AffiliateSync™ automatically transforms raw merchant URLs into fully monetised affiliate links using a structured, multi-step processing system. This ensures that every link routed through the platform is correctly attributed to your affiliate accounts while respecting network rules and merchant approvals.
This page explains the complete rewriting process from start to finish.
1. Overview of the Link Rewriting Engine #
AffiliateSync uses a layered evaluation pipeline to determine the best possible affiliate network for each link. The system checks merchant eligibility, network availability, and fallback rules before generating the final affiliate URL.
The process ensures:
- Maximum commission potential
- No broken or untracked links
- Full compliance with network requirements
2. Step-by-Step Link Processing Flow #
Every link sent into AffiliateSync goes through the following stages:
Step 1 — URL Normalisation #
Before any rewriting happens, the system:
- Removes unnecessary tracking parameters
- Canonicalises URL structure
- Extracts the root domain (e.g.,
currys.co.uk) - Validates the URL format
This ensures reliable matching with supported merchants and networks.
Step 2 — Merchant Identification #
AffiliateSync checks the domain against its merchant database, which includes:
- AWIN merchant list (updated via API)
- Amazon domain groups
- Skimlinks global merchant coverage
If a merchant cannot be matched directly, Skimlinks becomes the fallback.
Step 3 — Network Eligibility Checks #
Once a merchant is identified, AffiliateSync determines which networks the user is eligible for.
This is done by checking:
- AWIN API merchant approvals
- Amazon Associates domain support
- Skimlinks fallback availability
The system dynamically picks the highest-priority eligible network.
3. Network Priority Order #
AffiliateSync always uses the most accurate affiliate source available.
Priority is as follows:
1. Amazon Associates (if domain is Amazon) #
Amazon always overrides all other networks.
2. Direct Affiliate Networks #
If the user is approved for the merchant:
- AWIN (with API validation)
- More coming soon
These networks typically pay higher commissions than Skimlinks.
3. Skimlinks Fallback #
Used when:
- Merchant does not support direct affiliate tracking
- User is not approved in AWIN or other networks
- Merchant only exists via Skimlinks
This ensures no link is ever left unmonetised.
4. How Rewritten URLs Are Constructed #
AffiliateSync injects the correct parameters based on the selected network.
Example — AWIN Rewriting #
Raw URL:
https://ui.awin.com/publisher-signup
Rewritten:
Example — Amazon Rewriting #
Raw URL:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DT4W6GGL
Rewritten:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DT4W6GGL?tag=anydealsuk-21
Using links such as above also need to abide by Amazon’s terms and as such need to include a disclaimer such as “As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases”
Example — Skimlinks With Custom .go Domain #
Raw URL:
Home
Rewritten:
http://go.anydeals.uk/?id=125364X1610977&xs=1&url=http://skimlinks.com
5. Duplicate Prevention & URL Cleaning #
Before final output:
- Duplicate URLs are removed
- Tracking parameters from merchants are stripped
- Canonical versions are used for consistency
This ensures clean, reliable feed data.
6. Final Link Output #
Once processed, the rewritten link is added to the correct feed.
Each output is fully ready for use with websites, bots, scrapers, or WP All Import.
7. Why This System Matters #
Manual link building is error-prone and inconsistent. AffiliateSync automates:
- Network compliance
- Merchant approvals
- Parameter formatting
- Fallback logic
- URL optimisation
This results in higher revenue, fewer errors, and a more professional workflow.
