Help & Documentation

Your First Steps

1. Connect a Platform - Visit the Platforms page and click the info icon (ℹ️) next to any platform to see setup instructions
2. Create Your First Affiliate - Go to Affiliates and click "Add Affiliate". Set their unique code and commission rate
3. Generate Tracking Links - Visit Links to create trackable URLs for your products
4. Share & Track - Give affiliates their links and watch sales roll in on the Sales page

How Affiliate Codes Work

Each affiliate gets a unique code (e.g., "JOHN20"). This code is used in two ways:

• In tracking links: affiliatemanager.us/r/JOHN20
• In checkout metadata: Added to Stripe/Gumroad/etc. checkout sessions

Commission Calculation

Commissions are calculated automatically based on the rate you set:

Status Types

How Link Tracking Works

When someone clicks an affiliate link, we:

1. Record the click with timestamp and referrer information
2. Store a cookie in their browser (30-day default)
3. Redirect them to your product page
4. Track any purchases made within the cookie window

Creating Effective Links

Cookie Attribution Window

Clicks are valid for 30 days. If someone clicks an affiliate link today but purchases next week, the affiliate still gets credited.

Key Metrics to Monitor

Finding Your Top Performers

Visit the Analytics page to see:

• Top affiliates by revenue generated
• Platform-wise performance breakdown
• Revenue trends over time
• Conversion metrics across your program

How to Pay Your Affiliates

Affiliate Manager calculates what each affiliate is owed and builds the payout list. You send the money through your preferred method (Stripe, PayPal, bank transfer, etc.) and mark it paid. Here's the process:

1. Go to the Payouts page to see commissions owed
2. Send payment to your affiliate via your chosen method
3. Mark the payout as "Paid" in the system
4. Add transaction ID and notes for your records

Payout Best Practices

• Set a minimum threshold: Only pay out when affiliates reach a minimum amount (e.g., $50)
• Establish a schedule: Pay monthly or bi-weekly on specific dates
• Communicate clearly: Let affiliates know your payout terms upfront
• Keep records: Always add transaction IDs and notes to payouts

Sales Not Tracking

If sales aren't showing up:

• Verify webhook URL is correctly configured in your platform
• Check that webhook secret matches what you entered
• Ensure affiliate code is being added to checkout metadata
• Confirm the webhook events include sales/orders (not just subscriptions)
• Check platform connection status on the Platforms page

Links Not Redirecting

If tracking links aren't working:

• Verify the destination URL is correct (no typos)
• Check that the affiliate code exists and is active
• Test the link in an incognito/private browser window
• Ensure your domain settings are configured properly

Wrong Commission Amounts

If commissions are calculated incorrectly:

• Check the affiliate's commission rate in their profile
• Verify the sale amount matches what was charged
• Ensure no refunds or chargebacks occurred
• Contact support if calculations still seem wrong

Platform Connection Failed

If you can't connect a platform:

• Double-check your API key or access token is correct
• Ensure you're using the correct key type (test vs. live mode)
• Verify your platform account has API access enabled
• Check that API key permissions include the required scopes

Building a Successful Affiliate Program

• Offer competitive commissions: 15-30% is standard for digital products
• Provide marketing materials: Give affiliates banners, email templates, and copy
• Communicate regularly: Send updates about new products and promotions
• Recognize top performers: Consider bonus incentives for high achievers
• Make payments on time: Reliable payouts build trust and loyalty

Recruiting Quality Affiliates

• Look for affiliates who already serve your target audience
• Prioritize quality over quantity - better to have 10 great affiliates than 100 inactive ones
• Check their content and audience engagement before approval
• Set clear expectations about promotional methods allowed

Optimizing Your Program

• Review analytics monthly to identify trends and opportunities
• A/B test different commission structures
• Create custom links for different campaigns or promotions
• Remove inactive affiliates to keep your program focused
• Survey your affiliates to understand their needs

Managing Your Subscription

Visit Settings → Billing to:

• View your current plan and usage
• Upgrade or downgrade your subscription
• Update payment method
• View billing history and invoices
• Cancel your subscription

Organization Settings

In Account Settings, you can:

• Update your organization name and details
• Change your email and password
• Configure default commission rates
• Know your cookie attribution window (30 days, fixed)