Attribution policy

Attribution Policy for Referral Programs

This article details the Attribution policy governing earnings within our Referral program. Understanding this policy is crucial for all Affiliates participating in our network. It outlines how we track referrals, assign credit for Commissions, and ensure fair and accurate payments. This document aims to provide clarity for both new and experienced participants, covering key concepts like Tracking links, Cookie duration, and handling of potential disputes.

What is Attribution?

In the context of Affiliate marketing, attribution refers to the process of identifying which marketing touchpoint (e.g., a specific Affiliate website, a social media post, an email campaign) deserves credit for a desired action, such as a sale or a lead generation. It answers the question: "Who gets the commission?" This is more complex than it appears, as customers often interact with multiple marketing channels before converting. Our Attribution model dictates how we resolve this complexity. Without a clear Attribution system, accurate Revenue tracking and fair Commission payment would be impossible.

Our Attribution Model: Last-Click

We primarily employ a "last-click" Attribution model. This means that the last Affiliate link clicked by the customer *before* completing a purchase or desired action receives 100% of the credit for the conversion. This is the most common model in the industry and is relatively straightforward to implement and understand.

For example:

A customer finds our product through a Search engine optimization (SEO) article, then sees an advertisement on a Social media marketing platform, and finally clicks an Affiliate link on your website before making a purchase. You, as the affiliate whose link was last clicked, will receive the commission.

However, there are nuances, as explained below.

Key Components of Our Policy

• Tracking Links:* All referrals *must* originate from a unique Tracking link provided within your Affiliate dashboard. Using links not generated through the platform will result in uncredited conversions. Ensure your links are correctly implemented and not modified in a way that breaks the tracking. Proper Link cloaking is permitted, provided it does not interfere with the tracking parameters.

• Cookie Duration:* Once a potential customer clicks your Tracking link, a cookie is placed on their browser. This cookie has a duration of 30 days. If the customer makes a purchase within those 30 days, you will receive the commission, *even if they leave our website and return later*. Understanding Cookie technology is essential for maximizing your earnings. This duration is outlined in your Affiliate agreement.

• Browser Settings & Cookie Blocking:* We are not responsible for conversions from users who have disabled cookies or are using browser extensions that block tracking. It is crucial to inform your audience about the importance of cookies for referral tracking (in a compliant manner, see section on Compliance).

• Multiple Affiliates:* If a customer clicks multiple affiliate links before converting, only the *last* click will be credited, adhering to our last-click model. Coordinating with other Affiliate partners is not permitted to manipulate attribution.

• Direct Traffic:* Direct traffic (where a customer types our website address directly into their browser) is not attributable to any affiliate.

• Sub-Affiliates:* If you are a Master Affiliate with a sub-affiliate program, the attribution within your sub-affiliate network is *your* responsibility, based on *your* chosen model. We only attribute conversions to the top-level affiliate (you) in such cases.

Handling Disputes

If you believe there has been an error in attribution, you can submit a dispute through your Affiliate dashboard. Please provide the following information:

• Date and time of the click (as accurate as possible).
• The Tracking link used.
• The customer's order number (if applicable).
• Any relevant supporting evidence.

Our team will investigate the issue and respond within 7 business days. We rely on our Analytics platform data to resolve disputes, and our decision is final. Repeated frivolous disputes may result in account suspension. Refer to our Dispute resolution process for detailed instructions.

Special Cases

• Returns & Refunds:* Commissions are subject to reversal if the customer returns the product or receives a refund. The commission will be deducted from your account at the time the refund is processed.

• Duplicate Orders:* We reserve the right to investigate and invalidate commissions from suspected fraudulent or duplicate orders.

• Cross-Device Tracking:* While we strive for accurate tracking, cross-device attribution (e.g., a customer clicks your link on a mobile phone and purchases on a desktop computer) can be challenging. We utilize various technologies to improve cross-device tracking, but it is not always 100% accurate. Focus on consistent messaging across all Marketing channels.

• Promotional Codes:* If a customer uses a promotional code in addition to clicking your Affiliate link, the commission is still attributed to the last-clicked link, *unless* the promotional code is specifically associated with another affiliate’s campaign.

Compliance & Best Practices

• Transparency:* Always disclose your affiliate relationship to your audience. This is both ethical and legally required. See our Disclosure guidelines for specific requirements.
• Avoid Misleading Tactics:* Do not engage in any practices that could be considered misleading or deceptive, such as falsely claiming expertise or making unsubstantiated claims about our products.
• Adherence to Terms:* Continuously review and adhere to our Terms and Conditions and this Attribution policy.
• Data Privacy:* Respect customer data privacy and comply with all applicable data protection laws. Familiarize yourself with our Privacy policy.

Resources & Support

For further information and support, please consult the following:

• Affiliate FAQ
• Commission structure
• Reporting dashboard
• Contact support
• Training materials
• Best practices guide
• Traffic quality guidelines
• Keyword research
• Content marketing strategy
• Email marketing compliance
• Paid advertising policies
• Social media marketing guidelines
• Conversion rate optimization
• A/B testing strategies

Recommended referral programs

Program	! Features	! Join
IQ Option Affiliate	Up to 50% revenue share, lifetime commissions	Join in IQ Option