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 function is designed to help brands connect with verified audiences across student and military communities, with more audiences such as educators, first responders, and more coming soon.

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.

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. Offer Receipt. Without needing to reverify or leave the flow for Brand A, the user receives the reward from Brand B (Adventure Tours) directly in their inbox.
4. Seamless Offer Redemption. Users claim their personalized rewards, creating a seamless, trusted, and efficient experience.

There are two userflow options:

1. Coupon Only Flows: Verified users can receive offers from partner brands, with codes sent via email after opt-in.
   • Offer Display: After successfully verifying their eligibility with Brand A, the user sees up to three additional offers from partner brands displayed prominently below the main content on the verification success page, with an option to receive them via email. The user can choose which offers they would like and receive and click "email my offers".
   • Email Confirmation: User continues with the Brand A flow while simultaneously receiving the email(s) from their selected brands with their additional offers – no additional verification needed.
   • Redeem Brand B's Offer: Coupon is presented to consumers via email, and can be redeemed directly via an embedded link.
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 consumer sees additional offers from up to three other brands, with an option to receive the offers via email without re-verifying.
   • Email Confirmation:
     • User continues with the Brand A flow while simultaneously receiving the email(s) from their selected brands with links to their additional offers – no additional verification needed.
   • User Applies Offer:
     • User clicks on the link in the email and is taken to a landing page prompting them with next steps. Depending on the flow chosen by the brand, the user can log in or create a new account, and the verification will be applied to their account.

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.

Users are presented with a clear statement that clicking "email my offer" will send the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) input in the form to the chosen brands.

What are the geographic and language constraints?

The Affinity Network is currently limited to US military and student audiences, with support only in English. Additional languages and geographies are coming soon.

What are the integration options?

• SheerID-hosted Solution: SheerID manages the userflow, including validation pages and secure referral links.
• API-based Integration: Your team integrates SheerID APIs for customized user experiences with SheerID's backend security. Note that this solution has some limitations – please reach out to your account team for more information.

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

For Account Linking Flows

• Landing page to capture SheerID verification metrics

For All Flows

• Assets for offer widget and email, 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)
• 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 Flow: Ideal for discounts/rewards with dynamic coupon codes
  • Account-tagging Flow: Best for loyalty program enrollment or gated content access

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.