How click-to-purchase attribution works

A focused path from Cart discovery to a reported purchase signal

The GoScript Smart Cart Recommendations WordPress plugin uses a defined click-to-purchase attribution flow. It starts when a shopper interacts with a valid product displayed in the Cart recommendation section, then checks for a matching purchase of that recommended product within the attribution window you choose.

This keeps the reporting model close to the experience you are actually creating: a shopper discovers a product in the Cart, engages with it, and later purchases that same recommended product.

1. A valid Cart recommendation click is recorded

With Track recommendation interactions enabled, the plugin records supported clicks on the image, title, or Add to Cart link of a displayed, eligible recommendation. The click is associated with the recommended product and a temporary local visitor identifier.

Real Cart interactionOnly displayed, eligible recommendations can create the click signal used by attribution.

Configured cooldownA click cooldown reduces repeated rapid clicks on the same recommended product from the same visitor hash.

2. A temporary attribution record stays available

After a valid click, Smart Cart Recommendations stores a short-lived local attribution record for that recommended product. It remains available until the configured attribution window ends, giving shoppers time to continue their journey before the matching purchase check takes place.

The default attribution window is 48 hours. You can configure it in hours to better reflect the normal pace of consideration and checkout in your own store.

3. A matching product purchase qualifies

When an order reaches Processing or Completed, the plugin checks whether an unexpired attribution record exists for a recommended product included in that order. If the product and visitor context match, the click can qualify for attribution.

This is intentionally product-specific. The flow looks for the purchased recommended product connected to the earlier Cart interaction rather than treating every later order as a recommendation result.

4. The plugin records the result once

For a qualifying match, the plugin records one attributed order and the line-item total as attributed revenue. It then consumes the matching attribution record, and marks the order after attribution processing to prevent duplicate recording.

Set the controls that shape the attribution model

1. Open Smart Cart Recommendations → Settings.
2. Enable Track recommendation interactions when you want reporting to record valid clicks.
3. Choose a click cooldown that limits rapid repeat interaction noise.
4. Set the attribution window in hours, then save your Settings.

These controls define how the local attribution flow operates for future shopper interactions. Use a realistic window and cooldown that match the way customers browse and buy from your store.

Keep attribution local and privacy-conscious

The plugin uses a one-way HMAC visitor identifier derived locally from the visitor IP address and user agent. It does not store the raw IP address or raw user-agent string, and it does not create a dedicated analytics cookie for recommendation attribution.

Attribution records expire, and a daily scheduled cleanup removes expired records. Recommendation, reporting, and attribution data remain in your WordPress and WooCommerce installation; licensing requests are a separate flow.

Interpret attribution as a practical decision signal

Click-to-purchase attribution represents the plugin’s defined matching behaviour. It does not claim universal marketing causality, but it gives you a clear, consistent way to compare Cart recommendation engagement and qualifying product purchases in your own store.

Use the signals with confidence: identify promising pairings, review how shoppers engage, and refine the controls that make the Cart recommendation section more useful.