# Tracking & Analytics

> First-party cookie + direct link tracking with cross-subdomain support, first/last-click attribution models, campaign tags, and per-visit logs.

- Canonical: <https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/tracking/>
- HTML version: <https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/tracking/>

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Pro Feature

Accurate affiliate tracking with direct link tracking (no referral URL needed), cookie-based attribution, first/last-click models, cross-subdomain support, campaign tracking, visit logging, and standalone conversion shortcodes for any checkout system.

By Jameson · Founder & Lead Developer

[Get Royal Affiliate Pro](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/pricing/)

## Complete Tracking System

Royal Affiliate Pro gives you everything you need to track referrals accurately — from direct link tracking without referral URLs, to cookie management, cross-subdomain support, and standalone conversion tracking for any checkout flow.

### Direct Link Tracking NEW

Affiliates share their own domain URL — no `?ref=` parameter needed. Royal Affiliate Pro matches the visitor's HTTP Referer header against the affiliate's registered promotion domain and attributes the referral automatically.

### Cookie-Based Tracking

Reliable referral tracking with customizable cookie duration (default 30 days). First-click and last-click attribution models. Cookie clearing after conversion option.

### Cross-Subdomain Support

Share tracking cookies across subdomains. If your shop is on shop.example.com and blog is on blog.example.com, referral links work across both.

### Campaign Tracking

Tag referral links with campaign slugs (`?campaign=spring-sale`). Track which campaigns drive the most conversions. Campaign-specific commission rates.

### Visit Logging

Every click is logged with URL, referrer, IP, and timestamp. See exactly where traffic comes from and which pages affiliates drive visitors to.

### Standalone Conversions

Track conversions on any page with `[rafp_conversion]`. Works with Stripe Checkout, PayPal, ThriveCart, Gumroad, SamCart — any checkout that redirects to a thank-you page.

### Excluded Pages

Block tracking on specific URLs with pattern matching and regex support. Prevent commissions on support pages, documentation, or internal tools.

## How Tracking Works

From click to conversion in four simple steps. Royal Affiliate Pro handles attribution automatically so you never miss a referral.

1

### Visitor Clicks a Referral Link

A visitor clicks an affiliate's referral link containing their unique code, such as `?ref=affiliate_code`.

2

### Tracking Cookie Is Set

A tracking cookie is set with the affiliate ID and campaign (if any). The cookie persists for the configured duration — 30 days by default.

3

### Visitor Browses Your Site

The visitor browses your site freely. The cookie persists across sessions and pages, tracking their journey from landing to checkout.

4

### Referral Created on Conversion

On purchase or conversion, the cookie is read and a referral is created automatically. The affiliate gets credited with the sale.

## Reliable, Accurate Attribution

Royal Affiliate Pro tracking is built for accuracy and flexibility, giving you complete control over how referrals are attributed and conversions are recorded.

30

Day Default Cookie

2

Attribution Models

∞

Tracking Integrations

Whether you use WooCommerce, Easy Digital Downloads, MemberPress, or an external checkout like Stripe or ThriveCart, Royal Affiliate Pro tracks every conversion with precision.

## Tracking Capabilities

- **Direct link tracking:** Attribute referrals via HTTP Referer header — affiliates share their own domain, no `?ref=` needed
- **Promotion domains:** Each affiliate registers their domain(s) in their dashboard — automatic matching on inbound traffic
- **Query parameter:** `?ref=` (customizable parameter name)
- **Pretty URL format:** `/ref/affiliate-code/`
- **Forced landing pages:** Preserve cookies on dedicated landing pages
- **WooCommerce:** Auto referral on order completion with HPOS compatibility
- **WooCommerce Subscriptions:** Recurring commission on renewal payments
- **Easy Digital Downloads:** Auto referral on payment completion
- **MemberPress:** Transaction tracking and membership commissions
- **Standalone shortcode:** `[rafp_conversion]` with fixed or dynamic amounts
- **URL parameters:** `?amount=97.00&reference=order_123`
- **Duplicate prevention:** Block duplicate conversions by reference ID
- **Monthly reports:** Auto-generated performance reports with email delivery
- **Leaderboard shortcode:** `[rafp_leaderboard]` (by earnings, referrals, revenue, or conversion rate)
- **CSV export:** Export affiliates data to CSV for external analysis

## Related Features

[### Commission System

Flat rates, percentages, per-product overrides, tiered progression, and campaign-specific commission rates.](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/commissions/)
[### Fraud Detection

Self-referral blocking, IP rate limiting, Proxy-header detection, and bot filtering to keep your program clean.](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/fraud-detection/)
[### Affiliate Dashboard

A 7-tab self-service portal where affiliates track stats, manage links, view payouts, and access creatives.](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/affiliate-dashboard/)
[### Automated Payouts

PayPal batch payouts, Stripe Connect, store credit, and auto-scheduled payments with minimum thresholds.](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/payouts/)

## Track Every Click, Every Conversion

Get cookie-based tracking, multi-platform integrations, and standalone conversion support with Royal Affiliate Pro.

[View Pricing](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/pricing/)
[Explore All Features](https://royalplugins.com/royal-affiliates/features/)