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Server-Side Affiliate Tracking Implementation

Complete guide to implementing server-side affiliate tracking. Netlify Functions, Vercel Edge Functions, and AWS Lambda examples.

Why Server-Side Tracking?

Server-side affiliate tracking offers several advantages over client-side tracking:

  • Privacy-Friendly: Works without cookies, compliant with privacy regulations
  • More Reliable: Not blocked by ad blockers or privacy tools
  • Better Accuracy: Server-side tracking is more accurate than client-side
  • Cross-Device: Tracks users across devices more effectively
  • Security: More secure than client-side tracking

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Implementation Options

Netlify Functions

Netlify Functions provide serverless functions for handling affiliate tracking. Perfect for static sites hosted on Netlify.

Best For: Astro, Next.js, or other static sites on Netlify

Vercel Edge Functions

Vercel Edge Functions run at the edge for low latency. Great for Next.js and other Vercel-hosted sites.

Best For: Next.js sites, edge computing needs

AWS Lambda

AWS Lambda provides scalable serverless functions. Most flexible but requires more setup.

Best For: Complex tracking requirements, AWS infrastructure

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Tracking Flow

  1. User clicks affiliate link on your site
  2. Link redirects to your serverless function
  3. Function records the click and generates tracking ID
  4. Function redirects user to affiliate merchant
  5. When conversion occurs, merchant sends postback to your function
  6. Function validates postback and records conversion

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