Appearance

Affiliate Pro Plugin - Usage Guide ​

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to configure and use the Affiliate Pro plugin for your e-commerce store.

Table of Contents ​

  1. Admin Configuration
  2. Managing Affiliates
  3. Commission Management
  4. Withdrawal Management
  5. Marketing Tools
  6. Reports and Analytics
  7. Affiliate Dashboard Usage

Admin Configuration ​

Accessing Plugin Settings ​

  1. Log in to your admin dashboard
  2. Navigate to Settings > Affiliate Settings
  3. Configure the following settings:

General Settings ​

  • Default Commission Percentage: Set the default commission rate (e.g., 10%) that affiliates will earn on referred sales
  • Cookie Lifetime (days): Define how long the affiliate tracking cookie remains active (e.g., 30 days)
  • Minimum Withdrawal Amount: Set the minimum amount required for withdrawal requests (e.g., $50)
  • Enable Affiliate Registration: Toggle to allow customers to register as affiliates
  • Auto Approve Affiliates: Toggle to automatically approve new affiliate registrations
  • Auto Approve Commissions: Toggle to automatically approve commissions when orders are completed

Category-Based Commission Settings ​

  1. Enable Commission for Each Category to set different commission rates based on product categories
  2. Click Add New to create a category group
  3. Set the Commission Percentage for the group
  4. Select the Categories that belong to this group
  5. Add additional category groups as needed
  6. Click Save to apply your settings

Managing Affiliates ​

Viewing Affiliates ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Affiliates
  2. View the list of all affiliate accounts with their status, balance, and performance metrics

Approving Affiliate Applications ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Pending Requests
  2. Review pending affiliate applications
  3. Click Approve to accept an application or Reject to decline
  4. Approved affiliates will receive an email notification and can begin promoting your products

Editing Affiliate Details ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Affiliates
  2. Click on an affiliate's name to view their details
  3. Edit their information as needed
  4. Click Save to update the affiliate's record

Commission Management ​

Viewing Commissions ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Commissions
  2. View all commission transactions with details on amount, order, and status

Approving Commissions ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Commissions
  2. Filter for commissions with "Pending" status
  3. Click on a commission to view details
  4. Click Approve to approve the commission
    • This will add the commission amount to the affiliate's balance
    • A transaction record will be created
    • The affiliate will be notified

Rejecting Commissions ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Commissions
  2. Click on a pending commission
  3. Click Reject if the commission doesn't meet your criteria
  4. Provide a reason for rejection
  5. The affiliate will be notified of the rejection

Withdrawal Management ​

Viewing Withdrawal Requests ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Withdrawals
  2. View all withdrawal requests with their status and details

Processing Withdrawals ​

  1. Click on a pending withdrawal request
  2. Review the payment details provided by the affiliate
  3. Click Approve to approve the withdrawal
    • This will deduct the amount from the affiliate's balance
    • The affiliate's total withdrawn amount will be updated
    • A transaction record will be created
    • The affiliate will be notified

Rejecting Withdrawals ​

  1. Click on a pending withdrawal request
  2. Click Reject if you need to decline the request
  3. Provide a reason for rejection
  4. The affiliate will be notified and the amount will remain in their balance

Marketing Tools ​

Managing Affiliate Coupons ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Coupons
  2. View all affiliate discount coupons
  3. Click Create to generate a new coupon:
    • Select an affiliate
    • Set the discount amount and type (percentage or fixed)
    • Set an expiration date (optional)
    • Add a description
  4. Click Save to create the coupon
  5. The coupon will be available in the affiliate's dashboard

Promotional Materials ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Materials
  2. Add promotional banners and materials for affiliates to use
  3. Upload banner images and set destination URLs
  4. These materials will be available in the affiliate's dashboard

Reports and Analytics ​

Viewing Performance Reports ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Reports
  2. View comprehensive reports on:
    • Top performing affiliates
    • Commission trends
    • Conversion rates
    • Traffic sources
    • Product performance
    • Referral paths
    • Geographic distribution

Traffic Source Analysis ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Reports > Traffic Sources
  2. View detailed breakdowns of:
    • Referring websites
    • Social media platforms
    • Search engines
    • Direct traffic
    • Email campaigns
  3. Filter data by date range, affiliate, or campaign
  4. Export reports for further analysis

Dashboard Widgets ​

  1. The admin dashboard includes widgets showing:
    • Recent affiliate registrations
    • Recent commissions
    • Recent withdrawals
    • Top performing affiliates

Affiliate Dashboard Usage ​

For Affiliates: Getting Started ​

  1. Log in to your customer account
  2. Navigate to Affiliate Dashboard
  3. If not already an affiliate, click Register as Affiliate
  4. Complete the registration form
  5. Wait for approval (if auto-approval is not enabled)
  1. From the affiliate dashboard, locate the Your Affiliate Link section
  2. Copy your main affiliate link to share on websites, social media, or emails
  3. Use your affiliate code in offline promotions
  1. Navigate to Short Links in your affiliate dashboard
  2. Click Create Short Link
  3. Choose a link type:
    • Product link: Select a specific product to promote
    • Homepage link: Create a link to the store homepage
    • Custom URL: Enter any URL on the store
  4. Add a title for your reference
  5. Click Create to generate the short link
  6. Copy and share the generated link

Creating and Managing Coupons ​

  1. Navigate to Coupons in your affiliate dashboard
  2. View your existing coupons
  3. Share coupon codes with potential customers
  4. Track coupon usage and performance

Tracking Performance ​

  1. The dashboard homepage shows key metrics:
    • Current balance
    • Total commission earned
    • Total withdrawn
    • This month's commission
    • Click statistics
    • Conversion rate

Requesting Withdrawals ​

  1. Navigate to Withdrawals in your affiliate dashboard
  2. Click Request Withdrawal
  3. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw
    • Must meet the minimum withdrawal amount
  4. Select your preferred payment method
  5. Enter your payment details
  6. Submit your request
  7. Track the status of your withdrawal requests

Viewing Commission History ​

  1. Navigate to Commissions in your affiliate dashboard
  2. View all your commission transactions
  3. Check the status of each commission
  4. See details about the associated orders

Using Promotional Materials ​

  1. Navigate to Promotional Materials in your affiliate dashboard
  2. Browse available banners and marketing materials
  3. Copy the HTML code for banners
  4. Implement these materials on your website or marketing channels

Email Notifications ​

Managing Email Templates ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Settings > Email Templates
  2. View and edit available email templates:
    • Affiliate registration notification
    • Affiliate approval notification
    • Commission earned notification
    • Withdrawal status notification
    • Performance digest
  3. Customize the content, subject, and formatting of each template
  4. Use available variables to personalize emails

Configuring Notification Settings ​

  1. Navigate to Settings > Affiliate Settings > Notifications
  2. Enable/disable different types of notifications:
    • Admin notifications
    • Affiliate notifications
  3. Set frequency for digest emails
  4. Configure email sender information

API Integration ​

Accessing API Documentation ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > API > Documentation
  2. View available API endpoints and methods
  3. Read documentation on request/response formats
  4. Test API calls directly from the documentation interface

Managing API Keys ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > API > Keys
  2. Generate new API keys for third-party integrations
  3. View existing API keys and their permissions
  4. Revoke API keys that are no longer needed

Configuring Webhooks ​

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > API > Webhooks
  2. Create new webhook endpoints for real-time notifications
  3. Select events that trigger webhook calls:
    • New affiliate registration
    • Commission earned
    • Withdrawal requested/processed
  4. Test webhook delivery to ensure proper integration

Advanced Features ​

QR Code Generation ​

  1. Navigate to Short Links in your affiliate dashboard
  2. Create a short link for any product or page
  3. Click on the QR Code icon next to your short link
  4. Download the QR code image
  5. Use QR codes for:
    • Print advertisements
    • Business cards
    • Flyers and brochures
    • In-store displays
    • Social media posts

UTM Parameter Tracking ​

  1. Add UTM parameters to your affiliate links for better tracking:

    • utm_source: Identify the traffic source (e.g., facebook, newsletter)
    • utm_medium: Identify the medium (e.g., social, email, banner)
    • utm_campaign: Identify the campaign name
    • utm_content: Identify specific content or ad variation

  2. Example: https://store.com/product?ref=AFFILIATE123&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer_sale

  3. View UTM tracking data in your affiliate reports

  1. Navigate to Affiliate Pro > Tools > Bulk Link Generator (Admin)
  2. Upload a CSV file with product URLs
  3. Generate affiliate links for multiple products at once
  4. Export the generated links for distribution to affiliates

Integration with Third-Party Tools ​

Google Analytics Integration ​

  1. Set up Google Analytics tracking for affiliate links
  2. Configure goal tracking for affiliate conversions
  3. Create custom reports for affiliate performance
  4. Use Google Analytics data to optimize affiliate campaigns

Social Media Integration ​

  1. Facebook Pixel: Track affiliate conversions from Facebook ads
  2. Instagram Shopping: Use affiliate links in Instagram posts
  3. YouTube: Include affiliate links in video descriptions
  4. Pinterest: Create affiliate pins with tracking links

Email Marketing Integration ​

  1. Mailchimp: Include affiliate links in email campaigns
  2. Constant Contact: Track affiliate performance from email marketing
  3. AWeber: Automate affiliate link distribution via email

Troubleshooting Common Issues ​

Problem: Clicks not being tracked or commissions not credited

Solutions:

  1. Check if cookies are enabled in the browser
  2. Verify the affiliate code is correct in the URL
  3. Ensure the tracking middleware is properly installed
  4. Test links in incognito/private browsing mode
  5. Check if JavaScript is enabled
  6. Verify the affiliate account is active and approved

Commission Calculation Issues ​

Problem: Incorrect commission amounts or missing commissions

Solutions:

  1. Verify commission rates are set correctly in settings
  2. Check if the product is eligible for affiliate commissions
  3. Ensure the order status is "completed"
  4. Verify the customer completed the purchase within the cookie lifetime
  5. Check for any commission exclusions or restrictions

Withdrawal Processing Delays ​

Problem: Withdrawal requests taking too long to process

Solutions:

  1. Check if the withdrawal amount meets the minimum threshold
  2. Verify payment method details are correct and complete
  3. Ensure sufficient balance is available
  4. Contact admin if requests are stuck in pending status
  5. Check for any account restrictions or holds

Dashboard Access Issues ​

Problem: Cannot access affiliate dashboard or features

Solutions:

  1. Verify affiliate account is approved and active
  2. Check user permissions and role assignments
  3. Clear browser cache and cookies
  4. Try accessing from a different browser or device
  5. Contact administrator for account status verification

Email Notification Problems ​

Problem: Not receiving affiliate-related emails

Solutions:

  1. Check spam/junk folders
  2. Verify email address is correct in account settings
  3. Check email notification preferences
  4. Test email functionality with administrator
  5. Add sender email to safe senders list

Best Practices ​

For Store Owners ​

Program Setup and Management ​

  1. Competitive Commission Structure:

    • Research industry standards (typically 5-20%)
    • Consider profit margins when setting rates
    • Offer performance-based bonuses for top affiliates
    • Create tiered commission structures

  2. Quality Control:

    • Review affiliate applications carefully
    • Monitor affiliate marketing practices
    • Set clear guidelines and terms of service
    • Remove affiliates who violate policies

  3. Marketing Support:

    • Provide high-quality promotional materials
    • Create product-specific banners and graphics
    • Offer exclusive coupon codes for affiliates
    • Update materials regularly with new products

  4. Communication and Training:

    • Send regular newsletters to affiliates
    • Provide product training and knowledge base
    • Announce new products and promotions
    • Offer marketing tips and best practices

  5. Performance Monitoring:

    • Track affiliate performance metrics
    • Identify and reward top performers
    • Analyze conversion rates and optimize
    • Monitor for fraudulent activity

Payment and Financial Management ​

  1. Timely Payments:

    • Process withdrawals within 7-14 days
    • Maintain transparent payment schedules
    • Communicate any delays immediately
    • Offer multiple payment methods

  2. Financial Tracking:

    • Monitor commission expenses
    • Track ROI from affiliate program
    • Budget for affiliate payments
    • Maintain accurate financial records

For Affiliates ​

Building a Successful Affiliate Business ​

  1. Audience Development:

    • Understand your target audience
    • Build trust through valuable content
    • Focus on quality over quantity
    • Engage with your community regularly

  2. Content Strategy:

    • Create honest, detailed product reviews
    • Develop tutorials and how-to guides
    • Share personal experiences with products
    • Use multiple content formats (text, video, images)

  3. Marketing Channels:

    • Blog posts and articles
    • Social media platforms
    • Email newsletters
    • YouTube videos
    • Podcast mentions
    • Webinars and live streams

  4. Performance Optimization:

    • Track which strategies work best
    • Test different promotional approaches
    • Monitor conversion rates by channel
    • Optimize based on performance data
    • Focus on high-converting products

  5. Professional Practices:

    • Always disclose affiliate relationships
    • Follow FTC guidelines and regulations
    • Maintain ethical marketing practices
    • Provide honest opinions and reviews
    • Respect audience trust

Technical Best Practices ​

  1. Link Management:

    • Use short links for cleaner URLs
    • Create product-specific links
    • Implement proper link tracking
    • Test links regularly for functionality

  2. SEO Optimization:

    • Optimize content for search engines
    • Use relevant keywords naturally
    • Create valuable, original content
    • Build quality backlinks

  3. Analytics and Tracking:

    • Monitor traffic sources and conversions
    • Use UTM parameters for campaign tracking
    • Analyze performance data regularly
    • Adjust strategies based on insights

Security and Compliance ​

Data Protection ​

  1. GDPR Compliance:

    • Obtain consent for tracking cookies
    • Provide clear privacy policies
    • Allow users to opt-out of tracking
    • Maintain data processing records

  2. Security Measures:

    • Use secure HTTPS connections
    • Implement proper authentication
    • Regular security audits and updates
    • Protect affiliate and customer data

  1. FTC Guidelines:

    • Require clear affiliate disclosures
    • Monitor affiliate marketing practices
    • Provide disclosure guidelines to affiliates
    • Ensure compliance with advertising laws

  2. Terms and Conditions:

    • Create clear affiliate agreements
    • Define commission structures and payment terms
    • Specify prohibited marketing practices
    • Include termination clauses

Performance Optimization ​

Database Optimization ​

  1. Regular Maintenance:

    • Clean up old click data periodically
    • Optimize database indexes
    • Archive old commission records
    • Monitor database performance

  2. Caching Strategies:

    • Implement Redis or Memcached
    • Cache affiliate link redirects
    • Use CDN for promotional materials
    • Optimize page load times

Scalability Considerations ​

  1. High-Volume Handling:

    • Implement queue systems for processing
    • Use background jobs for heavy operations
    • Monitor server resources and scaling
    • Optimize tracking middleware performance

  2. Load Balancing:

    • Distribute traffic across multiple servers
    • Implement database read replicas
    • Use CDN for static assets
    • Monitor and scale infrastructure as needed

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of using the Affiliate Pro plugin effectively, from basic setup to advanced optimization strategies. Regular review and implementation of these practices will help ensure a successful affiliate marketing program.

Built with Laravel and developed by Botble Technologies © 2025.