Overview
As of March 28, 2023, the "hop=" parameter is no longer visible in a HopLink redirect. This change was made as part of an Affiliate ID Encryption enhancement and improvement package.
Affiliate ID Encryption makes it harder for spy tools to identify an affiliate from their affiliate link. Encryption obscures the identifiable element of an affiliate ID when it is passed. Although ClickBank has been providing encrypted HopLinks with encoded affiliate IDs (nicknames) for over a decade, the protective benefits have been limited since the affiliate nickname has been visible in the HopLink redirect URL and on the order form. Now, the affiliate ID in both of those places will be encrypted (or hidden) by default.
Related: HopLinks Guide
However, some sellers may want to keep the affiliate ID visible in the HopLink URL redirect for tracking purposes. If this is the case, sellers can opt out of the new default setting in their account nickname settings. To do so, follow these instructions:
Step 1: Log in to your ClickBank account.
Step 2: Select the nickname account that you want to update settings in.
Step 3: Click Vendor Settings.
Step 4: Scroll to the Managing Your Affiliates section.
Step 5: Check the Enable Hop Parameter on HopLink Landing Page box.
NOTE: This setting will auto-save upon click. There is no need to "save" this setting.
Additional Resources & Related Articles
- KNOWLEDGE BASE ARTICLE: Email Based Affiliate Attribution
- KNOWLEDGE BASE ARTICLE: Affiliate ID Encryption Update