=== iTunes Link Engine  ===
Contributors: GeoRiot
Tags: apple, itunes, link, engine, localize, globalize, music, movies, TV, affiliate, Geniuslink, ile, javascript
Requires at least: 2.7
Tested up to: 4.3
Stable tag: 1.0.6
License: GPLv2 or later
License URI: http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.html

Download the iTunes Link Engine to automatically localize and affiliate iTunes product links to improve user experience and increase conversions.

== Description ==

Turn every iTunes link across your site into an opportunity for worldwide sales by instantly converting all your links to the iTunes, App Store, iBooks, and Mac App Store, into intelligent globalized links. For every click, your links will automatically redirect to the same item in a visitor’s local iTunes storefront to bridge the gap between iTunes’ geographically segmented storefronts and your international audience.    

Whether you are promoting music, TV, movies, books or apps, within the iTunes ecosystem, the iLE is the easiest way to localize and affiliate every link so that it works across every iTunes Storefront.  By “localizing” these links, you ensure all clicks from your viewers around the world are redirected to the appropriate item in their own local storefront with your affiliate token attached. This improves the user’s experience by bringing them to the place they’re most likely to purchase, and helps you earn the commissions you deserve. 

= How is Geniuslink (Formerly GeoRiot) different? =

Most link “localization” plugins only translate a link for an international click when the same ADAM (Apple Digital Asset Management) ID exists in both storefronts.  However, due to many factors including Digital Rights licensing and the use of various distributors across different countries, the ADAM ID is not guaranteed to be the same. The iTunes Link Engine plugin uses Geniuslink’s [patented](https://www.google.com/patents/US8838767) five-step algorithm to find the metadata available from each product, and then match the product across storefronts. Our algorithm ensures that the user is sent to the most relevant product instead of sending your users to a non-existent item or an error message. 

In addition, connecting your Geniuslink account to the iTunes Link Engine gives you access to comprehensive reporting on clicks and commissions that no other plugin can offer. Geniuslink’s reports allow you to review performance metrics such as product types, click referrer, browser, device, operating system, geography, and more.

= How does the iTunes Link Engine plugin work? =

As soon as the plugin is installed and activated, your iTunes product links are instantly localized every time a user loads the page. You can even add new links to your WordPress site and each will be automatically converted without any additional work from you – just continue your normal workflow.

= How do I earn commissions from my links? =

To earn affiliate commissions, you first need to [create a Geniuslink account](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup), then connect it to your plugin (detailed instructions can be found in the [FAQ](https://wordpress.org/plugins/itunes-link-engine/faq/).  

Next, add your PHG affiliate token to your Geniuslink Dashboard. Once your token has been added, the iTunes Link Engine will automatically add your affiliate token to each link within your WordPress site. 

* *Note: The iTunes Link Engine WordPress plugin is completely free to use. However, in order to earn affiliate commissions and take advantage of the in-depth reporting, you must have a Geniuslink account. By default, Geniuslink’s affiliate token will be used until you have connected your account, and added your own via the Geniuslink Dashboard.  

= Key Features: =

* *NEW!* Pick which Geniuslink group this plugin syncs to. Set up the plugin on multiple WordPress sites and track clicks separately, or set up a specific group just for your WordPress site traffic. Instructions can be found under “How do I change the default group?” in the [FAQ](https://wordpress.org/plugins/itunes-link-engine/faq/)
* Automatic localization and translation of all iTunes links based off a visitor’s location.
* Simple, easy to use interface.
* One time configuration. Simply install the plugin, set up your Geniuslink account, and connect the two with an API key.  We take care of the rest.
* No need to have access to the iTunes API or build links through the iTunes Link Builder in PHG. Just paste normal iTunes links anywhere on your site (even behind images). 
* Your workflow remains the same.  No need to learn a new linking syntax, or disrupt your current flow.
* Automatically converts LinkShare, Tradedoubler, and DGM (Pro) formatted iTunes Affiliate links (from before the PHG rollout).

= What makes the iTunes Link Engine different from other Affiliate WP plugins? =
* Other plugins do not offer support for the new PHG affiliate program.
	* After iTunes made the switch to PHG in late 2013 and early 2014, similar plugins became obsolete.
* Unrivaled support from the Geniuslink team.
* No need to build links manually with a special link format. All of your links are automatically converted to localized links when the page loads.

== Installation ==

There are three easy steps to get the most value from the iTunes Link Engine.

= To install the plugin: =
1. Install the iTunes Link Engine plugin using the WordPress Plugin Installer [here](https://wordpress.org/plugins/itunes-link-engine/).
1. Activate the plugin through the “Plugins” menu in your WordPress Dashboard.
1. Once activated, your links will be automatically translated.

= To connect your Geniuslink account: =
1. If you don’t have an account already, create a Geniuslink account [here](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup).
1. After signing in, navigate to the Account page to create a new API token. 
1. Copy the API Key and API Secret into your iTunes Link Engine plugin found under “Settings” in your WordPress dashboard. 
1. Your iTunes information will now be available in your Geniuslink dashboard.

= To affiliate your links: =
1. If you have already added your affiliate token to your Geniuslink account, you’re good to go.
1. If you haven’t already, sign up for the [PHG affiliate program](https://itunes.phgconsole.performancehorizon.com/login/itunes) (instructions on how to sign up can be found on [our site](http://help.geni.us/support/solutions/articles/3000027495-itunes-phg-affiliate-program-guide)).
1. Once approved, jump into your Geniuslink dashboard and click on the “Affiliate” tab. Then, click “Connect an affiliate program” button and paste in your PHG affiliate token.

Once saved into the dashboard your links will automatically be affiliated with your PHG affiliate token when they are clicked. 

*Note:* You are not required to have a Geniuslink account, to use this plugin. However, if you would like to earn international commissions, you must sign up for a Geniuslink Account. Try it out for [free for 30 days](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup).

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

= What is Geniuslink =

Geniuslink is an intelligent link management platform that allows you to build the world’s most intelligent links to improve user experience, and maximize your marketing efforts. For marketers promoting content on the iTunes, App Store, iBooks, and Mac App Store, Geniuslink allows you to build intelligent links that automatically route customers to the correct product within their local storefront.  In addition, with a Geniuslink account, you can enter your affiliate token to earn commissions from all of your clicks.

= Do I need a Geniuslink Account to use this plugin? =

No, you do NOT need a Geniuslink account to use the iTunes Link Engine plugin.  As soon as you download and install the free plugin, all of your links will be automatically localized, and your customers will be routed to the correct product in their local storefront.  However, if you want to add your affiliate token, you will need a Geniuslink account. 


= How do I get my API keys? =

To get your Geniuslink API Keys, follow these simple steps:

1.     If you do not have a Geniuslink account, [create an account](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup).
1.     Log into your Geniuslink Dashboard, and navigate to the Account Tab.
1.     Click the "plus" sign to get your API keys.
1.     Navigate to the iTunes Link Engine settings under “Settings” in your WordPress dashboard.
1.     Next, simply copy and paste the "Key" and "Secret" codes into the "Enable Reporting and Commissions" area of the plugin. **Please note:** It may take up to 3 minutes for new keys to become available for use after adding them to your dashboard.
1.     Once pasted, your Geniuslink account will be automatically connected.

= How do I affiliate my links? =

First, connect the plugin to your Geniuslink account (see "How do I get my API keys?"). Then, follow the steps below:

1. Add your PHG affiliate token to your Geniuslink dashboard.  Instructions on how to do this can be found [here](http://help.geni.us/support/solutions/articles/3000034945-adding-your-phg-affiliate-token-to-geniuslink).
*Note:* If you’ve already done this within your existing Geniuslink account, you do not need to add your token again.
1. You’re all set! You’ll start earning commissions from anything purchased from iTunes.

**Please Note:** If you are already using affiliated links on your website, they will not remain affiliated if you use the iTunes Link Engine Plugin.  In order to affiliate your links, you must [sign up for a Geniuslink account](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup) and add your affiliate token to the dashboard.  Once you have done this, and connected your account using the API keys, each of your links will be automatically affiliated.

= Do I have to pay for Geniuslink? =

If you’re only interested in giving your international audience a better experience by redirecting them to their local storefront, the iTunes Link Engine is completely free. 

However, if you would like access to advanced reporting features and be able to affiliate all of your links, you will need to sign up for a Geniuslink account.  Try it out for [free for 30 days](http://social.geni.us/iLESignup). Learn more about our [fair and transparent pricing](http://social.geni.us/iLEPricing).

Please note: By default, Geniuslink's affiliate token will be used until you have added your own via the Geniuslink dashboard.  Please [contact Geniuslink](mailto:hi@geni.us) if you have any questions.

= How do I change the default group? =
In order to change the group that the plugin syncs with, you must first connect your Geniuslink account using your API keys. Once you have done this, you can simply select the group you would like to use from the drop down menu under “Using Link Group” in the iTunes Link Engine Settings. If you leave this blank, the “Default” group in your Geniuslink Account will be used.

= Do I need to update the JavaScript myself? =
No, the iLE plugin is instantly pulled from a remote server each time your page loads, which means that the snippet is always up to date.  If we update the code from our end, it will instantly be updated on your website upon page load.

= Is the iTunes Link Engine compatible with other affiliate tools? =
* **Amazon Link Engine:**
The iTunes Link Engine is fully compatible with the Amazon Link Engine plugin. 

* **Skimlinks:**
The iTunes Link Engine plugin works perfectly with Skimlinks.

* **VigLink:**
The VigLink plugin, however, will overwrite the iLE and not allow your links to be globalized if it has already been installed. If you are currently using this plugin, you simply need to deactivate it from your Wordpress site, download and activate the iTunes Link Engine plugin, and then reactivate the Viglink plugin.  Once this is done, the plugins will work seamlessly together.

* **iTunes Widgets:**
The iTunes Widgets are unfortunately not compatible with this version of the iLE plugin.


== Screenshots ==

1. **iTunes Link Engine Interface.**
1. **Before:** You have links to an item within a single iTunes Storefront
1. **After:** When you install the iTunes Link Engine, we automatically globalize and affiliate all iTunes links on your WordPress site.
1. **The Workflow:** Nothing changes for you once the plugin is installed. You can still add iTunes links for every page, just as you’ve done before. 
1. **The Results:** Each user gets sent to the correct item in their local store. This is an example of a user from Germany clicking your link. They’re sent to [iTunes Germany](https://itunes.apple.com/de/album/id14920526?i=14920531) with your affiliate token attached.
1. **The Results:** Each user gets sent to the correct item in their local store. This is an example of a user from the United States clicking your link. They’re sent to [iTunes US](https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/id46846?i=46803) with your affiliate token attached.

== Changelog ==

= 1.0 =
* Initial release

= 1.0.1 =
* Updated Readme

= 1.0.2 =
* Switch to "//" to allow non-https delivery of JS

= 1.0.3 = 
* Geniuslink pricing changes and screenshots included

= 1.0.4 = 
* Added: “To connect your Geniuslink account” instructions. Tested to 4.3

= 1.0.5 = 
* Added ability to choose a group

= 1.0.6 =
* Fix contributors in Readme