Direct Linking

Direct linking skips the tracker hop: the affiliate link points at the operator’s domain with tracking parameters (click ID, affiliate ID) in the query string, and the operator’s side records the click.

When it wins

Paid search and social channels that penalize redirect chains, plus any funnel where the extra 100–300ms of a redirect measurably hurts mobile conversion. The cost is coupling: the operator must implement click logging correctly, and the affiliate loses independent click counts — making postback reconciliation and agreed reporting the basis of trust.