Affinity Network FAQ

What is the Affinity Network?

The Affinity Network is SheerID's solution for secure, strategic collaboration between leading global brands. This cross-promotional platform is designed to help brands connect with verified audiences across trusted communities such as students, educators, military members, and more.

As part of this exclusive network you can expand your reach, drive engagement, and grow your customer base, leveraging verified user data to deliver personalized offers in a secure, privacy-compliant manner.

The Affinity Network is currently in a beta phase. Testers will have the opportunity to connect with pre-verified users from trusted brands and communities, simplify user journeys with secure, low-friction referral processes, and build loyalty by delivering a seamless, privacy-first experience. Participation is free for 6 months for exclusive beta participants, will all set-up and operational costs covered by SheerID during the beta phase.

How does it work?

Using the student program with a coupon code flow as an example from the image below:

1. Eligibility Verification. A user confirms their student status with Brand A (Orbit) using SheerID's verification platform.
2. Complementary Offers. Along with their reward from Brand A, users are presented with a curated selection of complementary student offers from non-competitive brands.
3. Click & Redirect. Without reverifying, the user is presented with the reward from Brand B (Adventure Tours).
4. Seamless Offer Redemption. Users claim their personalized rewards, creating a seamless, trusted, and efficient experience.

There are two userflow options:

1. Coupon Code Flows: Verified users can receive offers from partner brands with codes sent via email after opt-in.
   • Offer Invitation: After successfully verifying their eligibility with Brand A, the user sees the list of affinity partners from Brand B – displayed prominently below the main content on the verification success page, with an option to opt into the offer.
   • Email Confirmation: Brand A sends the user a customized email containing Brand B's offer and coupon code – if they have opted into that offer.
   • Explore Brand B's Offer: Email is opened, and a clear link guides the user to Brand B's website to redeem their personalized offer, ensuring a seamless transition.
2. Account Linking Flows: Users can seamlessly sign up for partner programs or access gated content without reverifying, using pre-verified credentials.
   • User Receives a Referral Invitation:
     • After verifying their eligibility with Brand A, the user receives an invitation to explore offers or memberships from partner brands.
     • This invitation, delivered via email or a widget, includes a personalized referral link.
   • User Clicks the Referral Link:
     • With one click, the user is taken to a visually consistent landing page that aligns with Brand B's messaging and branding.
     • The referral link ensures the offer is tailored specifically to the user's verified status (e.g. student, military).
   • User Sees What's Next:
     • The landing page clearly explains the offer and what steps the user needs to take, keeping the experience intuitive and transparent.
   • User Signs In or Creates an Account:
     • If the user already has an account with Brand B, they simply sign in.
     • If they are new to Brand B, they can quickly create an account without leaving the process.
   • Seamless Transition to the Offer:
     • Once logged in, the user is seamlessly redirected to the promotion page where their eligibility is already validated, saving them time and effort.
     • If further informations is needed (e.g. uploading proof of status), the user is guided through the process smoothly.
   • User Enjoys the Offer:
     • The user completes their journey, gaining access to the offer, which feels personalized, secure, and effortless.

How do privacy and data sharing work?

Privacy is a cornerstone of the Affinity Network. Data sharing between brands requires explicit double opt-in from both the user and participating brands.

No Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is shared without consent. Future enhancements may allow brands to exchange behavioral or non-PII flags (e.g. business traveler status) to improve targeting.

What are the geographic and partner constraints?

The beta may initially be limited to specific regions (e.g. US, UK, Singapore). Final market availability is subject to legal and technical considerations. The brand can opt to promote offers from specific partners with high customer affinity and choose whether to allow reciprocal marketing.

What are the integration options?

• SheerID-hosted Solution: SheerID manages the userflow, including validation pages and secure referral links.
• API-based Solution: Your team integrates SheerID APIs for customized user experiences with SheerID's backend security.

What are the key features and future enhancements?

Current Beta Features:

• Manual partner matchmaking and set up
• Limited customization for co-branded offers

Planned Enhancements:

• Automated offer placement and monitoring
• Data exchange options for deeper personalization
• Population logic for intelligent partner recommendations

What does the beta phase entail?

• 4-6 weeks to set up – generally this work will be covered by SheerID resources, but depending on the technical setup of the partner, we might need additional resources from the team.
• Low need for development resources, but there will be some time commitments for project planning and coordination
• Participation in the beta is completely free for exclusive beta participants. SheerID covers setup and operational costs, allowing you to focus on results without financial risk.
• The beta is set to run for 12 weeks once your program is fully set up. This timeline provides ample opportunity to evaluate the program's performance and user engagement.
• After the beta is complete, brands will have the opportunity to sign a General Availability (GA) contract to continue leveraging the product.

What happens after the beta?

The beta provides a development runway to refine workflows and prove the program's value. Participants will have the option to transition to a GA contract.

What are the partner deliverables?

For Coupon Code Flows

• High-volume dynamic coupon codes with clear redemption rules
• Testing and validation of coupon code functionality on brand platforms
• Internal processes for monitoring and replenishing coupon code inventory
• Branding materials for email and success page customization

For Account Linking Flows

• OAuth, API keys, or other authentication credentials
• Webhook endpoints configured for real-time data exchange
• API support for required fields to facilitate seamless integration

For Both Flows

• Co-branded assets, including logos and copy
• System testing and validation collaboration with SheerID during UAT
• System performance monitoring post-launch

SheerID will provide:

• API Documentation: Comprehensive guidelines for implementing SheerID APIs (if applicable)
• Webhook Configuration Assistance: Support in setting up secure webhook connections (if applicable)
• Testing Environments: Sandbox/test environments for all integrations
• Campaign Analytics: Insights and metrics on campaign performance

What are the implementation and integration requirements?

Initial Setup

• Campaign Planning
  • Define target audiences (students, educators, military, etc.) and campaign goals
  • Provide offer details, branding assets, and timelines
• Asset Submission
  • Share logos, color palettes, and email templates to ensure a consistent user experience
• Decision Point
  • Coupon Code Flow: Ideal for discounts/rewards with dynamic coupon codes
  • Account Linking Flow: Best for loyalty program enrollment or gated content access

Technical Requirements

• Coupon Code Flow:
  • Provide high volumes of dynamic coupon codes
  • Define expiration or redemption settings for the codes
• Account Linking Flow:
  • Share API credentials and ensure authentication setup (e.g. OAuth)
  • Configure webhook notifications for real-time updates

How do I get started?

Contact SheerID's team to receive detailed technical documentation. Setup can begin today, with a pilot launch planned shortly after. If you are a current customer of SheerID, please reach out to your CSM to learn more or sign up for the beta. Prospective customers can get started here.