Understanding the 60-Day Cookie Window

Learn how Heritage Web's tracking cookie and permanent attribution system ensure you receive credit for referrals.

Quick Answer

When someone clicks your referral link, Heritage Web places a 60-day tracking cookie in their browser. If they create an account within those 60 days, you receive permanent attribution for 12 months of commissions on all their purchases. The cookie is just for initial tracking—once they sign up, attribution is permanent regardless of cookies.

How the Cookie System Works

Initial Click

Prospect clicks your unique referral link
Heritage Web sets a first-party cookie in their browser
Cookie contains your affiliate ID
Cookie remains active for 60 days
Works across all 300+ Heritage Web domains

Account Creation

Prospect creates account within 60-day window
System reads cookie and assigns attribution to you
Attribution becomes PERMANENT
Cookie no longer needed after account creation
You earn 30% commission on all purchases for 12 months

Key Distinction: Cookie vs. Attribution

Tracking Cookie (Temporary)

Duration: 60 days from click
Purpose: Initial tracking only
Location: Visitor's browser
Can be: Cleared, blocked, or expired
Role: Links visitor to your affiliate ID

Account Attribution (Permanent)

Duration: Permanent once account created
Purpose: Commission assignment
Location: Heritage Web database
Cannot be: Removed or transferred
Role: Ensures all future purchases credit to you

Cookie Tracking Details

Cross-Domain Functionality

Click on BlackLawyers.com → Cookie set
Navigate to HeritageWeb.com → Cookie persists
Sign up on any Heritage Web site → Attribution applied
Works across entire network of 300+ domains

Cookie Limitations

Browser Specific: Cookie doesn't transfer between browsers
Device Specific: Mobile click won't track on desktop
User Actions: Can be cleared by user
Privacy Settings: Some browsers block tracking cookies
Incognito Mode: Cookies deleted after session

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Quick Sign-Up

Day 1: Prospect clicks your link and signs up immediately
Result: Permanent attribution, 12 months of commissions

Scenario 2: Delayed Sign-Up

Day 1: Prospect clicks your link, browses, leaves
Day 45: Returns directly (not through your link) and signs up
Result: Cookie still active, you get permanent attribution

Scenario 3: Cookie Expires

Day 1: Prospect clicks your link
Day 65: Prospect signs up
Result: No attribution (cookie expired after 60 days)

Scenario 4: Multiple Affiliates

Day 1: Clicks Affiliate A's link
Day 30: Clicks Affiliate B's link (your link)
Day 40: Signs up
Result: You get attribution (last-click wins)

Scenario 5: Post-Attribution Purchase

Day 1: Prospect clicks and signs up (attributed to you)
Day 180: Makes first purchase (6 months later)
Result: You earn commission (within 12-month window)

Maximizing Your Cookie Window

Follow-Up Strategies

Week 1: Send follow-up email with your link
Week 3: Share valuable content with tracked link
Week 6: Final reminder before cookie expiration
Week 8: If expired, encourage clicking new link

Multiple Touchpoints

Email signatures with your link
Social media posts with tracking
Content marketing with embedded links
Regular value-driven communications

Manual Attribution Backup

If cookie tracking fails, you can request manual attribution:

Timeline: Within 30 days of account creation
Process: Customer emails [email protected] confirming referral
Requirement: Customer must initiate confirmation
Result: Same permanent attribution applied

Important Notes

No Cookie Extensions: 60-day window cannot be extended
One Attribution: Each account can only be attributed once
First vs. Last Click: Heritage Web uses last-click attribution
No Retroactive: Cannot claim attribution after 30-day manual window
Cookie-Free Future: Once attributed, customer doesn't need cookie for you to earn

FAQs

What if someone uses multiple devices? Cookies are device-specific. If they click on phone but sign up on computer, tracking may fail. Use manual attribution if needed.

Do ad blockers prevent tracking? Some ad blockers may block cookies. QR codes and manual attribution provide alternatives.

Can I see how many days are left on someone's cookie? No. Cookie data is private to the user's browser. Focus on regular follow-up within the 60-day window.

What happens after 12 months? After a customer's first 12 months, you no longer earn commission on their purchases, even though attribution remains in the system.

If someone clears cookies but then clicks my link again, does the 60 days reset? Yes. Each click sets a new 60-day cookie, and the most recent affiliate link clicked gets attribution.