Promo Codes Tracking – Everything You Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, affiliate networks and publishers are facing growing challenges due to tightening online privacy restrictions. Inaccurate conversion attribution, difficulty in determining traffic sources, and consequently, reduced earnings for publishers, are just the tip of the iceberg.

As recent changes regarding user privacy have shown, traditional strategies based on affiliate links do not always work effectively in campaigns. For the entire affiliate market, changes implemented by Google and Apple (Privacy Sandbox and App Tracking Transparency) have made transaction tracking the main topic of discussion. Furthermore, widespread use of ad blockers by internet users and restrictions on linking in social media platforms like Instagram further deepen the problems publishers face in running effective campaigns.

Due to increasingly frequent issues in identifying traffic sources, we have observed a growing interest in affiliate campaigns based on transaction tracking using promo codes or hybrid campaigns at Admitad. The hybrid solution proves to be very effective where links fail. In this article, we will discuss why promo code-based tracking should also be considered in affiliate strategies.

Limitations of Affiliate Link Tracking

Tracking links has long been the foundation of affiliate marketing. Publishers typically generate additional revenue by embedding unique tracking links in banners, blog posts, and other promotional materials. What are the dimensions of this problem?

Browsers

The two most commonly used browsers, Chrome and Safari, have introduced advanced privacy protections for their users. Not only do they ask users about data collection, but they also limit the use of third-party cookies and prevent tracking across sites. As a result, affiliate marketers are noticing more untracked conversions, which directly impacts their commissions. Promo code tracking, however, does not rely on cookies or third-party scripts, offering an effective alternative.

Ad Blockers

As reported by Statista, in 2023, over 40% of internet users used an ad blocker. Banners, pop-ups, and moving elements are blocked. Publishers must not only get more creative with content but also think about the links themselves. While many of these blockers are designed to block ads, they also block tracking scripts, preventing accurate tracking of clicks, conversions, and affiliate commissions. Promo code tracking, on the other hand, uses a unique promo code that users enter when finalizing a purchase, making it resistant to ad blockers.

Limitations in Social Media Tracking

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have strict rules about links that can be added to posts. Links may be automatically flagged as suspicious or blocked. Additionally, on Instagram, links cannot be added to post descriptions, and the number of links in the bio is very limited.

At the same time, conversion rates (CTR) on social media are above the affiliate average. According to various sources, conversion rates range from 1% to as high as 7%, depending on the size of the account and average engagement under posts.

Publishers can promote products by sharing promo codes in posts, stories, or comments, without worrying about the links being hidden or blocked. Promo codes are easy to remember and can also be spoken during live streams, Reels, or other video formats, leading to better tracking and higher conversion rates.

Promo codes work perfectly in social media. Since the code is directly shared with users, it bypasses the difficulties of link tracking. Users can simply enter the promo code when placing an order, ensuring that publishers receive commission attribution for the sale, regardless of where they saw the promotion.

Additional Benefits of Promo Codes

Promo codes offer a direct attribution method. Both publishers and advertisers can clearly see which sales came from their promotional efforts, ensuring more transparent and reliable reporting. By using unique promo codes for each partner, it is easy to track which specific promotional strategy generates the highest number of sales, allowing for more informed decision-making and better optimization.

Promo codes also help build a community. The process of entering a code can give the recipient a sense of exclusivity and belonging. For publishers looking to improve their affiliate marketing strategy, switching to hybrid tracking based on links and promo codes can significantly enhance sales performance.

Read more about promo code campaigns in Admitad here.

Want to try campaigns with promo codes? Check out our offers.