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FAQ: Can I use subdomains to track referrals?

Written by Milos
Updated over a week ago

No, Simple Affiliate does not support referral tracking across different subdomains.

Our system relies on browser cookies to attribute sales. Due to standard browser security policies, these cookies cannot be shared between separate subdomains.


Subdomains (Not Supported)

If a customer clicks an affiliate link that directs them to one subdomain but they complete their purchase on another (or the main domain), the tracking connection will be lost.

  • Example of a failed track: Customer clicks a link to shop.yourdomain.com but checks out at yourdomain.com.

  • Result: No commission is generated because the cookie cannot "jump" between the two.

Subdirectories (Fully Supported)

Using subdirectories (also known as subfolders) for different languages or regional versions of your store works perfectly. The tracking cookie remains active across this entire structure.

  • Example of a successful track: Customer moves from yourdomain.com to yourdomain.com/uk/ or yourdomain.com/collections/sale.

  • Result: The referral is tracked correctly, and the affiliate receives their commission.


Important Rules to Remember

  • Cookie Persistence: Tracking cookies are tied to the specific domain where they were first dropped.

  • Single-Store Setup: Simple Affiliate is designed to track referrals within a single Shopify store environment.

  • Deep Linking: If you want to send customers to a specific regional page, ensure you use a Subdirectory structure to keep your tracking intact.

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