Link tracker for sales?

Shopify Discussion
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Topic summary

A Shopify store owner needs to track both clicks and sales from a product link placed on an external website.

Three tracking methods were suggested:

  1. UTM Parameters (Recommended approach)

    • Add tracking tags to URLs using Google’s Campaign URL Builder
    • Track clicks and conversions through Google Analytics
    • Example format: yourstore.com/product?utm_source=externalwebsite&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=specificlink

  2. Unique Discount Codes

    • Create a specific code for the external site
    • Track usage directly in Shopify’s Discounts section
    • Limitation: Doesn’t track clicks, requires manual code entry by customers

  3. Dedicated Landing Pages

    • Build a specific landing page for external traffic
    • Monitor performance via Google Analytics
    • Allows targeted messaging but requires page maintenance

The UTM parameter method provides the most comprehensive tracking, capturing both click-through data and conversion metrics when integrated with Google Analytics.

Summarized with AI on October 31. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
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Hi, I’m looking for information (or an app!) on how to track sales from a specific link? We have a link to our products on an external website and I need to be able to track the sales coming from those that click on that link and ultimately purchase. I’m assuming this is a possibility but I’m having trouble finding out how to get this done. Thanks in advance!

*It’d be nice to be able to see 1) the number of clicks on said link and 2) the amount of sales specifically coming through the clicks of this link.

Thank you - Rachel

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Hi,

This is Richard at PageFly - Shopify Advanced Page Builder app.

you’re absolutely right, tracking sales from a specific link is definitely possible and crucial for understanding your marketing efforts! Here’s a breakdown of how to achieve this in Shopify, along with app suggestions:

Methods to Track Sales from a Specific Link:

  1. UTM Parameters (Recommended):

    • UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are tags you add to your URL that provide Google Analytics (and other analytics platforms) with information about the link’s source, medium, and campaign.
    • How to Use UTM Parameters:
    • Tracking in Google Analytics:
      • Connect Google Analytics to your Shopify store (if you haven’t already).
      • In Google Analytics, you can view reports on campaign performance, source/medium, and other UTM parameters.
      • This will show you the number of clicks and conversions (sales) from your specific link.
    • Shopify Reports:
      • While shopify reports are not as detailed as google analytics, you can view some information about the referral source within shopify reports.

  2. Discount Codes:

    • Create a unique discount code specifically for the external website.
    • Provide this discount code along with the product link.
    • In Shopify’s “Discounts” section, you can track the usage of this code, which will indicate sales coming from that link.
    • Pros:
      • Easy to set up.
      • Provides direct sales tracking within Shopify.
    • Cons:
      • Requires customers to manually enter the discount code.
      • Does not track link clicks.

  3. Landing Pages:

    • Create a dedicated landing page on your Shopify store for the traffic coming from the external website.
    • Place the product link on this landing page.
    • In Google Analytics, you can track traffic to this specific landing page and its conversion rate.
    • Pros:
      • Provides a focused experience for visitors.
      • Allows for more targeted messaging.
    • Cons:
      • Requires creating and maintaining a separate landing page.

Hoping my solution helps you solve your problem.

Best regards,

Richard | PageFly