We believe there are better options available in this category, read below to learn what this software does well, and what they could do better. ⤵
.webp)
The referral category deserves a bit of an explanation because we continually see confusion arise when it comes to the competitors in this space. You'll often hear terms like "affiliate", "referral", "link tracking", and "partner portals" all used interchangeably.
And with that, not all referral tracking tools are created equal, nor are they focused on the same needs. They can actually be broken up more into 5 main sub-categories:
.svg)
.svg){kind=icon}
PartnerStack is a partner ecosystem management platform that helps companies build an manage their partnership programs (along with affiliate/referral tracking).
PartnerStack is one of the main leaders in this space. They try to be more than just an affiliate tracking (think link click and attribution tracking).
That said, when comparing it to the newer entrants in the space like Dub Partners, it's pretty difficult to choose PartnerStack over it, as Dub Partners has better pricing, a more user-friendly interface, and is actually a full-fledged link tracking platform at the core, leading to better analytics and tracking (for both you and the affiliate partner).
We've used just about every modern solution in the market, from FirstPromoter, to Rewardful, to Referral Rock, Impact, and more. The first few are just basic affiliate link tracking solutions, which often also have a higher churn, because just setting up affiliate link tracking is not the same as building out your partnership go-to-market (GTM) initiative (which PartnerStack is aiming to help with).
They are essentially the gold standard when it comes to a SaaS focused partnership platform (they also have the best UI/UX), well, up until Dub Partners launched onto the scene.
Basic affiliate and referral tracking for SaaS.
FirstPromoter is an affiliate platform that shares the same core problems seen in the Rewardful review. Your affiliates will not care about your program, they will avoid logging in because they are juggling multiple FirstPromoter accounts (this point cannot be understated, and only the highest impact affiliate partners will be frustrated by it). You will be stuck chasing invoices, sending payments one by one, requesting W-9's, sending 1099's, and W-8BENs (to everyone). All of this and you don't even get the tracking needed to see what is actually working (for your affiliate partners, and thus yourself).
Compared to modern affiliate tracking tools that are completely disrupting the space, like Dub Partners, FirstPromoter ends up just feeling incredibly dated and inconvenient for everyone. When we see FirstPromoter, we don't believe you're taking your affiliate program seriously.
.svg)
.jpg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
