A cookie is small file which is saved on a user’s computer and is the basis on which we can track sales and leads on our affiliate platform. The cookie is placed on the user’s computer when he/she clicks on one of the creatives offered on your affiliate programme. The longer the cookie duration, the more attractive the programme for affiliates. Why? Because the cookie length determines the period during which a user is “tracked” by the network, meaning that any sales placed by that particular user during that specified period, will be attributed to the affiliate that sent the user to your site.
For example, let’s assume that the cookie duration for your programme is 30 days and that an affiliate sends a user to your website today. Let’s further assume that, that user does not complete an order, but returns to your site in 25 days and actually buys something. That sale will be attributed to the affiliate that sent you the user, 25 days ago. If this user returns to your site a week late (i.e. 32 days after his/her first visit) and makes another purchase, then that sale will not be attributed to the affiliate, since the cookie will have expired.