The Affiliate ID Definition feature allows you to control how affiliate IDs are created and managed when new affiliates register in your network. This setting determines whether affiliate IDs are automatically generated, prefilled from names, or completely customized by you.
Understanding Affiliate IDs
An affiliate ID is a unique identifier that's sent with traffic to your landing pages, allowing the system to identify the source of conversions and attribute them correctly. Every affiliate needs a unique ID that becomes part of their tracking links and is used throughout the platform for reporting and commission calculations.
Setting Up Affiliate ID Definition
To configure this feature:
1. Navigate to Settings → Affiliates → General
2. Select your preferred mode (Prefill, Generate, or Custom Note)
3. If using Custom Note, fill in your instructions and placeholder text
4. Save your changes
The setting applies immediately to all new affiliate registrations.
Available Options
The Affiliate ID Definition feature offers three distinct modes to handle affiliate ID creation:
Prefill
When you select the Prefill option, affiliate IDs are automatically generated from the affiliate's full name during registration. The system creates a clean, URL-friendly version of their name (called a "slug") that can be modified before the affiliate account is created.
How it works:
The system automatically fills the affiliate ID field using the affiliate's name
Special characters and spaces are converted to hyphens
Affiliates can edit the suggested ID before completing registration
Perfect for networks where you want readable, name-based IDs with flexibility
Example: An affiliate named "John Smith" would get a prefilled ID of "john-smith"
Generate
The Generate option creates completely random affiliate IDs automatically. These IDs are generated as 6-character alphanumeric strings and cannot be modified by affiliates or administrators.
How it works:
System generates a random 6-character ID using letters and numbers
No input required from affiliates during registration
IDs are guaranteed to be unique and cannot be changed
Ideal for networks prioritizing security and wanting to avoid predictable IDs
Example: Generated IDs look like "h7k9m2" or "p3x8w5"
Custom Note
The Custom Note option gives you complete control over how affiliate IDs are handled. You provide instructions and a placeholder that affiliates see during registration, allowing you to enforce your own ID requirements.
How it works:
You write a custom note explaining your ID requirements
You set a placeholder showing the expected format
Affiliates manually enter their desired ID following your guidelines
Best for networks with specific naming conventions or requirements
Configuration options:
– Note: Instructions for affiliates (up to 1,000 characters)
– Placeholder: Example showing the expected format (up to 100 characters)
Important Limitations
ID Length: Affiliate IDs must be between 2 and 50 characters
Character Requirements: IDs are automatically converted to URL-friendly format (lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens)
Uniqueness: Each affiliate ID must be unique across your entire network
Immutable IDs: Once an affiliate is created, their ID cannot be changed
Custom Note Limits: Notes are limited to 1,000 characters, placeholders to 100 characters
Import Considerations
When importing affiliates in bulk via CSV, the Affiliate ID Definition setting affects how IDs are processed:
Prefill mode: Uses provided ID or falls back to name-based generation
Generate mode: Ignores any provided IDs and generates new ones
Custom mode: Uses exactly what you provide in the import file
Best Practices
Choose Prefill when:
You want readable, name-based IDs
Affiliates should have some control over their IDs
You prefer a balance between automation and customization
Choose Generate when:
Security is a priority
You want completely automated ID creation
Readable IDs are not important for your workflow
Choose Custom Note when:
You have specific ID format requirements
You need to enforce company naming conventions
You want full control over the ID creation process
The Affiliate ID Definition feature ensures your network's affiliate identification system matches your operational needs while maintaining the uniqueness and functionality required for accurate tracking and reporting.