TradeTracker knowledge centre
From click registration to commission allocation. Find clear definitions, practical examples and related concepts.
188 terms
An A/B test compares variants by allocating a suitable test population to controlled groups and measuring predefined outcomes. A reliable design accounts for chance, test duration and differences between groups. A higher observed conversion rate alone does not establish an improvement.
Example
A shop divides eligible visitors between two landing-page versions and compares the agreed conversion outcomes.
An ad blocker is software that blocks selected advertisements, scripts or network requests. Its rules can also affect measurement requests. The effect on affiliate activity depends on the particular implementation and blocking rules.
Example
A browser extension blocks a conversion request. A tracking test checks whether the agreed measurement flow still works.
Ad frequency describes how often the same measured person or user sees an advertisement during a period. Average frequency is commonly calculated from impressions and unique reach. The measurement method determines how a unique user is identified.
Example
20,000 impressions across 5,000 measured unique users give an average frequency of four impressions per user.
Calculation
Average frequency = impressions ÷ measured unique reach.
An ad server selects and delivers advertising creatives and records associated events. Recording an advertisement being served is a separate step from attributing a sale to a publisher.
Example
A publisher requests a banner. The ad server delivers the appropriate creative and records its delivery.
An advertiser is an organisation whose products or services are promoted by publishers. It defines the results that qualify for payment, the permitted promotional methods and the conditions applying to its campaign.
Example
A travel company offers publishers remuneration for valid bookings referred through its affiliate campaign.
An advertiser ID identifies an advertiser within a platform. Separate references may identify campaigns, commission groups and transactions. Use the identifier required by the relevant integration.
Example
An international retailer has several country campaigns, each with its own campaign ID.
An affiliate agency advises or supports an advertiser with affiliate activity. Its work may include publisher relationships, campaign management or analysis. The agency, advertiser and network agree their respective responsibilities for the collaboration.
Example
An agency recruits relevant content publishers and reviews results with the advertiser and network.
An affiliate agreement sets out the rights and obligations of the parties involved. It can cover promotional rules, remuneration, data use, validation and payment. The contracting parties and detailed conditions depend on the collaboration.
Example
A publisher accepts participation terms and additional campaign conditions before promoting an advertiser.
An affiliate disclosure makes clear that content or a referral forms part of a commercial collaboration. Its creator may receive remuneration for resulting sales. The disclosure should be understandable and appropriately visible for the channel and applicable advertising requirements.
Example
A creator explains alongside a recommendation that purchases through the link may generate remuneration.
Affiliate fraud manipulates records or results to obtain remuneration that is not legitimately due. Examples include fabricated leads, forced clicks and cookie stuffing. Investigations should distinguish fraud from measurement errors and explainable differences in behaviour.
Example
A campaign investigates applications repeatedly using invalid details before rejecting them.
An affiliate link is a referral that allows a visit to an advertiser to be connected with affiliate activity. It contains or points to the required identifiers. Any resulting conversion is recorded separately.
Example
A product review links to a shop. The click records the referral and opens the relevant landing page.
Affiliate marketing is a collaboration in which publishers promote an advertiser's products or services and receive remuneration for agreed results, such as sales or leads. Tracking records the activity and results; attribution determines which publisher contributions qualify for remuneration.
Example
A customer discovers a shop through an interiors blog and buys a lamp. A 6% commission on an eligible purchase value of ₹10,000 makes ₹600 available for the qualifying publisher or publishers.
Calculation
Commission = eligible purchase value × commission rate.
An affiliate network connects advertisers with publishers and provides technology and processes for their collaboration. These include tracking, reporting, commission allocation and financial administration. TradeTracker combines its own technology platform with account management and an international publisher network.
Example
A shop manages relationships with content sites, comparison services and cashback platforms through one network, with campaign-specific terms and reporting.
An affiliate programme organises the collaboration between an advertiser and publishers. It includes partner selection, promotional materials, tracking, remuneration and conditions defining valid results.
Example
A shop offers a campaign with product feeds, banners and commission on approved sales.
Affiliate software supports the management, measurement and financial administration of affiliate activity. Features can include partner management, tracking, reporting, attribution and validation. The capabilities and supported integrations differ between platforms.
Example
An advertiser uses one environment to manage publishers, review transactions and monitor campaign performance.
Affiliate tracking connects measured interactions and conversions with affiliate activity. It shows which publishers referred visitors and which recorded interactions preceded a sale or lead. These measurement records support reporting and attribution. Coverage depends on the implementation, available signals and applicable visitor choices.
Example
A visitor clicks a product recommendation and later orders from the advertiser. Tracking connects the order with the recorded affiliate interaction for processing under the campaign conditions.
Analytics is the analysis of data to understand performance and behaviour. In affiliate marketing this can include clicks, conversions, commissions and customer value. Meaningful comparisons use consistent definitions, periods and cost bases.
Example
A shop examines whether a higher commission is associated with more approved sales and a profitable customer mix.
An API allows software systems to exchange data under defined rules. In affiliate marketing it enables automation such as retrieving reports or processing transaction information. TradeTracker provides webservices for exchanging available data with other systems, subject to access rights and the supported interface.
Example
An advertiser retrieves daily campaign results for an internal dashboard, allowing its marketing team to compare affiliate performance with other business data.
App tracking connects measured interactions with events inside an app, such as an installation or purchase. Supported integrations, platform settings and available data signals determine what can be attributed. A website implementation does not automatically provide equivalent app measurement.
Example
An app campaign records a valid installation and checks which earlier referral can qualify under its measurement setup.
Approval rate expresses the proportion of a selected transaction population that has been approved. Specify whether the denominator includes all recorded transactions or only reviewed transactions. Pending transactions can affect the interpretation.
Example
85 of 100 reviewed transactions are approved, giving an approval rate of 85% for the reviewed group.
Calculation
Approval rate = approved transactions ÷ transactions in the chosen measurement base × 100%.
An assist is an eligible interaction that contributes to a conversion without taking the closing role. The chosen attribution model determines which interactions count as assists and how they are rewarded. A reported assist alone does not establish incremental impact.
Example
A comparison publisher appears between the initial blog visit and the closing cashback click in a recorded conversion path.
Assisted commission rewards assisting interactions with an additional payment alongside the primary commission allocation. This differs from distributing a predefined publisher commission budget across touchpoints. Calculate these arrangements separately to make the total cost clear.
Example
In addition to ₹1,000 for the converter, two assists receive ₹100 each. Total publisher remuneration in this example is ₹1,200.
Attribution determines which recorded marketing contributions qualify when a result or remuneration is assigned. The selected model defines the allocation rules. Tracking supplies the measurement records; attribution applies the agreed rules to those records.
Example
A campaign assigns the full remuneration to the last eligible interaction or distributes it across several contributions.
An attribution model defines how value or commission is assigned to recorded interactions preceding a conversion. Examples include last click, linear, position based and time decay. With Real Attribution, advertisers can also use a custom model with weights for positions, publisher types or categories.
Example
A linear model distributes ₹3,000 of commission equally across three eligible touchpoints, assigning ₹1,000 to each.
Calculation
Commission per touchpoint under an equal split = available commission ÷ eligible touchpoints.
An attribution window is the period before a conversion during which recorded interactions can qualify for attribution. It determines which earlier touchpoints are considered. The attribution window concerns allocation rules, while cookie lifetime concerns technical storage; the two need not be identical.
Example
With a 30-day attribution window, an eligible interaction ten days before purchase can fall within the window, while one 40 days earlier falls outside it.
Automatic publisher approval admits an application under configured rules without an individual manual review. It describes publisher admission, rather than automatic approval of the transactions that the publisher may subsequently generate.
Example
A campaign immediately admits eligible publishers but reviews sales after the returns period.
Automatic transaction validation processes transactions under predefined rules, for example after a review period. It is a separate process from publisher admission. Its rules should reflect returns, cancellations and the campaign conditions.
Example
A setup automatically approves pending transactions after the agreed period unless an eligible correction has been recorded.
Average order value divides eligible order revenue by the number of orders in the same measurement period. Define the treatment of taxes, delivery charges, cancellations and returns so figures remain comparable.
Example
₹1,200,000 of eligible revenue from 200 orders gives an average order value of ₹6,000.
Calculation
AOV = eligible order revenue ÷ qualifying orders.
A banner is a visual advertising creative placed on a publisher's channel. It can use an image or a supported interactive format. An affiliate link connects the banner with its destination and click registration.
Example
A publisher places a seasonal banner linking to the advertiser's relevant offer page.
Behavioural targeting adapts advertisements or content to previously measured behaviour, such as viewed product categories. Available signals depend on data use, applicable consent and technical capabilities. An inferred interest does not establish a person's intentions with certainty.
Example
Within an appropriate setup, a visitor who viewed gardening products is shown relevant gardening offers.
A blog publishes articles for a subject or audience. In affiliate marketing it can act as a content publisher, offering inspiration, reviews and comparisons. Its contribution can occur early in the customer journey without being the last click.
Example
A travel blog helps a reader choose a destination before the reader later books through a comparison publisher.
A bonus is an additional payment beyond the usual campaign remuneration. Agreed conditions define who qualifies, which results count and the period over which performance is assessed.
Example
An advertiser agrees an additional payment when a publisher generates 100 approved sales during a promotional month.
Brand bidding means bidding on brand-related keywords in paid search advertising. Campaign conditions determine whether publishers may do this and under which restrictions. Permissions should address the use of brand names and the advertisement's destination.
Example
A campaign allows generic product keywords but restricts advertisements using its brand name and misspellings.
Browser tracking restrictions limit the information that websites and external services can store or access. They can affect cookies, referral information and other recognition signals. The effects vary by browser, settings and technical implementation.
Example
A browser limits stored identifiers or referral information, reducing the signals available to connect a later conversion.
A campaign ID identifies an individual campaign within a platform. The correct identifier connects clicks, conversions and conditions with that campaign. An advertiser may have several campaigns, including separate campaigns for different markets.
Example
An international retailer uses different campaign IDs for India and another market and checks that each is reported correctly.
Campaign localisation adapts affiliate activity to a market. It includes language, offers, currency, landing pages, partner selection and campaign conditions. Local knowledge helps identify suitable publisher collaborations.
Example
A retailer uses different landing pages, local publishers and available offers for each target country.
A campaign tracking period describes the time during which interactions and results can be connected under a particular campaign setup. Check which event starts the period. The term does not automatically mean cookie lifetime or encompass every attribution rule.
Example
A campaign defines a period following a valid click alongside separate registration and validation conditions.
Cart abandonment occurs when someone adds products to a basket but does not complete the purchase. Its rate depends on the chosen measurement base, such as carts created during a defined period.
Example
50 of 200 created carts lead to an order, giving a cart abandonment rate of 75%.
Calculation
Abandonment rate = incomplete carts ÷ created carts × 100%.
A cashback publisher shares part of its earned remuneration with users who make an eligible purchase through its platform. The benefit and qualifying conditions should be clear. Recording a purchase does not by itself make the cashback final.
Example
Following an approved order, a customer receives the agreed cashback amount through the publisher.
A checkout success page confirms that an order, application or other agreed action has been completed. A browser-based conversion event can be triggered there. A server integration can also report the conversion without relying on the visitor loading this page.
Example
After an application is completed, a confirmation appears and a browser tag or server integration reports the lead.
Click fraud deliberately generates or manipulates clicks to affect counts, costs or attribution. A duplicate or unusual click is not automatically fraudulent. Investigations use available technical and contextual evidence.
Example
An automated process sends click requests without genuine interest. The source and validity of that traffic are investigated.
A Click ID is a unique reference identifying an individual click within a tracking system. It helps connect a later conversion with the correct click records. In TradeTracker's S2S setup, the click reference is stored and returned with the conversion report.
Example
An advertiser stores the Click ID with a subscription application and includes it when reporting the completed subscription as a conversion.
Click-through rate divides clicks by impressions for the same creative and expresses the result as a percentage. Use a consistent period and counting method for both figures.
Example
A banner receives 200 clicks from 10,000 impressions, giving a CTR of 2%.
Calculation
CTR = clicks ÷ impressions × 100%.
Client-side tracking records events from the visitor's browser, for example using a script or pixel. Its operation depends on loaded code, browser settings and the chosen data-processing setup. Server-side conversion reporting is a separate method.
Example
A tag on the checkout success page reports order data after the customer completes a purchase.
A co-branded landing page displays elements of both the advertiser and publisher. It can tailor an offer to the audience and provide continuity after a click. Agreements define how brands and promotional materials may be used.
Example
A membership platform refers visitors to a shop page with a member offer and recognisable partner branding.
Commission is the remuneration allocated to a publisher under campaign conditions. Recorded commission can remain provisional until approved, adjusted or rejected. Publisher commission does not necessarily represent the advertiser's full campaign cost.
Example
A 6% commission on an eligible ₹10,000 sale records ₹600. A return can change the final remuneration.
Commission groups distinguish results that qualify for different remuneration, such as product categories or agreed customer segments. The implementation and campaign conditions define which group is reported and which rate applies.
Example
A campaign pays different rates for accessories and equipment. The order data reports the appropriate product group.
A commission rate defines the remuneration for a valid result. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage of an agreed value. Exceptions, exclusions and temporary promotional rates form part of the same campaign conditions.
Example
A valid lead earns ₹500, while another campaign pays 5% of an eligible sale value.
A commission reversal cancels, reduces or rejects previously recorded commission. Reasons can include a cancellation, return or failure to meet campaign conditions. An appropriate status and a traceable reason help explain the processing.
Example
₹2,500 of a ₹10,000 order is returned. The eligible order value and commission are adjusted under the campaign conditions.
Commission tiers assign different rates to agreed performance levels. Define which results qualify, the assessment period and whether a higher rate applies to all qualifying results or only additional results above a threshold.
Example
A publisher qualifies for a higher rate after reaching an agreed number of approved sales within a month.
A commissionable transaction meets the conditions for remuneration. Registration, attribution and validation together determine whether commission is due and how much is allocated. Measuring a purchase alone does not establish eligibility.
Example
A valid sale qualifies under the campaign conditions, while an excluded product or cancelled order may not.
A comparison website helps visitors assess offers using criteria such as price, availability and conditions. It may receive affiliate remuneration after a referral and valid result. Current product information and clear commercial disclosures support useful comparisons.
Example
A visitor compares the same vacuum cleaner across several shops before opening a suitable offer.
Consent management organises how choices about data use are requested, recorded and applied. Websites and integrations need to communicate and respect the applicable choices. A technically possible measurement does not establish consent or another required basis. A general CMP should not be confused with a registered Consent Manager under India's DPDP framework.
Example
A website passes the applicable tracking choice to its measurement components and applies a later withdrawal.
A content publisher reaches an audience through reviews, guides, inspiration or editorial articles. Affiliate referrals can provide revenue. Its contribution can support discovery, comparison or purchase and is not limited to the final click.
Example
A detailed review helps a customer choose a product before the customer later purchases through another publisher.
A contextual affiliate link appears in content relevant to its destination, such as a review or product comparison. It helps readers take a relevant next step. Any required disclosure should make the commercial relationship clear in context.
Example
A cooking article links directly from its discussion of a pan to the corresponding product page.
A conversion is the completion of a predefined goal, such as a purchase, valid application or app installation. The goal, registration method and qualifying conditions determine which results count in a campaign.
Example
An insurer defines a completed eligible application as a lead conversion, while a shop uses a completed order.
Conversion leakage occurs when a customer follows a route that prevents a result being recorded or remunerated through the intended affiliate flow. Possible causes include an unintegrated destination, a different checkout or missing referral information.
Example
An affiliate visitor completes a purchase on another domain that does not receive the required referral reference.
A conversion path is the recorded sequence of interactions preceding a conversion. It shows the measurable touchpoints captured during the purchase journey. TradeTracker's conversion path tracking provides insight into publisher roles and supports Real Attribution. The recorded path reflects available measurement rather than every possible customer interaction.
Example
A customer visits a travel blog, a comparison service and an offers site. The recorded interactions form the visible path towards the booking.
Conversion rate is the proportion of conversions within a chosen measurement base. State the goal, period and denominator, such as clicks, sessions or users. Different denominators produce different rates.
Example
30 conversions from 1,000 affiliate clicks give a click-based conversion rate of 3%.
Calculation
Conversion rate = conversions ÷ chosen measurement base × 100%.
Conversion rate optimisation improves the likelihood that visitors complete a relevant goal. Methods include user research, clearer information and controlled experiments. A higher rate is valuable when the quality and commercial outcome also meet the campaign's objectives.
Example
A shop tests whether clearer delivery information produces more completed, approved orders.
A converter is the role of the eligible interaction at the end of a recorded conversion path. Earlier interactions may also contribute value. The attribution model determines the share of commission allocated to the closing role.
Example
Following earlier inspiration and comparison, a customer clicks through a publisher and completes the purchase.
A cookie is a small piece of information that a website asks a browser to store and send with later matching requests. Cookies serve different purposes. In affiliate marketing they can support referral recognition, while attribution rules determine the eventual allocation.
Example
A shop stores an affiliate referral to help connect a later reported order with an earlier visit.
Cookie lifetime specifies how long a cookie can remain stored under its settings. Browser policies or user actions can shorten that period. Cookie lifetime does not necessarily equal the attribution window or guarantee commission eligibility.
Example
A campaign uses a 30-day attribution window, but deleting a cookie can end technical recognition earlier.
Cookie stuffing places or activates affiliate referral information without a valid, intentional affiliate interaction. This can cause commission to be claimed improperly. It is a form of affiliate fraud rather than ordinary click registration.
Example
A visit triggers unwanted affiliate registrations in the background even though the visitor has not intentionally used a promotional link.
Cookieless tracking connects interactions and conversions without using cookies for that purpose. It covers different technical approaches. A server integration can form part of the setup, but S2S is not automatically completely cookieless: the original referral must also be recorded and recognised without cookies. Privacy and applicable consent requirements still need assessment.
Example
A provider stores a click reference with a quotation request and returns the same reference when a later purchase is reported.
CPA can mean cost per action or cost per acquisition. Specify the qualifying action and included costs. The term is used both for an agreed remuneration model and for a calculated performance metric.
Example
A campaign pays ₹500 per valid application. With ₹60,000 of selected campaign costs and 100 valid applications, measured CPA is ₹600.
Calculation
Measured CPA = selected campaign costs ÷ valid actions.
CPC means cost per click. It can describe an agreed click payment or the average cost of recorded qualifying clicks. From the publisher's perspective, the payment model is also called PPC.
Example
₹15,000 in selected costs for 1,000 eligible clicks gives an average CPC of ₹15.
Calculation
Average CPC = selected costs ÷ eligible clicks.
CPI means cost per app installation. Campaign conditions define a valid installation and any registration or quality requirements. A download or click alone does not necessarily qualify as a valid install.
Example
An app campaign rewards newly recorded valid installations and excludes reinstalls under its conditions.
CPL means cost per lead. Under a payment model, an agreed amount is paid for an application meeting defined requirements. As a performance metric, CPL expresses selected costs per valid lead.
Example
A campaign accepts complete, unique quotation requests. Duplicate or incomplete forms are excluded under its conditions.
Calculation
Measured CPL = selected costs ÷ valid leads.
CPM is the amount per thousand advertising impressions. It can describe an agreed rate or a calculated average. Define which impressions are counted and whether viewability is measured separately.
Example
₹8,000 in advertising costs for 20,000 qualifying impressions gives a CPM of ₹400.
Calculation
CPM = advertising costs ÷ impressions × 1,000.
CPO divides a selected cost base by the number of qualifying orders. Specify whether costs include publisher commission, network fees and fixed placement fees. Use consistent periods and statuses for the cost and order figures.
Example
₹150,000 in selected total affiliate costs and 100 approved orders gives a CPO of ₹1,500.
Calculation
CPO = selected campaign costs ÷ qualifying orders.
CPS means cost per sale. A CPS payment model rewards valid sales, for example with a percentage of eligible order value. As a measured metric, CPS divides selected costs by qualifying sales.
Example
A campaign pays 6% of eligible revenue. Additional fees can make the average total cost per approved sale higher than publisher commission alone.
Creatives are materials publishers use to present an offer, such as banners, text links, images and video. They should be current, suitable for the channel and used within agreed permissions. Mobile usability forms part of implementation quality.
Example
An advertiser supplies current seasonal banners and product images for relevant publisher content.
Cross-border e-commerce is selling online to customers outside a provider's home market. Affiliate campaigns can help reach local audiences. The offer, delivery, pricing information and campaign conditions should suit the selected market.
Example
A retailer expands from its home market and works with publishers familiar with the destination country's audience and buying habits.
Cross-device tracking attempts to connect a user's interactions on different devices with a result. It requires suitable recognition signals and an appropriate data-processing setup. Not every click or purchase can be reliably connected across devices.
Example
A customer researches on a phone and later buys on a laptop. A suitable setup may connect the steps when the necessary signals are available.
Currency conversion translates an amount from one currency into another. International reports need clarity about source currency, conversion rate and conversion time. Platform capabilities and account settings determine the available conversion arrangements.
Example
A campaign records an order in the purchase currency and reports it in another currency under its agreed settings.
Customer acquisition cost divides selected acquisition costs by the number of new customers. Specify the included costs, period and definition of a new customer. CAC differs from cost per order when customers can place several orders.
Example
₹300,000 in selected acquisition costs for 100 new customers gives a CAC of ₹3,000.
Calculation
CAC = selected acquisition costs ÷ new customers.
Customer lifetime value estimates a customer's value over a chosen relationship period. State whether it uses revenue, margin or net contribution and which costs are included. An estimate is not a guaranteed future return.
Example
A subscription business compares expected customer margin with acquisition costs when setting an affiliate budget.
Deduplication prevents the same conversion being processed unintentionally more than once. Technical deduplication identifies duplicate conversion reports; channel deduplication applies rules when multiple marketing channels claim the same order. Deliberately dividing commission among publishers through Real Attribution is a separate process.
Example
A browser tag and a server integration both report an order. Its unique order reference identifies the reports as the same conversion.
A deeplink points directly to a relevant underlying page, such as a product, category or offer. An affiliate deeplink combines that destination with the required referral registration. It gives readers a shorter route from a recommendation to the appropriate offer.
Example
A coffee-machine review links directly to the reviewed machine rather than the shop's homepage.
India's Digital Personal Data Protection framework comprises the DPDP Act, 2023 and associated rules for digital personal data. Commencement is phased, so identify which provisions apply at the time of a campaign or implementation. Assess the actual data flows, purposes and responsibilities. A tracking technology does not itself establish compliance, and other applicable requirements may also need assessment.
Example
Before launching an India campaign, the parties check applicable commencement provisions and their responsibilities for referral and transaction data.
DirectLinking is TradeTracker's tracking method in which an affiliate referral reaches a tracking route on the advertiser's domain or subdomain. The referral is registered before the visitor continues to the intended landing page. It supports a first-party cookie setup and keeps the advertiser's domain recognisable in the link. Conversion reporting still needs an appropriate integration.
Example
A publisher refers to a product through a tracking route on a shop's domain. The visitor reaches the product page and the recorded referral can support a later purchase report.
A dynamic affiliate link uses a setup in which the final destination or associated content can be updated without replacing every published referral. Implementations differ, so check supported destinations and availability.
Example
A centrally managed offer link can point to the current promotion while the same link remains in publisher content.
E-commerce is offering and selling products or services online. Affiliate marketing can bring visitors and customers to those providers. The seller generally manages ordering, payment and fulfilment under its own conditions.
Example
A shop selling household products works with comparison services and review sites to reach relevant customers.
Engagement time measures how long a user is actively engaged with content or an application under a chosen analytics method. It differs from total elapsed visit time. The measurement method determines what qualifies as active use.
Example
An analytics tool counts active article use rather than all the time a browser tab remains open.
EPC divides earned publisher commission by qualifying clicks. State the period and commission status. Some platforms display earnings per 100 clicks, so compare values only on the same scale and measurement basis.
Example
₹12,000 of approved commission from 1,000 clicks equals ₹12 per click, or ₹1,200 per 100 clicks.
Calculation
EPC per click = qualifying publisher commission ÷ qualifying clicks.
First-click attribution assigns the result or remuneration to the first eligible click within the selected window. The click is a recorded event; the attribution model establishes its priority for allocation.
Example
A customer clicks from a blog and later from a comparison site. Under first-click rules, the first eligible publisher receives the allocation.
A first-party cookie is used in the context of the website the visitor is browsing. First-party describes that domain context. It does not by itself establish consent, unrestricted retention or the absence of external technology.
Example
A shop stores referral information in a cookie within its own website context.
First-party tracking records measurement information within the advertiser's environment, for example through a cookie on its own domain. TradeTracker's DirectLinking supports this approach. A first-party referral setup can be combined with server-side conversion reporting. Its effectiveness still depends on implementation, browser behaviour and applicable visitor choices.
Example
After a publisher referral, a shop stores the visit reference in a first-party cookie so a later reported order can be connected with that interaction.
Forced clicks activate an affiliate referral without the visitor intentionally choosing the corresponding promotional link. They can result in incorrect referral or commission allocation. Valid promotion requires the interaction defined by the campaign conditions.
Example
An invisible layer triggers a referral when the visitor is trying to click a different page function.
The GDPR is the European Union's regulation governing personal data processing. It can apply to affiliate activity involving data linkable to individuals, including organisations in India where the processing falls within its scope. Click references and cookieless measurement do not automatically remove data protection obligations.
Example
An organisation identifies the referral data it processes, the purposes, relevant parties and applicable privacy requirements.
Geotargeting adapts an offer or promotion to an estimated location. It can help present an appropriate language, market or campaign. Signals such as IP-based location are not always precise.
Example
A publisher presents an India offer to visitors estimated to be shopping there and lets them choose another market when appropriate.
Google Ads is Google's paid advertising platform, including search advertising. Affiliate collaborations need clear rules about brand keywords, advertisement wording and permitted destinations.
Example
A publisher checks whether a campaign permits advertising on a shop's brand name before placing the advertisement.
Hosted Tracking uses a configured advertiser subdomain for tracking requests handled by TradeTracker. It can support a first-party measurement setup while TradeTracker operates the tracking service. Domain configuration and verification, an appropriate conversion integration and applicable consent settings are still required. It differs from DirectLinking's advertiser-domain route for an incoming affiliate referral.
Example
A shop configures a tracking subdomain with TradeTracker and tests the referral, stored reference and conversion report together before launch.
Hybrid remuneration combines payment arrangements, such as a fixed placement fee and a performance-based commission. Make each component and its qualifying conditions visible. Counting commission alone would leave the total cost incomplete.
Example
A publisher receives ₹15,000 for a newsletter placement plus remuneration for valid sales.
IAB refers to digital advertising industry organisations and initiatives, including regional organisations, IAB Europe and IAB Tech Lab. Their work includes research, guidance and technical standards. Specify the organisation or standard concerned when referring to IAB material.
Example
An implementation document identifies a particular IAB Tech Lab standard rather than an unspecified IAB certification.
An impression is an advertising display or delivery recorded under a chosen measurement method. A counted impression does not automatically establish that a person actually saw the creative. Viewable impressions use a separate measurement basis.
Example
One measured user receives the same banner five times, potentially producing five impressions and one addition to unique reach.
Incrementality is the additional result caused by a marketing activity compared with a situation without that activity. Ordinary attribution reports do not establish this causal effect. Research may use suitable control groups and a predefined measurement design.
Example
An advertiser compares controlled groups with and without a publisher activation to estimate additional sales.
An influencer affiliate promotes offers to an established audience and can receive remuneration for agreed results. The collaboration may use an affiliate link or an authorised code. The audience should be able to recognise the commercial relationship.
Example
A creator reviews a product, clearly discloses the collaboration and links to the provider using a measurable affiliate link.
An initiator is the role of an early or first eligible interaction that begins the recorded customer journey. The selected window and model rules determine this role. It need not represent the customer's first-ever encounter with the brand.
Example
A travel blog is the first eligible interaction in a recorded conversion path before the customer compares and books.
International affiliate marketing uses publishers to reach customers in several countries. Campaigns adapt to local languages, buying habits and market conditions. TradeTracker supports international expansion with local market knowledge and campaign management through the same interface.
Example
A retailer expands into additional markets, selecting relevant local publishers, available offers and suitable landing pages, then reviewing results by country.
An interstitial appears between stages of a user journey, often occupying much of the screen. Its placement should suit the channel and promotional conditions. Obstructive navigation can harm the user experience.
Example
An app displays an advertisement between content sections and provides a clear way to continue.
ITP is WebKit's technology for limiting unwanted tracking across websites. It can affect cookies, storage and recognition signals. A first-party implementation is not automatically exempt from all browser restrictions.
Example
A browser-stored referral becomes unavailable sooner than the campaign period suggests. The technical setup determines which measurement signals remain.
A keyword is a word or phrase used to align content or a search advertisement with an information need. In paid search, selected targeting keywords can differ from the user's actual search query.
Example
A publisher writes about energy-efficient washing machines or, where permitted, buys advertisements addressing that product need.
A landing page is the page reached after following a referral. Its content should match the promise of the link or advertisement and offer an appropriate next step. The homepage is only one possible destination.
Example
An offer for a particular hotel room points to its relevant booking page rather than a general homepage.
Last-click attribution assigns a result or remuneration to the last eligible click under the campaign conditions. The model determines the allocation recipient without describing every earlier contribution to the journey.
Example
A customer reads a review and later clicks a voucher site. Under last-click rules, the final eligible click receives the allocation.
A lead is a recorded enquiry or contact opportunity from a potential customer. Campaign conditions define the information, permissions and quality criteria required for a valid lead. It is not yet a completed sale.
Example
A customer requests a quotation and the campaign checks the application for completeness and agreed suitability.
A lead capture page focuses on collecting an agreed enquiry or contact detail. A clear offer, understandable conditions and appropriate data use support useful applications. A completed field does not automatically establish a valid lead.
Example
A provider uses a straightforward quotation page requesting only information needed for the enquiry.
A linear attribution model distributes the selected commission or value equally across eligible touchpoints. The qualifying interactions and campaign settings determine the shares. Equal allocation is a model rule rather than proof of equal causal influence.
Example
With three eligible touchpoints and ₹1,800 available commission, each receives ₹600 in this example.
Calculation
Share per touchpoint = available commission ÷ eligible touchpoints.
Link cloaking disguises or replaces the visible form of an original link, for example using an own-domain redirect. It differs from TradeTracker DirectLinking. The final destination, tracking behaviour and permitted method should remain verifiable.
Example
A publisher uses a shortened referral and checks that the underlying affiliate link remains intact and the campaign permits the method.
A local publisher serves an audience in a particular market or region with suitable language, content and channels. Local relevance involves more than the publisher's registered location. Its actual audience and reach should fit the campaign.
Example
A comparison site presents current offers for its local market and helps an international retailer reach relevant customers.
A long-tail search query is a relatively specific query within the broad population of less frequently searched phrases. It may express a clear need but is not automatically inexpensive, low-competition or purchase-oriented.
Example
A review answers which lightweight pushchair will fit inside a small car boot.
A loyalty publisher rewards users with points, benefits or other incentives for purchases or agreed actions. Cashback is one specific form. Transparent conditions explain which actions and amounts qualify for rewards.
Example
A membership platform awards points after an approved purchase from a participating advertiser.
Manual commission processing records or adjusts remuneration through an authorised user. Identify whether the change concerns a missing transaction, correction or additional agreement. Payment is a subsequent, separate process.
Example
After investigating a missing sale, an eligible transaction is entered manually with a traceable reason.
Manual publisher approval individually reviews an application before granting campaign access. The review may assess audience fit, channel quality and promotional methods. Publisher admission is separate from transaction validation.
Example
An advertiser reviews a comparison site's application to check whether its content and audience fit the campaign.
A microsite is a focused website or web environment dedicated to a product, topic or campaign. It is not a distinct advertising format. Affiliate use still needs clear destinations, referral registration and campaign conditions.
Example
A brand creates a temporary product-launch site and asks relevant publishers to refer visitors there.
Mobile advertising reaches people through channels used on mobile devices, including mobile websites and apps. An affiliate collaboration may use content, search, display or creator referrals. Its destinations, creatives and measurement should suit the device and purchase journey. Mobile advertising is a channel context rather than a single tracking or payment method.
Example
A mobile product review links to a usable shop landing page, and the campaign tests whether a subsequent app or website purchase can be recorded under the supported integration.
Multi-country tracking connects visits and conversions with the appropriate campaigns across markets. The setup needs the correct campaign identification for each country; a Tracking Group may be suitable in particular cases. One international website does not automatically assign every sale to the right country campaign.
Example
A retailer checks that an India order is recorded against the correct country campaign and publisher referral.
Multi-layered tracking combines measurement methods to record interactions and conversions, reducing reliance on a single technical approach. TradeTracker uses its own tracking technology with complementary measurement and backup methods. The components still need a consistent setup, deduplication and respect for applicable visitor choices.
Example
First-party referral registration records the visit source, while a server integration reports the completed order.
Native advertising presents commercial content in a form that fits the surrounding publication or platform. Integrated presentation still needs a recognisable commercial disclosure. A native advertisement may contain an affiliate link.
Example
A sponsored article uses a magazine's editorial format and clearly identifies the commercial collaboration.
A network fee pays for the affiliate network's services under the campaign's cost arrangements. The calculation basis varies, for example as a share of publisher commission or another agreed rate. Compare the full cost base rather than assuming a universal fee structure.
Example
An illustrative ₹1,000 publisher commission plus a ₹200 network fee gives ₹1,200 for those two cost components.
New customer acquisition attracts customers who meet a predefined definition of new. Customer classification and any differential remuneration require reliable data and clear conditions. A customer's first measured order is not necessarily their first purchase from the advertiser.
Example
An advertiser distinguishes new and existing customers using agreed criteria when validating results.
Niche marketing focuses on a clearly defined audience or need. In affiliate marketing it guides publisher selection, offers and content. A smaller audience can be relevant without necessarily producing a higher conversion rate.
Example
A walking-holiday provider works with publishers specialising in multi-day mountain routes.
A non-commissionable transaction does not qualify for remuneration under campaign conditions. Examples include excluded products or invalid applications. Distinguish an intentional exclusion from a technical fault or a later commission reversal.
Example
An order is recorded, but an excluded product group earns no commission under the previously agreed conditions.
An order reference identifies an order in the advertiser's system. A stable reference in conversion reports helps recognise the same order and prevent duplicate processing. A Click ID, by comparison, identifies a click.
Example
The same order reference accompanies the original conversion report and a later correction to its value.
Organic search traffic comes from unpaid search results. Visibility depends on factors including content, technical implementation and the query. Unpaid placement does not mean that creating and maintaining the content is free.
Example
A customer finds a product comparison through a search engine and subsequently follows an affiliate link.
A payment threshold is the available-balance amount required for a payout under the payment conditions. A balance below the threshold may carry forward. Current account terms determine availability, settings and qualifying funds.
Example
A publisher's available balance remains below the selected threshold and carries forward until the payment conditions are met.
Payout frequency defines when an available balance is processed for payment. Approved commission, payment conditions and any threshold determine the amount eligible for processing. Check the current choices and processing dates in the India publisher account rather than assuming another market's schedule applies.
Example
A publisher selects an available periodic payment setting and checks which approved funds meet its conditions.
Performance marketing focuses on measurable results, such as sales, leads or agreed actions. Affiliate marketing is one application. Total costs can include fixed and additional fees alongside payments for results.
Example
An advertiser evaluates valid applications, full campaign costs and the value of the resulting customers.
A placement is a specific location or promotional activity through which a publisher presents an offer, such as a newsletter, article or comparison. Agreements can specify position, duration, audience, creative and remuneration.
Example
A shop agrees a week's inclusion in a relevant newsletter with a clear offer and measurable referral.
A pop-up is a window or layer displayed over other content. It may be a separate browser window or a page overlay. Its suitability depends on context, user experience and promotional conditions.
Example
A site presents an offer with a clear close control and lets the visitor choose whether to open its promotional link.
A position-based attribution model assigns weights according to a touchpoint's position in the conversion path. Initial, intermediate and closing interactions can receive different shares. The settings determine the allocation and treatment of shorter paths.
Example
An illustrative ₹2,000 commission is split into ₹800 for the initiator, ₹400 for the assist and ₹800 for the converter.
Post-click attribution connects a conversion with a preceding eligible click. The window and attribution model determine which clicks can qualify. It differs from post-view attribution following an impression without a click on that advertisement.
Example
A customer clicks a recommendation and later purchases from the advertiser within the agreed window.
Post-view attribution assigns a result under agreed rules after a recorded advertising impression, even without a preceding click on that creative. It requires suitable measurement and a defined window. An impression alone does not establish a causal effect.
Example
A customer sees an advertisement and later buys without clicking it. A suitably configured campaign may count the impression under its attribution rules.
A postback is a message from one system to another about an event, such as a conversion. In S2S tracking it can contain a click reference and transaction data. Acknowledgements, retries and deduplication support reliable processing.
Example
An order system reports a completed purchase. Following a temporary failure, it retries the report using the same order reference.
Prepayment makes funds available in advance for later campaign or payment obligations. Commercial agreements determine its effect on balances and publisher payments. Funding in advance does not itself guarantee a fixed accelerated payment time.
Example
An advertiser funds a budget in advance and the network processes amounts due under the agreed conditions.
A product feed is a structured file or data source containing product information such as item ID, price, availability, image and destination link. Publishers use feeds for applications including comparisons. Quality depends on current data, error checks and suitable language, currency and market destinations.
Example
A comparison publisher updates its feed daily to avoid sending customers to unavailable products or unsuitable overseas offers.
A publisher promotes advertisers' offers through owned or managed channels and can receive agreed remuneration. Examples include content sites, creators, comparison services, cashback platforms, apps and technology partners. Admission and promotional conditions vary by campaign.
Example
A specialist comparison service helps visitors choose and refers them to appropriate providers using affiliate links.
Publisher approval admits a publisher to a network or campaign. A review can assess the channel, audience and promotional method. This admission process is separate from subsequently validating transactions.
Example
A comparison site applies to a campaign and the advertiser reviews whether it fits the programme.
Publisher earnings are the remuneration generated through affiliate activity. Distinguish recorded, approved and paid earnings. A consistent reporting period and commission status are necessary when comparing amounts.
Example
A dashboard shows ₹50,000 in recorded commission, of which ₹42,000 is approved and part has already been paid.
A publisher ID identifies a publisher within a platform. Separate identifiers may represent websites, campaigns or individual clicks. A publisher ID therefore does not identify a single click.
Example
One publisher participates through several websites, while each specific referral can have its own Click ID.
A publisher reference is a label added to an affiliate link by a publisher to distinguish results, for example by article or placement. It differs from the unique Click ID used by the network for an individual click. Avoid placing unnecessary personal data in these labels.
Example
A publisher uses the label summer-review to distinguish results from links in one article.
Raw clicks are recorded click requests before a specified filtering or deduplication stage. Report definitions vary. Check whether the count can include bots, repeat requests or invalid clicks.
Example
A report contains more raw clicks than unique clicks because it records several requests from the same measured visitor.
Reach is the number of unique measured people or users exposed to a communication during a period. The measurement method determines uniqueness. Reach differs from impressions because the same user can see an advertisement several times.
Example
A banner records 12,000 impressions and reaches 4,000 unique users under the chosen measurement method.
Real Attribution is TradeTracker's attribution technology for allocating the available publisher commission across multiple eligible touchpoints according to a chosen model. It can reward initiating, assisting and converting publisher roles, helping advertisers encourage collaboration and promotion throughout the purchase journey. The model rules determine the allocation; recorded attribution alone does not prove incrementality.
Example
A customer discovers a brand through a blog, compares products and buys after a cashback visit. An illustrative ₹2,000 commission is allocated as ₹800, ₹400 and ₹800 across the three eligible interactions.
Real-time reporting makes recorded campaign data available immediately or with minimal processing delay. TradeTracker provides real-time insight into campaign activity and transactions so advertisers and publishers can monitor developments. A newly recorded transaction may still await validation.
Example
During a promotion, an advertiser watches recorded sales increase and sees participating publishers while final order approval takes place later.
Recurring commission rewards successive qualifying results from the same referred customer, such as subscription payments. Campaign conditions define duration, rate, eligibility and exclusions. An initial referral does not establish a universal right to lifetime commission.
Example
A campaign pays commission on the first six eligible subscription payments under its agreed conditions.
A redirect sends a visitor from one URL to another destination. It can use a server response or another technical method without displaying an intermediate page. In affiliate tracking it can form part of click registration.
Example
A click records a referral and then sends the visitor to the appropriate product page.
Referral information overwriting replaces previously stored information with a new registration. Whether this happens and how it affects allocation depend on the tracking setup and attribution model. An earlier referral is not automatically the deciding one.
Example
After another publisher click, new referral information is stored and the campaign rules determine which interactions qualify.
A referring URL provides information about the page or source from which a visit originated. It differs from the tracking link and landing page. Browser policies and the referral context can restrict the available source information.
Example
A click originates on a review page while its destination is a product page on the advertiser's website.
A reporting discrepancy occurs when systems report different counts or values. Causes can include definitions, time zones, attribution rules, blocking, returns or reporting dates. A difference alone does not establish a tracking fault.
Example
Analytics and an affiliate platform report different sales because they use different attribution windows and transaction-status timings.
Rich media uses features such as animation, video or interactive elements in advertising creatives. Supported formats and technical specifications vary by channel. File weight, accessibility and mobile behaviour affect implementation quality.
Example
A publisher uses a supported HTML5 creative with several product images and a clear link to the offer.
ROAS compares attributed revenue with selected advertising costs. Specify the included costs and revenue status. It measures revenue relative to advertising spend rather than net profit; margins, returns and other business costs can change the financial outcome.
Example
₹600,000 of eligible attributed revenue against ₹100,000 in selected advertising costs gives ROAS of 6, or 600%.
Calculation
ROAS = attributed revenue ÷ selected advertising costs.
ROI compares the net return from an investment with a defined investment or cost base. Make the returns, costs and period explicit. ROI differs from ROAS, which compares revenue with advertising costs.
Example
A campaign generates ₹1,000,000 in returns against ₹800,000 of relevant total costs. Net return is ₹200,000 and ROI is 25%.
Calculation
ROI = (returns − total relevant costs) ÷ defined investment × 100%.
S2S tracking reports a conversion directly from the advertiser's system to the affiliate platform, using a stored click reference and transaction data. Conversion reporting is therefore less dependent on a browser tag loading on the checkout success page. Reliable reference storage, accurate data and appropriate handling of visitor choices remain necessary.
Example
A travel company stores the click reference with a booking. When the booking is completed, its reservation system reports the conversion directly to TradeTracker.
Search engine advertising buys placements alongside search results. An advertiser or publisher purchases visibility under the advertising platform's payment model. Organic visibility is addressed through SEO. Campaign rules determine which keywords and brand terms publishers may use.
Example
Where permitted, a publisher buys advertisements for a generic product query and refers visitors to a relevant offer.
Search engine marketing reaches relevant audiences through search engines. This glossary uses SEM as an umbrella for organic optimisation and paid search advertising. Other sources may use the term only for paid search, so check the definition when comparing reports or plans.
Example
A publisher improves product articles for organic queries and also uses permitted paid search advertising.
SEO improves a website's technical accessibility, content and usability for relevant organic search queries. It aims to attract suitable visitors. An improvement does not guarantee a ranking position or additional traffic.
Example
A publisher clarifies a product comparison, keeps its information current and makes important pages reachable through ordinary links.
A search policy defines how publishers may promote a campaign through search engines. Rules can address brand keywords, misspellings, advertisement wording, displayed URLs and direct links. Clear conditions help prevent unwanted competition and misunderstandings.
Example
An advertiser permits generic search advertisements and separately defines restrictions on brand-related queries.
A search publisher reaches an audience through search engines, using organically discoverable content or permitted paid search advertisements. The channel and promotional method need to comply with the campaign conditions.
Example
A specialist comparison publisher attracts product-related searches and refers visitors to participating providers.
Session duration measures elapsed time between events within a session under an analytics tool's rules. Session boundaries and available events affect the value. It does not necessarily equal active reading or usage time.
Example
A browser tab stays open for ten minutes while the visitor actively reads it for only part of that time.
An SKU is an internal item code used by a provider to distinguish a product or variant. Consistent codes help connect product feeds, inventory information and reports. An SKU is not necessarily a globally standardised product identifier.
Example
A shop assigns separate SKUs to different sizes of the same clothing item.
A sub-affiliate network groups underlying publishers and participates as a partner in a campaign or network. Transparency about actual sources, promotional methods and sub-publishers helps assess the collaboration. Responsibilities follow the applicable agreements.
Example
A content platform manages referrals from several member sites and identifies the source of results as agreed.
Super Fast Payment is TradeTracker's accelerated-payment solution for eligible publishers. Approved commission may become available for payment sooner under the applicable conditions. Confirm availability, eligibility, charges and current terms for your India account with TradeTracker. It does not automatically approve pending transactions or guarantee receipt within a fixed time.
Example
A publisher asks their account manager whether approved commission qualifies for earlier payment through this solution.
A text link is clickable wording pointing to a destination. In affiliate marketing it can include the required referral tracking. Clear link text helps visitors understand where they will go.
Example
A review uses View price and availability as a link to the product being discussed.
A time-decay model generally gives more weight to eligible touchpoints closer to the conversion. Its settings define the precise weights and period. Giving more weight to recent interactions is a modelling assumption rather than proof of greater causal influence.
Example
Of two otherwise comparable eligible interactions at different times, the more recent one receives a larger share under the configured model.
A touchpoint is a recorded interaction between a customer and a marketing communication. In an affiliate campaign it may be a click or, where appropriately configured, an advertising impression. Campaign settings and the attribution model define which touchpoints qualify and how they are rewarded.
Example
A click from a product review and a later comparison-site click are separate touchpoints that can appear in the same conversion path.
Tracking by an external provider means an organisation other than the website operator supports measurement. This is different from using third-party cookies. An external provider can support a server integration or a first-party implementation.
Example
A shop uses an affiliate platform for reporting and sends conversion information directly from its own system.
A tracking failure means expected events are not recorded or are recorded incompletely. Causes can include links, missing references, shop changes or failed reports. Investigation should test the complete measurement flow.
Example
After a checkout change, fewer conversions are reported. A test order reveals that the conversion tag no longer loads.
A Tracking Group is a TradeTracker configuration grouping several campaigns, for example country campaigns, for conversion processing. Implementation documentation defines appropriate use. Use a Tracking Group ID only when that arrangement has been configured with TradeTracker.
Example
An international shop agrees how conversions should reach the right country campaign when one technical environment serves multiple markets.
A tracking pixel is a small image request that can report an event. The request may carry identifiers or event data. Its use for impressions differs from its use for conversions; a pixel is not interchangeable with an iframe or every tracking script.
Example
A supported conversion pixel sends the required registration data when a confirmation page opens.
A tracking tag is code that loads a measurement function or reports an event. It uses the data supplied by the implementation. Installing a tag alone does not establish complete or correct conversion recording.
Example
A shop supplies the order reference, value and currency before its conversion tag sends the report.
A tracking test checks the flow from referral through conversion registration and review. It can inspect the destination, click reference, order details and duplicate reports. A successful test is a validation checkpoint rather than a guarantee that every live situation will behave identically.
Example
A test click and order are checked for the correct campaign, order reference, value, currency and single registration.
A tracking URL contains or references the information needed to register a visit's origin. Its setup determines the identifiers, destination and any redirect steps. Different tracking methods need not use the same external redirect route.
Example
A publisher link identifies the campaign and referral before sending the visitor to the relevant offer.
Traffic describes visits or interactions received or referred by a channel. Specify whether the metric concerns users, sessions or clicks. Affiliate decisions also need information about origin, validity and audience relevance.
Example
A publisher generates many clicks and the advertiser additionally reviews valid enquiries and suitable customers from that traffic.
Traffic quality describes how valid, relevant and verifiable referred traffic is. Assessment can consider origin, interactions, conversion quality and compliance with campaign rules. Click volume or conversion rate alone provides an incomplete quality assessment.
Example
A campaign investigates a sudden click increase using source information, valid applications and unusual repetition.
A transaction is a result recorded in an affiliate platform, such as a sale or lead. Its data can include a reference, value and status. Attribution and validation determine whether the transaction qualifies for remuneration.
Example
An order is initially recorded as pending and is approved or corrected following review.
A transaction query requests an investigation into a potentially missing or incorrectly assessed conversion. The investigation uses available referral, order and status information. Submitting a query does not automatically establish a right to commission.
Example
A publisher reports a missing sale using an appropriate order reference so the parties can check registration and campaign conditions.
Transaction validation assesses a recorded sale or lead against campaign conditions. It determines whether the result is approved, rejected or adjusted, for example after a cancellation or return. Clear review periods and explanations help make the resulting remuneration traceable.
Example
A customer returns ₹2,500 of a ₹10,000 order. If commission applies to the retained eligible value, ₹7,500 remains. At 6%, available publisher commission is ₹450.
Calculation
Available commission = approved eligible purchase value × commission rate.
Transparency means clarity about measurement, transaction assessment and commission allocation. Advertisers and publishers need understandable campaign conditions, reports and attribution rules. Within Real Attribution, this helps partners understand how eligible roles in a conversion path are rewarded, subject to the information available for their role.
Example
A publisher can review the applicable attribution model before joining and see allocated commission and transaction status after a conversion.
Typosquatting uses domain names closely resembling another name, for example through a spelling error. In affiliate promotion it can confuse visitors about the source and breach campaign conditions or trademark rights. Referral origins should remain verifiable.
Example
A domain containing a misspelt brand name sends visitors to a commercial referral without clearly identifying its operator.
Unique clicks count once under defined recognition and deduplication rules. Specify the period and recognition method. The number does not automatically equal unique people or unique visitors.
Example
A report combines repeat click requests under its measurement rules, producing fewer unique clicks than raw clicks.
Unique visitors are distinct measured users within a selected period and recognition method. Devices, browsers and recognition limitations affect the count. One person can appear as several technical users and make multiple visits.
Example
The same person visits on a phone and laptop. Without an appropriate connection, these may be measured as two users.
User-generated content is material created by users, such as experiences, photographs or reviews. Paid creator content may resemble it but needs an appropriate commercial disclosure. Authentic origin, permissions and recognisable advertising remain relevant.
Example
A shop displays a customer's genuine photograph with permission, while a paid creator identifies the commercial collaboration in a promotion.
UTM parameters are destination-URL labels used by analytics to distinguish sources, media and campaigns. They do not replace affiliate identifiers, Click IDs or commission-allocation rules.
Example
A destination uses utm_source=publisher and utm_campaign=summer for analytics alongside the separate affiliate referral information.
A validation period is the agreed time during which a recorded transaction is reviewed or finalised. Returns, cancellations and quality checks can affect the process. Faster processing is useful when the necessary assessment remains reliable.
Example
A campaign reviews sales after the relevant returns period and defines when pending transactions should be resolved.
A voucher code provides a purchase benefit under defined conditions. It may be general, exclusive or linked to a particular promotion. Using a code alone does not automatically determine affiliate commission eligibility.
Example
A publisher shares an authorised code whose validity, product exclusions and attribution follow the campaign conditions.
A voucher publisher collects and presents offers or discount codes. Valid codes, clear conditions and current information are essential. Sharing a code does not automatically entitle the publisher to every sale using it.
Example
A publisher identifies which products qualify for a code and removes the offer after its expiry date.
