Affonso allows you to customize which URL parameters your affiliates can use for tracking their referrals. By default, all five standard parameters are enabled, but you can choose which ones to make available and set a default parameter that appears pre-selected in your affiliate portal.

Available tracking parameters

Affonso supports five standard referral tracking parameters:

?atp= - Affonso Tracking Parameter (default)
?via= - Common alternative parameter
?affonso= - Branded parameter
?aff= - Short form of "affiliate"
?ref= - Common abbreviation for "referral"

All enabled parameters work identically for tracking. For example, if an affiliate's tracking ID is john-doe, these links would all work the same:

https://yourdomain.com?atp=john-doe
https://yourdomain.com?via=john-doe
https://yourdomain.com?ref=john-doe

How to configure referral parameters

Navigate to your affiliate program settings

Go to your dashboard and open your affiliate program settings.
Open Referral Parameters settings

Find and click on the "Referral Parameters" section or button.
Enable or disable parameters

Use the checkboxes to enable or disable specific parameters. You must keep at least one parameter enabled.
Set your default parameter

Click on the "Default" badge next to your preferred parameter to set it as the default. The active default will appear with a red badge, while other enabled parameters show a gray "Default" badge that you can click.
Save your changes

Click "Save Changes" to apply your configuration.

Choosing your default parameter

The default parameter is the one that will be pre-selected in the affiliate portal. When affiliates log in and view their tracking link, they'll see the default parameter in their link by default.

Affiliates can still switch to any other enabled parameter from the dropdown in the portal, but the default parameter provides the best initial experience.

Why enable multiple parameters?

There are several benefits to enabling multiple tracking parameters:

Flexibility for affiliates

Some affiliates may have existing tracking systems or preferences
They can choose a parameter that fits their workflow

Avoid conflicts

If an affiliate already uses ?ref= for another purpose, they can switch to ?via=
Reduces friction during onboarding

Professional appearance

The ?via= parameter is widely recognized and trusted
The ?affonso= parameter shows you're using a professional platform

Migration support

If you're switching from another platform, you can enable their parameter format
Makes transition smoother for existing affiliates

Best practices

Enable all parameters initially

Start with all five parameters enabled to maximize flexibility
You can always disable specific parameters later if needed

Choose a clear default

?via= is the most widely recognized parameter
?atp= is Affonso's branded parameter and works great too
Consider your brand and what affiliates might be familiar with

Communicate to affiliates

Let your affiliates know which parameters are available
Explain that they can switch parameters in the portal if needed

Consider your existing setup

If you're migrating from another platform, check what parameter they used
Enable that parameter to maintain compatibility with existing links

Important notes

All enabled parameters work identically: There's no functional difference between parameters, only the URL format changes
Minimum one parameter: You must always have at least one parameter enabled
Real-time changes: Changes take effect immediately after saving
Existing links remain valid: Disabling a parameter won't break existing tracking links using that parameter, but affiliates won't be able to select it in the portal anymore

Need help?

If you have questions about configuring your referral parameters or need assistance with your affiliate program setup, please contact our support team.