Attribution

Attribution

Attribution is the process of determining which marketing touchpoints and channels deserve credit for driving conversions and sales. In affiliate marketing, proper attribution ensures affiliates receive accurate commissions and merchants understand which partners drive the most value.

Types of Attribution Models

Single-Touch Attribution

First-Touch Attribution

• Definition: All credit goes to the first marketing interaction
• Best for: Brand awareness campaigns
• Affiliate impact: Credits the first affiliate in customer journey
• Limitation: Ignores nurturing and conversion assistance

Last-Touch Attribution

• Definition: All credit goes to the final interaction before conversion
• Best for: Direct response marketing
• Affiliate impact: Credits the affiliate who closed the sale
• Limitation: Ignores awareness and consideration phases

Multi-Touch Attribution

Linear Attribution

• Definition: Credit distributed equally across all touchpoints
• Calculation: 100% ÷ Number of Interactions
• Best for: Long sales cycles with multiple influences
• Affiliate impact: All affiliates in journey receive equal credit

Time-Decay Attribution

• Definition: More credit to recent interactions
• Logic: Interactions closer to conversion are more valuable
• Best for: Shorter consideration periods
• Affiliate impact: Recent affiliates receive higher commissions

LinkJolt Attribution System

Dual Attribution Model

LinkJolt uses both link-based and coupon-based attribution:

Link Attribution

• Tracking codes: Unique identifiers in URLs
• Real-time tracking: Instant click recording
• Cross-domain support: Works across merchant properties
• Mobile compatibility: App and mobile web support

Coupon Attribution

• Automatic detection: Recognizes affiliate coupon usage
• Backup attribution: When link tracking fails
• Fraud prevention: Validates coupon authenticity
• Multiple attempts: Handles coupon retry scenarios

Ready to improve your attribution tracking? LinkJolt provides:

• Dual attribution systems: Link and coupon tracking
• Real-time reporting: Instant attribution visibility
• Fraud protection: Validated conversion tracking
• Flexible windows: Customizable attribution periods

Start optimizing your attribution →