Affiliate Tag Rules

Affiliate Tag Rules are the engine behind MakerManifest's affiliate monetization. You set up a rule for each store once — providing your affiliate tag or link format — and MakerManifest applies it automatically to every matching URL across every gear list and short link you have.

Rules come in two forms: query-param rules (Amazon, eBay EPN, Apple) append your affiliate tag directly to the product URL; wrapper rules (Howl, AWIN, Impact, CJ, Rakuten, Partnerize, VigLink) wrap the destination URL inside your network's tracking link. MakerManifest handles both formats automatically at click time.

Free accounts can configure and use all URL param rules and link wrapper rules — Amazon Associates, eBay EPN, Howl, AWIN, Impact, CJ, Rakuten, and any custom wrapper. Basic and Premium accounts unlock catch-all rules (VigLink, SkimLinks) that automatically monetize any store without its own specific rule.

Built-in presets are available for Amazon, Howl (which covers Anker, Target, Best Buy, and 17+ stores via a single bulk setup), eBay EPN, Etsy via AWIN, VigLink, and SkimLinks. VigLink and SkimLinks work as catch-all rules — they apply to any store that doesn't have its own specific rule.

Affiliate rules apply retroactively. Updating your tag in Settings takes effect on all existing lists immediately because the tag is applied at click time rather than stored in the link itself.