The Affiliate Link Encoder (ALE) is a tool that uses javascript to automatically change direct merchant links that appear in your website html into AvantLink.com Affiliate tracking links. The ALE javascript will detect and change direct links only for merchants that are in the AvantLink network.
Once the javascript is installed on a page or site-wide template, Affiliates using the ALE will not have to login to the network to get tracking links. Simply add the merchant homepage URL or any deep link URL and the ALE will take care of the rest. Check it out! When the ALE javascript is in place test by hovering or clicking on a direct AvantLink merchant link, then viewing the source code of the document.
Hover over the links below and notice that the direct to merchant links have been changed to Affiliate tracking links:
Backcountry.com FootNotesOnline.com AvantShare.com (example of a link that the tool knows not to change)
If you view the source on this page you will see that the source code still contains the actual direct link html:
<li /><a href="http://www.backcountry.com/">Backcountry.com</a> <li /><a href="http://www.footnotesonline.com/">FootNotesOnline.com</a> <li /><a href="http://www.avantshare.com">AvantShare.com</a> - Example of a link that the tool knows not to change.This is accomplished by simpy placing one line of javascript in the html of a web page or site template. We provide the javascript output through the ALE tool configuration you'll find when logged into your Affiliate account.
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.avantlink.com/ale/ale.php?p=101&pw=77&ctc=avExamplePage"></script>Note: Do not use the above example ALE javascript code. This is encoded for a demo account. Please login and use the sign-up page under 'Tools' to get the correct javascript code for your Affiliate account.
Best Practice: Bloggers, forum admins or Affiliates with many pages of archived content can apply the ALE javascript code to a site-wide template once, and instantly set Affiliate cookies through direct to merchant links anywhere on the site.
Free access to this tool is available from the Affiliate account interface by selecting 'Tools' from the main menu. For more information join the Affiliate Link Encoder discussion on our support forum.
If you would like to speak to someone from AvantLink about the Affiliate Link Encoder please drop us a line. We also encourage public discussion in our support forum.
Affiliate Application Merchant Application