Steps:

1. Install refVenue app
2. Configure program settings
3. Add tracking code
4. Test checkout

Code Placement: Theme settings

WooCommerce Integration

Steps:

1. Install plugin
2. Configure settings
3. Add tracking code
4. Test purchases

Code Placement: Footer or header

Stripe Integration

Steps:

1. Set up webhook
2. Configure endpoint
3. Map events
4. Test payments

Webhook Events: payment_intent.succeeded

Custom Integration

API Endpoints:

• Track click: POST /api/track-click
• Track conversion: POST /api/track-conversion

Documentation: See API docs

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: Conversions Not Tracking

Causes:

• Code not installed
• Wrong placement
• JavaScript errors
• Cookie blocked

Solutions:

• Verify code placement
• Check browser console
• Test in incognito
• Verify cookie settings

Issue: Wrong Attribution

Causes:

• Multiple cookies
• Cookie overwriting
• Timing issues

Solutions:

• First-click attribution
• Last-click attribution
• Clear attribution rules

Issue: Cookie Not Setting

Causes:

• Third-party cookies blocked
• Privacy settings
• Browser restrictions

Solutions:

• Use first-party cookies
• Configure CORS
• Update privacy policy

Best Practices

1. Use First-Party Cookies

• Better compatibility
• Less blocking
• More reliable
• Privacy-friendly

2. Set Appropriate Duration

• 30 days: Standard
• 60 days: Longer cycles
• 90 days: Enterprise sales

3. Test Regularly

• Monthly checks
• After updates
• New integrations
• Browser compatibility

4. Monitor Performance

• Track success rate
• Monitor failures
• Check attribution
• Review analytics

Troubleshooting

Debug Mode

Enable:

refVenue.init({
  programId: 'your-program-id',
  debug: true
});

Check Console:

• Click tracking
• Cookie setting
• Conversion events
• Error messages

Common Errors

Error: Program not found

• Check program ID
• Verify program exists
• Check Publishable key

Error: Cookie not set

• Check domain settings
• Verify HTTPS
• Check browser settings

Error: Conversion not tracked

• Verify event firing
• Check order ID
• Verify amount

Advanced Setup

Multi-Touch Attribution

Setup:

• Track all touchpoints
• Weight attribution
• Credit multiple affiliates
• Complex but accurate

Custom Events

Use Cases:

• Trial signups
• Upgrades
• Renewals
• Custom conversions

API Integration

Benefits:

• Server-side tracking
• More reliable
• Custom logic
• Better security

Conclusion

Proper tracking setup:

• Accurate attribution: Credits correct affiliates
• Reliable data: Trustworthy analytics
• Program trust: Affiliates trust system
• Success: Foundation for growth

Get started with refVenue's tracking system and set up professional affiliate tracking in minutes.

About the Author: Michael Rodriguez is a technical integration expert who has helped hundreds of companies set up reliable affiliate tracking systems.