Affilae Tracking Fundamentals
This documentation helps you better understand the key concepts of tracking at Affilae and how to properly handle the different elements required for a successful integration.
Terms and Definitions :
Term | Definition |
PID (Program ID) | The unique identifier of your affiliate program. Each time an affiliate promotes your products, this code ensures that the generated conversions are attributed to your program. Example: |
Key (commissioning rule key) | A unique code generated for each commission rule. When a sale occurs, this key tells the system which commission rule to apply in order to calculate the affiliate’s payout. Example: The KEY is composed of the commission rule and the ProgramID separated by a |
Conversion Tag | A technical element (also called server-side) that collects and transmits all key information about a sale or conversion (amount, order number, key) to the affiliate platform. |
ClickID | A unique identifier created when a visitor clicks on an affiliate link. It allows tracking of the visitor’s journey up to the eventual conversion. |
Commission Rule | A configuration within your affiliate program that defines how affiliates are paid. It determines the payment model (CPC – CPA – CPL). See documentation for more details. |
DataLayer (specific to GTM) | A technical JavaScript tool that works like a “data container” on your website. It stores and transmits important information (such as purchase details) to tracking systems, particularly in Google Tag Manager (GTM). |
Client-to-Server (C2S) | A tracking method using JavaScript scripts executed in the visitor’s browser. These scripts collect conversion data and send it to the affiliate platform. |
Server-to-Server (S2S) | A more secure tracking method where conversion data is sent directly from your server to the affiliate platform, without going through the visitor’s browser. This method is more reliable because it is not affected by ad blockers. |
How Does Affilae Tracking Work?
Click on an Affiliate Link
When a user clicks on an affiliate link:
A click tag is triggered (C2S).
The ClickID is stored in a cookie or URL parameter: it identifies the source of the click when the conversion happens (S2S).
Conversion (purchase or other event)
When a conversion takes place (purchase, registration, etc.):
A conversion tag is triggered.
This tag contains:
PID (Program ID)
Key linked to the commission rule
Order number
Order amount (excl. tax)
Currency
Promo code
Product IDs
Technical Points
Keys
Each commission rule created in Affilae generates a unique key.
These keys are essential: they link the conversion to the correct rule and therefore the correct payout level.
If you have 3 rules, you need to manage 3 different keys in your integration.
Where to Find the KEY and Your PID?
Log in to your Affilae interface.
Go to Configuration > Tracking > Integration via an Affilae module.
Your KEY and PID are visible in the details of each rule.
Next step: Select the integration that best fits your setup depending on the e-commerce solution used:
Two options are available:
Client-to-Server: The client (computer, application, or user) sends a request to a server, which processes the request and returns a response.
Server-to-Server: Communication takes place directly from server to server.
➡️ We recommend a Client-to-Server integration for a faster setup.
Client-to-Server:
Shopify
WooCommerce
Prestashop
Custom integration
Google Tag Manager – Client-Side
Server-to-Server:
Server-to-Server
Google Tag Manager – Server-Side
Once the integration is complete, we recommend performing a full tracking test: click and conversion. Ideally in a pre-production or production environment.