Tracking Domain

The domain used in affiliate links to route and record clicks — either the platform's shared domain or a custom branded one.

The tracking domain is where affiliate clicks land first. Platforms offer a shared default (fast to start, but shared reputation) or custom domains the program controls.

Why custom domains matter

Shared tracking domains accumulate the sins of every program using them: one spammer gets the domain flagged by Google Safe Browsing or email filters, and every program’s links start warning users. A custom domain isolates your reputation, enables first-party cookie setting on your brand, and survives platform migrations without breaking every published link — the operational reason alone justifies the setup hour.