Cookie life span

[max]

Hi,

I'm using Google Analytics to manage my affiliates. I was wondering if anybody knows how long an affiliate cookie in Google Analytics is active? Is there any way to control the life span of the cookie?

[ghoti]

http://www.google.com/support/analyt...y?answer=27253 says:
"Regardless of how many sessions or how much time has passed, Google Analytics "remembers" the original referral."

So basically, Google's cookie never expires (well, technically it will expire in the year 2038!). I don't think there's anyway to change that setting.

[Linda Buquet]

Hi Max,

Welcome to 5 Star.

"I'm using Google Analytics to manage my affiliates."

Huh? What? Really? Is that all you use?
Why don't you use real affiliate tracking software?
Do your affiliates put up with that?
Confused...

[max]

Hi Linda,

What is the difference between Analytics and a "real" tracking software?

[Larwee]

Max, I'm sure Linda will probably speak for herself on this. But, you left out a very important word when you asked your question.

Google Analytics is considered by many to do a very good job when used for certain tracking purposes that it does best.

What is the difference between Analytics and a "real" tracking software?

Linda mentioned "real affiliate tracking." You left out the word affiliate. She was talking about that which is specifically for affiliate tracking such as DirectTrack, just as an example.

[max]

Okay thank you. The point is I probably need at good affiliate tracking software. Is there a software that can be bought (at a reasonable price) and placed on out own servers?

[Larwee]

Max, here is a link to a site that might be a big help to you. It gives you the opportunity to compare affiliate software. It makes it possible for you to compare about 50 software packages. This could be very helpful in helping you decide which is best for you.

Here is the link http://www.affiliate-software-review.com

[Linda Buquet]

Hi Max,

Affiliate software gives affiliates valuable stats to help them sell more for you. Pro affiliates require professional affiliate tracking software in order to see how many clicks they are driving and how many sales they've made. You won't get good affiliates without a good affiliate software program.

The site Larwee mentions is great for reviewing and comparing the various programs. But there is no one size fits all "best" program. A lot depends on your market, what type of commission you offer IE pay per sale or pay per lead and your budget.

If you care to share a little more info we may be able to give you some better answers. I consult with merchants about how to set up their affiliate programs all day long and would be happy to give you some advice.

Depending on your specific info there's a good chance I will recommend an affiliate network instead of software for MANY reasons. But 1st need to learn a little more about what you are trying to do.

[Linda Buquet]

Oh and since this post is in the cookie section and you asked about cookie life spans - with affiliate trqcking software or a network you can set the cookie to track for the period you want it to. The longer the cookie the better and long cookies are a good advantage to use to attract more strong affiliates.

Many of our affiliate programs offer 90 day - lifetime cookies. Of course cookies don't last forever, but it still sounds good and offers affiliate the longest possible window of opportunity to make a sale and get a commission.

[max]

Thanks for the helpfull information.
We will probably decide to get an aff. software instead of joining a network. We sell DVD movies among other things and marketing budgets for such (in Denmark) are small. Joining a network is very expensive, i think. Maybe we will develop our own affiliate system, I'm not sure.