Quick Answer
Heritage Web tracks referrals using cookies that last 60 days from the initial click. Prospects must create an account within this window for attribution to your partner account. After 60 days, the tracking expires and subsequent signups won't generate commission unless they click your link again.
Overview
The 60-day cookie window determines how long Heritage Web remembers that someone clicked your referral link. This tracking period affects your commission earnings since referrals must sign up within 60 days for proper attribution. Understanding this limitation helps you optimize follow-up timing and maximize conversion rates before tracking expires.
How Cookie Tracking Works
The Attribution Process
When someone clicks your referral link, Heritage Web places a tracking cookie in their browser. This cookie contains your unique partner ID for attribution. The system checks for this cookie when users create accounts. If a valid cookie exists, the referral credits to your account. Commission generates when they later upgrade to paid plans.
Cookie Duration Timeline
Day | Status | What Happens |
Day 0 | Click | Cookie placed, 60-day countdown begins |
Days 1-30 | Active | Optimal conversion window |
Days 31-59 | Active | Cookie still valid but conversion rates drop |
Day 60 | Expires | Cookie deleted, tracking ends |
Day 61+ | No tracking | New click required for attribution |
Factors Affecting Cookie Tracking
What Preserves Tracking
Same browser and device: Cookies remain active when users return using the same browser. Browser remembers your partner attribution across multiple visits. No action needed from user or partner to maintain tracking.
Multiple page visits: Users can browse Heritage Web multiple times within 60 days. Each visit recognizes existing cookie without resetting timer. Sign-up can happen on any visit before expiration.
What Breaks Tracking
Different devices: Clicking link on phone but signing up on computer loses attribution. Each device maintains separate cookie storage. Cross-device tracking not currently supported.
Browser changes: Switching from Chrome to Safari breaks tracking chain. Each browser has isolated cookie storage. Users must click your link in the browser they'll use for signup.
Cookie blocking: Private browsing, incognito mode, and VPNs may block cookies. Ad blockers and privacy extensions can prevent tracking. Browser settings rejecting third-party cookies affect attribution.
Manual deletion: Users clearing browser history remove tracking cookies. System updates or browser crashes may delete cookies. Corporate networks might clear cookies on restart.
Maximizing Conversions Within 60 Days
Step 1: Immediate Follow-Up Strategy
Send welcome email within 24 hours of initial interest. Provide value-focused content about directory benefits. Include your referral link in every communication. Create urgency without being pushy about timeline.
Step 2: Strategic Reminder Schedule
Week 1: Educational content about Heritage Web features
Week 2-3: Success stories from their specific community
Week 4-5: Comparison with competitor platforms
Week 6-7: Special offers or upgrade benefits
Week 8: Final reminder before cookie expiration
Step 3: Re-engagement Before Expiration
Track when high-value prospects first clicked your link. Send "Still interested?" message around day 50. Include fresh referral link to reset cookie if needed. Mention specific benefits relevant to their business.
Handling Cookie Limitations
When Attribution Fails
If someone claims they used your link but doesn't show as referral, verify timing of their initial click versus signup date. Check if they used different devices or browsers. Request manual attribution if within 30 days of signup. Have them email [email protected] confirming you as referrer.
Best Practices for Link Sharing
Always use your full referral link, not shortened versions. Include links in multiple places within content. Remind users to click even if they've visited Heritage Web before. Consider creating urgency: "Click my link for 60-day tracking window."
Important Notes
Last-click attribution: Most recent partner link clicked gets credit
No cookie extension: 60-day window cannot be extended or renewed
One-time opportunity: Each prospect needs new click after expiration
Mobile limitations: In-app browsers may not preserve cookies
Manual attribution window: Only 30 days for manual attribution requests
Self-referrals: Use your link in same browser where you'll upgrade
FAQs
Can I see when someone's cookie will expire? No, partners cannot view individual cookie expiration dates. Track your outreach dates to estimate 60-day windows for follow-up timing.
What if someone clicks multiple partner links? Last-click attribution applies - the most recent partner link clicked gets credit. Your cookie gets overwritten if they click another partner's link.
Do cookies work in email clients? Depends on the client. Web-based email (Gmail, Outlook.com) preserves cookies normally. Desktop clients (Outlook, Apple Mail) may open links in different browsers.
Should I ask prospects to click my link again? Yes, if approaching 60 days. Frame it as "ensuring you get the best experience" or "updating your access link" rather than mentioning commission.
Why not use longer cookie windows? Industry standard ranges from 30-90 days. Longer windows increase disputes between partners and reduce urgency for conversions.
Next Steps
Map out 60-day follow-up sequences for prospects
Track when high-value leads first click your links
Create templates for different stages of the window
Test your links in different browsers and devices
Document successful conversion timelines