# Referral links and codes

import StepVideo from '@/components/StepVideo'

# Referral links and codes

<StepVideo id="aff-03-referral" />

After [approval and profile completion](/docs/affiliates/getting-started), open **Dashboard** in the [affiliate portal](https://affiliates.keepkey.com). Copy the referral link shown for your account.

The current link format is:

```text
https://keepkey.com/?code=YOUR_CODE
```

`YOUR_CODE` is a placeholder. Copy your actual link from the dashboard rather than constructing a link from someone else's example or using a different query parameter.

## Check before sharing

1. Compare the code in the copied link with the code shown in your account.
2. Open it in a separate browser context and confirm it reaches the official KeepKey site with the intended `code` value.
3. If checking a buyer discount, read the actual checkout result before describing its amount or eligibility. A code visible in the affiliate dashboard does not prove every product, promotion or checkout will accept it.
4. Close your test checkout without purchasing unless you intend to place an order.

Start with the portal's home-page referral link. Do not change it into a product deep link or shortener and assume attribution remains equivalent without checking that complete path.

## Put the link in context

Use a clear affiliate disclosure near the recommendation, and keep the link associated with the explanation that helps the reader. For a social post, lead with the useful answer and put the disclosed referral link in a follow-up reply. The [content-kit guide](/docs/affiliates/content-kit) shows a repeatable way to prepare one.

For a website or email, review the final destination and rendering after adding the link. Avoid claiming a discount amount you have not checked or implying a referral link changes the hardware's capabilities.

## Understand what gets counted

A referral visit, a buy-button click, a completed purchase and a qualifying commission are different events. An open page is not a sale. A code must be associated with your account and the order must meet the program's credit and release checks. Self-referrals do not earn commission.

Use [Dashboard and reports](/docs/affiliates/reporting) to compare activity over a stated period, and [Commission and payouts](/docs/affiliates/payouts) to understand pending and available earnings. Keep your own testing separate from business results.