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-doehttps://yourdomain.com?via=john-doehttps://yourdomain.com?ref=john-doe
How to configure referral parameters
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Navigate to your affiliate program settings
Go to your dashboard and open your affiliate program settings.
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Open Referral Parameters settings
Find and click on the "Referral Parameters" section or button.
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Enable or disable parameters
Use the checkboxes to enable or disable specific parameters. You must keep at least one parameter enabled.
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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.
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Save your changes
Click "Save Changes" to apply your configuration.
Choosing your default parameter
The default parameter is the one Affonso uses in generated portal and embed links when more than one parameter is enabled. When affiliates open their tracking link, they see that default first.
If you enable more than one parameter, affiliates can switch to another enabled parameter from the dropdown in the portal or embed.
If you enable only one parameter, the dropdown is hidden. Generated links use that parameter automatically, even if a different default was saved earlier.
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 will no longer see it in the portal dropdown. If only one parameter stays enabled, the dropdown is hidden
Need help?
If you have questions about configuring your referral parameters or need assistance with your affiliate program setup, please contact our support team.
