Multiple sites and reporting in Darwin

[PhilJP]

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Hi

I'm starting work on a project in which I need to set up a number of similar sites (promoting similar merchants) and I have a couple of areas where I'm not sure what I can and can't do. I've had a bit of a discussion via email with the Affiliate Window support, and despite them being helpful, I've not really got to a satisfactory conclusion.

Firstly, am I allowed to just sign up for each merchant I want to promote once, and then link to them from any number of sites (the sites won't be operational at the time I will sign up, or not all of them at least), or do I need to confirm with the merchant that they are happy before I promote them on a new site?

Secondly, it is really important that I can track which site any sales have come from so I can accurately track the commissions. I was told by the AWin support that using a 'click append' should work, but after looking at the guidance I was provided with on this, I'm neither convinced it will do what I need, nor sure of how to do it. Does anyone know if it is possible to get reports 'by site of commission origin', and how do I set it up?

Thanks very much in advance.

Phil

[nicola_humphrey]

Hi Phil,

You can add multiple websites in your account under the 'Promotional' tab. You will need to have at least one operational website when joining a merchant. Once you add the other websites into your account that are still in development, you should outline to the merchant which website you will be using when requesting to join their programme.

In regards to tracking sales for each of your websites. You can use a 'Click Ref' which enables you to add your own tracking references into links. This will then be reported into your account in the Click Ref Report.

I have emailed you a link to our wiki guide that contains more information on this.

Kind regards,
Nicola Humphrey
1st Line Support Analyst
nicola.humphrey@affiliatewindow.com

[PhilJP]

UPDATE - just checked my inbox and AWin has come back to me again with a further response.

I'll briefly outline the details here in case it will help anyone else, and would also be useful if anyone knows a better way of doing it.

On the multiple sites point I was told 'In regards to a using merchant links on another website you may add after being approved, it is unlikely that the merchant would decline these commissions, however it is at their discretion. Also the links you will be using will all contain your affiliate id, which is the identifier for your account, where all of the websites are listing under.'

For the reporting, it looks like the best option will be to use 'Click reference' tags, which I can add to my links - see Affiliate Click Ref - Wiki.

Thanks to AWin for getting back to me, and I should point out that their response was coincidental rather than in response to this post for the cynics amongst you!

[PhilJP]

Nicola - many thanks. Once again you've beaten me to it - I think you've now resolved all my queries, which is brilliant.

Thanks again for your help.

Phil