Use case
Partner links, creator links, coupon-site links, newsletter placements, and affiliate network handoffs.
Affiliate examples
Affiliate URL Parameter Examples
Use these affiliate URL parameter examples to keep partner traffic transparent, preserve network fields, and avoid handing affiliates a link that no one can debug later.
Starter rule
Preserve required network parameters and use sub IDs only for partner, placement, and creative labels.
Verification
Open the link, follow redirects, and confirm the final page still contains the fields your reports need.
Readable sub ID example
Use this when partners and operators need to understand the affiliate tracking link by looking at it.
https://example.com/products/sample-product?utm_source=affiliate_partner&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=summer_partner_push&sub1=partner_name&sub2=newsletter_slot&sub3=video_creative_01
Stable ID example
Use this when your affiliate network or internal report already maps partner IDs, placement IDs, and creative IDs.
https://example.com/products/sample-product?utm_source=affiliate_partner&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=summer_partner_push&sub1=partner_4827&sub2=placement_19&sub3=creative_034
Sub ID planning table
| Field | Suggested meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
sub1 |
Partner or publisher | partner_name |
sub2 |
Placement, page, email, or creator slot | newsletter_slot |
sub3 |
Creative, coupon, or content label | video_creative_01 |
utm_campaign |
Merchant-side campaign name | summer_partner_push |
Affiliate link QA checklist
- Ask whether the affiliate network requires specific parameter names.
- Keep required network parameters untouched.
- Use only the sub ID fields that you can actually report on later.
- Click the final link and check every redirect.
- Confirm that GA4 or the affiliate network sees a usable source path.
Affiliate URL parameter FAQ
What affiliate URL parameters should I use first?
Start with readable UTM fields for source, medium, and campaign, then use sub ID fields only for partner, placement, creative, coupon, or content labels that you can report on later.
Should affiliate sub IDs be readable names or stable IDs?
Readable names are easier for a first partner launch. Stable IDs work better when your affiliate network, spreadsheet, or BI report already maps partner IDs, placement IDs, and creative IDs.
Can affiliate URL parameters include customer data?
No. Do not put customer emails, names, phone numbers, order IDs, addresses, or private customer details into affiliate URL parameters or UTM fields.
Give partners a link you can audit later
Readable sub IDs make the first launch easier. Stable IDs make scale easier. Pick one intentionally.