Decision Framework
Question 1: How many partners?
| Count | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| < 50 | Admin-managed or simple forms |
| 50-500 | CC Dashboard with forms |
| 500+ | Full automation with workflows |
Question 2: Do partners already use a tool?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Partners use your affiliate platform | Embed CC or deep link with SSO |
| Partners use Shopify customer accounts | Customer account UI |
| Partners use nothing yet | CC Dashboard as standalone |
Question 3: What data do you need?
| Data Type | Best Collection Method |
|---|---|
| Basic profile (name, bio) | Onboarding form |
| Product picks | Product picker form |
| Custom fields | Custom forms |
| Ongoing updates | Dashboard access |
Question 4: How branded does it need to be?
| Need | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| ”Good enough” | CC Dashboard with CSS customization |
| Fully branded | CC Dashboard with full theming |
| Completely custom | Build your own with CC APIs |
Common Patterns
Pattern: Ambassador Program
- Entry: Email invite with magic link
- Collection: CC Dashboard with product picker
- Updates: Dashboard access ongoing
Pattern: Professional Network
- Entry: Embedded in existing partner portal
- Collection: Custom forms for credentials
- Updates: SSO access to CC Dashboard
Pattern: Micro-Influencer Campaign
- Entry: Direct URL shared in DMs
- Collection: Simple onboarding form
- Updates: Email-triggered form links
Pattern: Customer-to-Affiliate
- Entry: Shopify customer account
- Collection: In-account forms
- Updates: Customer account UI
Hybrid Approaches
You can mix methods:- Onboarding: Simple form via email
- Product selection: Dashboard access
- Profile updates: Customer account UI
Start Simple
Don’t over-engineer. Start with:- One onboarding form
- One product picker
- Dashboard access for power users