Trackli
Use Case|Cookie-Free Tracking

Affiliate Tracking Without Third-Party Cookies

Browsers are killing third-party cookies, and most affiliate platforms rely on them. Trackli uses first-party cookies and server-side attribution from day one, so your affiliate tracking continues to work accurately as Safari, Firefox, and Chrome eliminate cross-site tracking.

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How to Set Up Cookie-Free Tracking Affiliate Tracking

Get up and running in minutes with these simple steps.

1

Deploy First-Party Tracking

Trackli's script runs on your domain as a first-party script. No third-party domains, no cross-site cookies, no browser blocking.

2

Enable Server-Side Attribution

Configure server-side event processing so referral attribution doesn't depend on browser-side cookies at all for critical conversion events.

3

Set Up Fingerprint-Free Matching

Trackli uses deterministic matching through URL parameters and server-side sessions instead of probabilistic device fingerprinting.

4

Verify Privacy Compliance

Review Trackli's privacy-compliant approach. No personal data is shared with third parties, and tracking respects user consent preferences.

5

Test Across All Browsers

Verify tracking works in Safari (ITP), Firefox (ETP), and Chrome with third-party cookies disabled. Trackli is tested across all major browsers.

How It Works

From referral link to commission payout — fully automated with Cookie-Free Tracking.

Affiliate tracking flow diagram for Cookie-Free Tracking

Trackli vs Traditional Affiliate Tracking

See how Trackli compares to manual or legacy affiliate solutions.

FeatureTrackliTraditional
Third-Party Cookie DependencyZero reliance on third-party cookiesCore tracking depends on third-party cookies
Safari ITP CompatibilityFull tracking in Safari with Intelligent Tracking PreventionTracking broken or limited in Safari
Firefox ETP CompatibilityWorks with Firefox Enhanced Tracking ProtectionBlocked or degraded by Firefox privacy features
Chrome Privacy Sandbox ReadyNo changes needed when Chrome deprecates cookiesMajor re-architecture required for Chrome changes
Ad Blocker ResilienceFirst-party script not flagged by ad blockersThird-party tracking scripts blocked by default
Privacy Regulation ComplianceGDPR and CCPA compliant by designThird-party cookie use complicates compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are third-party cookies a problem for affiliate tracking?
Third-party cookies are set by external domains to track users across sites. Browsers like Safari and Firefox already block them, and Chrome is phasing them out. Affiliate platforms that depend on third-party cookies lose tracking accuracy as privacy features expand.
How does Trackli track without third-party cookies?
Trackli uses two methods: first-party cookies set on your own domain (which browsers don't block) and server-side attribution through URL parameters and webhook events. This dual approach ensures accurate tracking regardless of browser privacy settings.
Does Trackli use device fingerprinting?
No. Trackli deliberately avoids probabilistic fingerprinting techniques. Our attribution is deterministic — based on URL parameters, first-party cookies, and server-side event matching. This is more accurate and more privacy-friendly.
Is Trackli compliant with GDPR and CCPA?
Yes. Because Trackli uses first-party tracking and doesn't share personal data with third parties, it simplifies privacy compliance. First-party cookies for essential functionality are generally permitted under both GDPR and CCPA.
Will my tracking break when Chrome removes third-party cookies?
Not with Trackli. Since we never relied on third-party cookies, Chrome's privacy changes have zero impact on your affiliate tracking. Your program continues to work exactly as it does today.

Related Use Cases

Explore more ways to use Trackli for affiliate tracking.

Affiliate Tracking Without Complex Networks

Affiliate networks like CJ, ShareASale, and Impact take fees, control your data, and add unnecessary complexity. Trackli lets you run a direct affiliate program where you own the relationships, keep the data, and avoid middleman costs — all with simpler setup than joining a network.

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Affiliate Tracking with Promo Codes

Not every affiliate promotion happens through clickable links. Podcast mentions, video shoutouts, and word-of-mouth recommendations need promo codes for attribution. Trackli lets you assign unique discount codes to each affiliate and automatically track redemptions as affiliate-driven sales.

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Lightweight Affiliate Software for SaaS

Most affiliate platforms are built for enterprise with features you'll never use and prices to match. Trackli strips away the bloat and gives SaaS companies exactly what they need: reliable tracking, automated commissions, and a clean affiliate portal — without the complexity tax.

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Ready to launch your affiliate program?

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

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