Trackli
Use Case|Online Software Products

Affiliate Tracking for Online Software Products

Online software comes in many forms — web apps, desktop software, browser extensions, mobile apps, and APIs. Trackli provides flexible affiliate tracking that works across all software distribution models, connecting referral attribution to actual purchases regardless of how your product is delivered.

How to Set Up Online Software Products Affiliate Tracking

Get up and running in minutes with these simple steps.

1

Identify Your Distribution Model

Whether you sell through your website, app stores, or direct downloads, Trackli adapts to your distribution method. Configure tracking for your specific model.

2

Connect Purchase Events

Link your purchase or license activation events to Trackli. Support for payment providers, license key systems, and custom checkout flows.

3

Set Up Cross-Platform Attribution

If your software runs on multiple platforms (web, desktop, mobile), configure unified attribution that tracks referrals across all distribution channels.

4

Configure License-Based Commissions

For perpetual license software, set one-time commissions. For subscriptions, configure recurring commissions. For freemium, set conversion-based tracking.

5

Launch Across Software Directories

List your affiliate program on software review sites, alternative directories, and niche software communities. Track partner performance across channels.

How It Works

From referral link to commission payout — fully automated with Online Software Products.

Affiliate tracking flow diagram for Online Software Products

Trackli vs Traditional Affiliate Tracking

See how Trackli compares to manual or legacy affiliate solutions.

FeatureTrackliTraditional
Distribution Model FlexibilitySupports web apps, desktop downloads, and mobile appsWeb-only or e-commerce checkout tracking
License Key AttributionLinks license activations to referring affiliatesNo license key tracking capability
Perpetual vs SubscriptionDifferent commission models for each pricing typeOne model for all product types
Free Trial TrackingTracks download/trial through purchase conversionPurchase-only tracking without trial funnel
Software Directory IntegrationTracks referrals from Capterra, G2, and software directoriesNo awareness of software directory referrals
Cross-Platform AttributionUnified tracking across web, desktop, and mobileSeparate tracking per platform

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Trackli work for desktop software, not just web SaaS?
Yes. Trackli tracks the referral on your website and connects it to the purchase or license activation event regardless of whether the software is web-based, a desktop download, or a mobile app. The tracking happens at the purchase layer.
How do I track referrals for perpetual license software?
Configure Trackli with one-time commission rules for perpetual licenses. When a referred customer purchases a license, the affiliate earns a one-time commission. Optionally, track maintenance renewals or upgrade purchases for additional commission.
Can I track referrals from software review sites?
Yes. Use unique tracking links for each software review site or directory listing. When a visitor clicks through from Capterra, G2, or any review site and purchases your software, Trackli attributes the sale to the listing source.
How does cross-platform attribution work?
Trackli captures the referral at the initial website visit. When the user downloads and activates your software on any platform, the activation event is sent to Trackli and matched to the original referral using account identity.
Does Trackli support both freemium and paid software models?
Yes. For freemium products, configure Trackli to track the initial free download or signup, then trigger commission when the user converts to a paid plan or purchases a premium feature. Extended attribution windows accommodate longer evaluation periods.

Ready to launch your affiliate program?

Start tracking affiliate referrals in minutes. No complex setup, no enterprise pricing.