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What is the ref query parameter?

The 'ref' query string is commonly used across various platforms to capture the referral source or campaign which led a user to a particular website or web page. It's a way of understanding where your traffic comes from, whether it's from a marketing campaign, an affiliate link, or another source.

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Why is ref Important for Traffic Analysis?

In the realm of analytics and marketing, understanding the sources of your traffic is invaluable. The ref parameter provides a concise way of identifying these sources, helping businesses optimize their marketing strategies, allocate resources effectively, and understand which channels or campaigns are most successful.

https://yourdomain.com/landing-page?ref=partner-site

ref and its Influence on Time to First Byte (TTFB)

If not managed properly, the variability introduced by the 'ref' parameter can influence caching strategies, potentially leading to inefficiencies and increased TTFB. Proper configuration, especially in caching setups, is essential to avoid duplicating cached content for each unique ref value.

Use the tool below to assess how the ref parameter affects your website's TTFB.

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created by

Mateusz Zadorożny

Founder of Shift64 — high-performance infrastructure for WooCommerce stores that have outgrown their hosting.