When a user clicks on an affiliate link, a unique identifier, a cookie, is placed on their device. This cookie contains information such as the affiliate's ID or tracking code. As the user navigates the merchant's website, the affiliate program's tracking system checks and recognizes the cookie. If the user purchases or completes a desired action, the conversion is attributed to the corresponding affiliate based on the cookie information. This attribution helps determine the commission earned by the affiliate for that specific referral.
The duration of an affiliate cookie varies depending on the affiliate program or network. It can range from a few hours to several months. The duration is usually defined by the merchant or advertiser and can be customized to fit their specific needs. Longer cookie durations give affiliates an extended window of opportunity to earn commissions from referred users, even if they make a purchase or conversion later within the cookie's lifespan.
If a user clears or deletes their cookies, the affiliate's tracking information stored in the cookie is also removed. As a result, the ability to attribute conversions to the specific affiliate may be lost. However, some affiliate programs implement additional tracking techniques, such as IP tracking or browser fingerprinting, to mitigate the impact of cookie deletions and ensure accurate tracking and attribution.
Yes, users can disable or block cookies through their browser settings. This can prevent affiliate cookies from being stored on their device when interacting with affiliate links. However, it's important to note that disabling cookies may affect the user's browsing experience on various websites, not just affiliate marketing-related ones.
