How to Use UTM Parameters for Affiliate Link Tracking
If you're doing affiliate marketing and not using UTM parameters, you're missing out on powerful data. UTM codes help you see where your traffic is coming from, which campaigns are working, and how users interact with your affiliate links.
In this guide, we’ll explain what UTM parameters are, why they’re important, and how to use them effectively.
✅ What Are UTM Parameters?
UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are tags you add to a URL to track detailed information about traffic.
Here’s an example of a link with UTM parameters:
✅ Why Use UTM Parameters for Affiliate Links?
UTM codes give you insights like:
Which platform sent the visitor (e.g., Instagram, Facebook)
What type of content led to the click (e.g., ad, email, story)
Which campaign is performing best (e.g., product launch, giveaway)
This helps you:
Optimize campaigns
Focus on high-performing platforms
Understand your audience behavior
🔍 Main UTM Parameters You Should Know
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
utm_source | Platform or referrer | utm_source=facebook |
utm_medium | Type of marketing medium | utm_medium=post |
utm_campaign | Name of campaign | utm_campaign=summersale |
utm_term | (Optional) Keywords for paid search ads | utm_term=best+headphones |
utm_content | (Optional) Different versions of content | utm_content=image1 |
🛠 How to Create a UTM-Tagged Affiliate Link
Start with your affiliate URL:
Add UTM tags:
Shorten the URL (optional but recommended):
Use a tool like URLShortly.com to shorten and track the full UTM link:
🔧 Free Tools to Create UTM Links
Google’s Campaign URL Builder:
https://ga-dev-tools.web.app/campaign-url-builder/UTM.io:
Great for managing teams and multiple campaigns.URLShortly:
Add UTM links and shorten them for sharing anywhere.
📊 How to Track UTM Data
If you use Google Analytics:
Go to Acquisition → Campaigns
View traffic by Source/Medium/Campaign
Analyze conversions and user behavior from each link
🚀 Best Practices for Using UTM Parameters
Always be consistent in naming (e.g.,
instagramnotInstain one place andIGin another)Use lowercase letters only
Avoid using spaces; use
-or+insteadTest your UTM links before publishing
🧠 Final Thoughts
UTM parameters give you the power to see beyond the click. You’ll know which affiliate links are making money and which aren’t. It’s a small step with a big payoff for any serious affiliate marketer.