Coupon Code Monitoring is Live

March 04, 2013

On February 27, 2013, we announced that Coupon Monitoring is now available through The Search Monitor reports. We are able to detect when affiliate marketers use coupon codes without permission to drive traffic through coupon web sites.

The use of coupon codes is an effective marketing tactic for online retailers. However, much of the time those codes are meant only for use in campaigns outside of the affiliate marketing channel or for specific authorized affiliates. When those codes are acquired by unauthorized affiliates and used on coupon code sites, unexpected volume is created, leading to diminished profit for the retailer.  Another down side to this practice of publishing unauthorized coupon codes is brand detriment, which can occur if affiliates use coupon codes that no longer work. When a consumer tries to redeem one of these “broken” codes and it doesn’t work, a bad consumer experience occurs.

Customers can enter coupon codes when setting up their campaigns.  The coupon codes are then monitored on coupon websites.  If a code is published, it will appear in reporting and an email alert will be sent.