How to build an affiliate system in Bubble

A simple and reliable affiliate system in Bubble works by generating a unique referral URL for each user, storing who referred whom, and triggering backend workflows to record commissions whenever a referred user performs a qualifying action (like making a purchase). Bubble already has everything you need: URL parameters, database fields, backend workflows, and Privacy Rules. No plugins required.

Core Structure

You create a User field like referral_code (text) and generate a unique code on signup. Then you detect a URL parameter like ?ref=abcd123 when a new visitor arrives. If they sign up, you store the referring user inside a field like referred_by (User). Later, when the referred user pays or completes an action, a backend workflow creates a Commission entry linked to the affiliate.

• Referral Code: text stored on User
• Referred By: User field on User
• Commission: Thing with fields like amount, affiliate (User), referred\_user (User)

Generating and Using Referral Links

On signup, set User referral_code = Generate random string. To show users their affiliate link, combine your site URL with ?ref=Current User's referral_code. When any visitor lands, use Get data from page URL (parameter: ref) and store it temporarily in a referral\_code field in a state or cookie-equivalent (Bubble stores it until signup as long as you save it in a custom state or Option Set).

// Example backend workflow trigger
// When a new User is created:
Only when This User's referred_by is not empty:
Create a new Commission:
    affiliate = This User's referred_by
    referred_user = This User
    amount = 0 // will be updated after payment

Tracking Purchases for Commissions

If you use Stripe, set a webhook to a Bubble backend workflow. When payment succeeds, look up the paying User, check referred\_by, and create or update a Commission. This avoids front‑end manipulation and keeps logic secure.

• Stripe webhook → Bubble backend workflow endpoint
• Search for User by Stripe customer ID
• If User’s referred\_by is not empty → create Commission

Security and Privacy

In Privacy Rules allow users to see only commissions where affiliate = Current User. Never calculate commissions on the front end. Always do it in backend workflows so users cannot spoof amounts.

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