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Getting Started with Affiliate Manager

This guide will walk you through setting up your affiliate program in Stack's Affiliate Manager. Follow these steps to configure your program, establish commission structures, and prepare for affiliate onboarding.

Initial Setup

Program Configuration

1. Access Affiliate Manager: Navigate to Settings > Affiliate Manager in your Stack dashboard
2. Create Program: Click "Create New Program" and enter your program details:
   • Program name (visible to affiliates)
   • Program description
   • Terms and conditions
   • Application requirements
   • Program visibility (public or invite-only)

Commission Structure

1. Set Default Commission: Configure the standard commission rate for your program

   • Percentage-based or fixed amount
   • Cookie/attribution window (15-90 days recommended)
   • Conversion criteria (sale, lead, subscription)

2. Create Commission Tiers (Optional):

   • Volume-based tiers to reward performance
   • Product-specific commission rates
   • Special promotions or limited-time offers

Payment Settings

1. Configure Payment Methods:

   • Available payment options (direct deposit, PayPal, etc.)
   • Minimum payout thresholds
   • Payment schedule (monthly, bi-weekly, etc.)
   • Currency settings

2. Tax Documentation:

   • Set up tax form collection requirements
   • Configure regional tax compliance settings

Tracking Setup

Tracking Links

1. Generate Program Tracking Domain:

   • Set up a subdomain for affiliate tracking (e.g., partners.yourcompany.com)
   • Configure SSL certificate for the tracking domain

2. Tracking Parameters:

   • Customize URL parameters (optional)
   • Set up UTM parameter mapping for analytics integration

Conversion Tracking

1. Install Tracking Pixel:

   • Add the Stack tracking code to your website
   • Configure thank you/confirmation page tracking
   • Set up conversion goals

2. Test Tracking:

   • Create a test affiliate account
   • Generate test transactions
   • Verify proper attribution and commission calculation

Portal Customization

1. Brand Your Portal:

   • Upload logo and set color scheme
   • Customize welcome message and dashboard layout
   • Set up FAQ and resource sections

2. Configure Application Form:

   • Design the affiliate application form
   • Set up approval workflows (automatic or manual)
   • Create email templates for application responses

Promotional Resources

1. Create Marketing Materials:

   • Add banners and images in various sizes
   • Prepare text links and promotional copy
   • Develop product descriptions and key selling points

2. Documentation:

   • Create program guidelines
   • Develop best practices documentation
   • Prepare communication templates

Launch Preparation

1. Internal Testing:

   • Run through the complete affiliate journey
   • Test commission calculations and payment processing
   • Verify reporting accuracy

2. Soft Launch (Optional):

   • Invite a small group of partners for initial testing
   • Gather feedback and make adjustments
   • Optimize processes before full launch

3. Recruitment Planning:

   • Develop affiliate recruitment strategy
   • Create affiliate outreach templates
   • Schedule launch announcement

Next Steps

Once your program is configured, you're ready to create your first campaign and begin recruiting affiliates:

• Create a Campaign: Set up your initial promotional campaign
• Manage Affiliates: Start recruiting and approving partners

For additional support, contact our Affiliate Specialist Team or schedule a Program Setup Consultation.