Hello, community! Tracking all activities within an advertising campaign is one of the key processes in affiliate marketing. First and foremost, all the collected data will be used for further optimization of our campaigns.  

But it’s also worth reminding you about a phenomenon known as shaving, which we’ve reviewed in detail. Continuous traffic tracking is the primary safeguard that allows you to either avoid shaving or, at the very least, detect it in time and respond accordingly. 

Today, let’s talk about tracking: why it’s necessary, the best software to use, and whether you actually need it. Enjoy your reading!  

What is Tracking? 

Tracking is the process of monitoring any actions within an advertising campaign, such as ad clicks, conversions, sales, rebills, and more.  

This is achieved through trackers. A tracker is a script that monitors the actions we configure it to track (or those predefined within the tracker itself).  

The collected information is stored on a server. Most software allows exporting this data into a convenient format, so you can work with the figures in tools like Excel.  

Some networks offer their own data collection solutions. By “network,” we mean not only advertising networks but also CPA networks. However, let’s not forget that they are an interested party. While this doesn’t necessarily mean they will shave traffic or manipulate clicks, we can’t completely rule it out. 

Therefore, it’s always wise to use third-party, independent tools to get a comprehensive picture.  

How to Choose Tracking Software for Your Campaign? 

Pay special attention to the software you use for tracking. This can help you avoid potential disputes with a network. It would be inconvenient if discrepancies in statistics were caused by a low-quality tracker you’re using. 

Choosing a tracker is similar to picking a refrigerator: answer a few key questions, use those answers as filters, and you’ll find the best tracker. 

We recommend focusing on the following aspects: 

  1. First, consider your goals and needs. If you need statistics on link clicks, that’s one thing, but cross-device tracking with fraud detection capabilities is an entirely different matter. The key here is that you will find a solution that meets your needs.
  2. Cost. This parameter directly impacts the ROI of your campaign. And what’s more important than a high ROI? It’s a rhetorical question.
  3. Don’t underestimate trial versions. Also, learn from your colleagues’ experiences and read reviews. 

However, the features of a tracker deserve special attention. Many solutions on the market offer a plethora of features, some of which might seem excessive, but others are absolute must-haves. 

Among the features that should be present in a quality tracker, we would highlight: 

  • Detailed and comprehensive reporting. If you’ve ever optimized a campaign, you understand the value (both literal and figurative) of each metric and how it can impact ROI. Comprehensive reporting with analytics on clicks, conversions, and more is essential;
  • Real-time tracking. The tracker should display statistics in real-time without delays, especially if you’re working on large projects;
  • Flexible customization. The ability to customize the tracker to your needs is a vital feature that simplifies working with statistics. This includes the option to integrate your tracker with the affiliate program platform, effectively customizing your entire workspace;
  • Fraud detection. A tracker’s ability to detect fraud is invaluable, particularly when working with an unverified network.

Other features might also be implemented in a tracker, and some of them could be particularly useful in your specific case. The features we listed are beneficial in 90% of cases. 

Benefits of Using Trackers in Campaigns 

To summarize, let’s list the key benefits of using your own trackers. There are indeed many. 

The main advantage is the ability to obtain accurate statistics. Of course, the tracker you choose plays a crucial role here. However, this shouldn’t be a problem since the market offers many quality solutions. Consider both the price and reviews when selecting the best software. 

You gain the ability to detect shaving or fraud. Yes, including fraud. A tracker can help you identify a low-quality network or detect if an affiliate is attempting to deceive you if you’re an advertiser. 

The data you collect enables you to better optimize your campaigns, leading to higher profits. Moreover, organizing all the information about your campaigns allows you to plan future work more effectively, which can be especially beneficial if you’re working in an affiliate team rather than solo.  

Conclusion 

A tracker is an essential tool that must always be used when running traffic. Without tracking, it’s impossible to optimize campaigns or ensure that an advertiser has fully compensated you. 

Do you use third-party trackers in your campaigns, or do you fully trust the tools provided by the network? Share your experiences in our Telegram community, where you’ll always find the latest news from the world of affiliate marketing!  

As always, with respect, Your Geek! 

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