How do affiliate links work?
By default, we use a custom installation page to attribute installs. This default method doesn't require any changes to your app's code and works right away. It is ideal for trying PartnerJam without any implementation. However, by implementing a simple tracking code (see 'Redirect to the Shopify App Store' below), you can enable affiliate links to be redirected directly to the Shopify App Store. This implementation can significantly increase the conversion rate of your affiliate links.
In this article, we explain the difference between these methods and their pros and cons.
When you successfully pair your application, your publishers can register and generate affiliate links that will look like this:
On this page, the merchant enters their store domain. After clicking the 'Authorize App' button, they will be redirected to the regular Shopify installation flow:
When you or any of your publishers enter a store's domain (e.g., www.something.com or www.something.myshopify.com), they are instantly redirected to the Shopify installation process. This process installs the app on the merchant's store, and the merchant is attributed and confirmed within the next hour.
The solution works out of the box—no implementation is needed.
The method is 100% cookie-independent.
This is not a straightforward installation from the Shopify App Store. Although Shopify fully supports this method, it's not a typical one.
Overall, this method is the most reliable way to add app installation under the publisher's account.
You can also utilize referral links that redirect directly to the Shopify App Store. To enable accurate tracking and attribution of installs for your publishers, you need to integrate a simple code into your app. Once you enable the 'Enable redirect to Shopify App Store' feature and correctly implement the tracking code, all affiliate links will directly point to the App Store instead of a custom installation page.
A seamless solution for a fluent user experience - merchants land on the Shopify App Store and install the app as they're accustomed to.
You can use the discount feature and allow your publishers to offer discounts on their affiliate links to enhance the efficiency of your affiliate program.
Required technical implementation
In this article, we explain the difference between these methods and their pros and cons.
Custom installation page (default method)
When you successfully pair your application, your publishers can register and generate affiliate links that will look like this:
On this page, the merchant enters their store domain. After clicking the 'Authorize App' button, they will be redirected to the regular Shopify installation flow:
When you or any of your publishers enter a store's domain (e.g., www.something.com or www.something.myshopify.com), they are instantly redirected to the Shopify installation process. This process installs the app on the merchant's store, and the merchant is attributed and confirmed within the next hour.
Pros
The solution works out of the box—no implementation is needed.
The method is 100% cookie-independent.
Cons
This is not a straightforward installation from the Shopify App Store. Although Shopify fully supports this method, it's not a typical one.
Overall, this method is the most reliable way to add app installation under the publisher's account.
Redirect to the Shopify App Store
You can also utilize referral links that redirect directly to the Shopify App Store. To enable accurate tracking and attribution of installs for your publishers, you need to integrate a simple code into your app. Once you enable the 'Enable redirect to Shopify App Store' feature and correctly implement the tracking code, all affiliate links will directly point to the App Store instead of a custom installation page.
Pros
A seamless solution for a fluent user experience - merchants land on the Shopify App Store and install the app as they're accustomed to.
You can use the discount feature and allow your publishers to offer discounts on their affiliate links to enhance the efficiency of your affiliate program.
Cons
Required technical implementation
Updated on: 02/10/2023
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