How to Change the Visitor ID Parameter Name in Post Affiliate Pro Redirect URLs

Problem definition

By default, Post Affiliate Pro attaches the parameter ‘visitorId’ to redirect URLs to track affiliate referrals. Some users may prefer to use their own custom parameter names—such as ‘gclid’ or ‘clickid’—to better integrate with other marketing or analytics platforms. This article explains how to update the parameter name for the visitor ID in all necessary locations in Post Affiliate Pro.

Changing the Visitor ID Parameter Name in Post Affiliate Pro

To use a custom parameter name instead of ‘visitorId’, you need to update the settings in two places:

1. Disable the default ‘visitorId’ parameter addition
   Go to Configuration > Tracking settings and uncheck ‘Add visitor id to redirect URLs’. This prevents the system from automatically appending ‘&visitorId=’ to your URLs.

2. Update the Banner Destination URL
   Edit each relevant banner in Banners > Banners manager. In the Destination URL field, add your preferred parameter and assign it the {$visitorid} variable. For example:
   https://www.example.com/?gclid={$visitorid}

3. Update the Main Site URL
   In Configuration > Tracking Settings, add your custom parameter with the {$visitorid} variable to the Main site URL. For example:
   https://www.example.com/?clickid={$visitorid}

This ensures that redirect URLs use your chosen parameter name and pass the correct visitor ID for tracking.

{< lazyimg src="/images/faq/post-affiliate-pro-configuration-tracking-settings.png" alt=“Screenshot of Configuration Tracking Settings in Post Affiliate Pro showing where to edit the Main site URL with a custom visitor ID parameter” class=“rounded-lg shadow-md” >}

{< lazyimg src="/images/faq/post-affiliate-pro-banner-destination-url-example.png" alt=“Screenshot of Banner editation screen in Post Affiliate Pro with the Destination URL including ?gclid={$visitorid}” class=“rounded-lg shadow-md” >}

Troubleshooting Custom Visitor ID Parameters in Redirect URLs

• Double-check both the Main site URL and each banner’s Destination URL to ensure the correct custom parameter is used.
• After making changes, test the redirect links to confirm the correct parameter appears in the final URL.
• If the visitor ID is not being passed as expected, ensure the {$visitorid} variable is placed correctly and that the default option to add visitor ID to redirect URLs is disabled.

Best Practices for Custom Parameter Tracking in Post Affiliate Pro

• Choose parameter names that align with your analytics or advertising platforms (e.g., ‘gclid’ for Google Ads, ‘clickid’ for third-party trackers).
• Keep parameter naming consistent across all banners and the main site configuration.
• Document your changes for future reference and team communication.

Understanding Visitor ID Variables in Post Affiliate Pro

The {$visitorid} variable dynamically inserts the unique visitor identifier generated by Post Affiliate Pro. This can be paired with any parameter name you choose, making the system flexible for various integrations and tracking needs.

Impact of Changing the Visitor ID Parameter Name

Changing the visitor ID parameter name does not affect the underlying tracking functionality, as long as the {$visitorid} variable is correctly used in all relevant URLs. This allows seamless integration with different platforms while maintaining accurate affiliate tracking.

Example: Step-by-Step Guide to Changing the Visitor ID Parameter

1. Navigate to Configuration > Tracking settings.
2. Disable “Add visitor id to redirect URLs”.
3. Set your Main site URL to include your chosen parameter, e.g., ?gclid={$visitorid}.
4. Edit each banner’s Destination URL to use the same parameter.
5. Save changes and test a banner link to confirm the updated parameter appears in the destination URL.