SubIDs vs UTM tags: stop confusing tracking with attribution

SubIDs vs UTM tags: stop confusing tracking with attribution
Hot reminder: UTMs and SubIDs are not the same tool, and using one for the other is why your reporting lies.

UTM tags live in your analytics. They tell YOU which post drove a click. They mean nothing to the affiliate network.

SubIDs live in the affiliate link. They pass through to the network so the conversion reports back to the exact placement.

When to use which:
— Optimizing your own content? UTMs.
— Figuring out which placement actually earned the commission? SubID, every time.

People tag everything with UTMs, see 200 clicks, see 3 sales, and have no idea which 3 posts paid. Because UTMs don't ride the conversion back.

Verdict: UTMs measure traffic, SubIDs measure money. Confuse them and you optimize for the wrong thing.