> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.afflr.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.afflr.io/yuko-affiliate-marketing/quickstart.md).

# Quickstart

{% hint style="info" %}

#### **Before we start**

Make sure you have:

* An active Shopify store (any paid plan)
* Admin access to your Shopify account to install the app. 
  {% endhint %}

### Step 1 — Install Yuko on Shopify

* Go to the [Shopify App Store](https://apps.shopify.com) and search for [**Yuko Affiliate Marketing**](https://apps.shopify.com/affiliate-marketing-afflr).
* Click **Install.**
* You'll be redirected to your Shopify admin. Click **Install app** to authorize Yuko.
* You'll land on the Yuko dashboard inside your Shopify admin.

> **Note:** Yuko requests access to orders, customers, and discount codes. This is required for tracking referrals and generating affiliate discount codes.

***

### Step 2 — Enabling the theme app extension

This ensures Afflr works correctly on your store theme.

1. **Enable Extension (Dashboard Method)**

From the Afflr dashboard, enable the extension, copy the Afflr key, open the theme editor, paste the key, and save the theme to activate Afflr.

2. **Enable Extension (Alternate Method)**

When switching themes, enable Afflr again via **Online Store → Themes → Customize → App Embeds**. Turn on Afflr-Extension, paste the Afflr key, and save the theme.

We can now move forward with configuring your affiliate program.

***

### Step 3 — Create Your Affiliate Program

* From the Yuko dashboard, Programs -> click **Add Program**.
* Give your program a name (e.g., *Yuko Partner Program* or your brand name).
* Choose a **commission type**:
  * **Percentage** — Affiliates earn a % of each order (e.g., 10%)
  * **Flat rate** — Affiliates earn a fixed amount per order (e.g., $5)
* Enter your commission rate.
* **Enable '**Referral Tracking Method'
  * **Referral Code** — Affiliate gets a unique discount code that customers apply at checkout
  * **Unique Safe Link** — Affiliate gets a trackable URL that attributes sales automatically
* **Customer Discount:** Set the discount your customers receive when using an affiliate's code, percentage, or fixed amount. 
* Click **Save & Continue**.

> **Tip:** If you're unsure what commission rate to set, 10–20% is a common starting range for e-commerce stores. You can always adjust this later.

***

### Step 3 — Customize Your Signup Page

Your signup page is where potential affiliates apply to join your program. Yuko auto-generates one for you.

1. Go to **Widgets → Sign-up form.** 
2. Add your logo and a short description of your program.
3. Optionally add program highlights (e.g., *"Earn 15% on every sale, get paid monthly"*).
4. Click **Save**.

Your signup page is now live at: `yourstorename.myshopify.com/pages/affiliates`

***

### Step 4 — Configure Affiliate Approvals

Affiliate approvals in Yuko are **manual;** every application is reviewed by you and approved or rejected from the dashboard. This gives you full control over who represents your brand.

* Go to **Programs → click 'View'**.
* Under the Affiliates section, review the pending application.
* Click **Approve or Reject**.

> **Auto-enroll customers:** If you want existing customers to automatically join your affiliate program after making a purchase, enable **Automatically enroll customers in the referral program upon purchase** under **Settings**. Enrolled customers are added to the program you select there.

***

### Step 5 — Invite Your First Affiliate

You're ready to bring in your first affiliate. You have two options:

**Option A — Share your signup link.** You can copy your sign-up page URL and share it with anyone you want to invite; send it via email or DM, or post it on your social channels.

**Option B — Add an affiliate manually**

1. Go to **Program → click 'View' -> Add affiliate**
2. Enter their name, email address, edit the referral code, and select the program you want them in. 
3. They will receive the email with their unique link and their affiliate code. 

***

### Step 6 — Verify Tracking is Working

Before you announce your program widely, do a quick test:

1. Go to **Affiliates** and open any approved affiliate's profile.
2. Copy their referral link.
3. Open it in a private/incognito browser window.
4. Complete a test purchase on your store.
5. Return to Yuko and go to **Programs -> click 'View' -> Sales**.
6. You should see the test order attributed to that affiliate.

If the order appears, you're live.

> **If the order doesn't appear:** Make sure the order is in the paid order status, or [**contact support**](mailto:contact@afflr.on.crisp.email)

***

### You're Live

Your affiliate program is now running. Here's what to do next:

* **Set up payouts** — Configure when and how you pay affiliates under **Payouts → Payment methods**
* **Customize the affiliate portal** — Make it on-brand under **Widget → Affiliate portal (Customer Account)**
* **Set up email notifications** — Let affiliates know when they earn a commission under **Settings → Email**
* **Promote your program** — Share your signup link widely to grow your affiliate base