<b>Coupon codes vs tracking links: a decision rule</b>

<b>Coupon codes vs tracking links: a decision rule</b>

These aren't interchangeable. Pick the tracking method per placement using a rule, and avoid the double-attribution mess of running both blind.

<b>When to use a unique coupon code:</b>
— Verbal-heavy formats (podcasts, YouTube reads) where a link is hard to click mid-content
— Cross-device buyers your link tracking can't follow
— You want deterministic, dispute-proof attribution

<b>When to use a tracking link:</b>
— Clickable placements (stories, bio, descriptions)
— You need granular UTM data on format and placement
— Deep linking into app/product matters

<b>The double-fire rule:</b>
— If both a code and a link can attribute one sale → code wins, document it, so creators aren't paid twice and your margin holds

<b>Best practice: run both, but designate the code as the source of truth for payout</b> — the link gives you funnel insight, the code gives you clean commission math.

<b>Definition of done:</b> every creator knows their code, their link, and which one pays. Rule: codes must be unique per creator — shared codes destroy attribution.