My rundown of the Best AD Tracking Softwares (Free and Paid)

Ad tracking software is essential for affiliate marketers aiming to optimize campaigns, attribute conversions accurately, and maximize ROI. This article examines leading ad tracking platforms, including Voluum, Skro, Hyros, and others, highlighting their features and benefits.​

Voluum

Voluum is a cloud-based ad tracker designed for affiliate marketers and media buyers. It offers real-time analytics, tracking over 30 metrics per visit, click, and conversion. Key features include multi-channel tracking, AI-driven optimization, and integrations with platforms like Facebook, Google Ads, and TikTok. Voluum supports A/B testing and provides customizable dashboards for comprehensive campaign management. Pricing starts at $199/month, catering to both beginners and advanced users.​

Skro: Best Free Tracker

Skro is a cloud-hosted ad tracking solution tailored for media buyers and affiliates. It utilizes first-party cookies and a Conversion API to ensure accurate tracking amidst privacy regulations. Skro supports over 229 affiliate networks and 81 traffic sources, offering real-time performance monitoring through an intuitive dashboard. Its user-friendly interface and fair pricing make it suitable for both new and experienced marketers. ​

Hyros

Hyros specializes in advanced ad tracking and attribution, focusing on high-spending advertisers. It tracks leads, calls, sales, and returning customers with high accuracy, often outperforming standard ad platforms. Hyros emphasizes first-party data and offers 1:1 support from experienced analysts. It's particularly beneficial for businesses spending over $5,000/month on ads.

CPV Lab

CPV Lab is a self-hosted tracking solution ideal for CPA marketers. It allows users to track, test, and optimize campaigns, offering deep tracking capabilities and customizable options. CPV Lab supports various traffic sources and provides detailed analytics for performance improvement.

Trackdesk

Trackdesk offers a free plan for affiliates earning up to $1,000/month, making it accessible for beginners. It provides features like automated affiliate payouts, recurring commissions, and a partnership managers marketplace. Trackdesk's user-friendly interface and transparent pricing cater to growing affiliate programs. ​

RedTrack

RedTrack is a cloud-hosted ad tracking software designed for media buyers and affiliates. It offers real-time analytics, A/B testing, and integrations with various ad networks. RedTrack emphasizes user experience with prompt support and hassle-free setup, aiming to enhance ROI for its users.

AdsBridge

AdsBridge is a comprehensive tracking platform that manages, analyzes, and optimizes affiliate campaigns. It features worldwide data centers for seamless traffic distribution, supports A/B testing, and offers various tracking methods, including PPC and pixel tracking. AdsBridge is suitable for affiliates seeking detailed campaign insights. ​

​Setting up an ad tracker is crucial for affiliate marketers aiming to monitor campaign performance, attribute conversions accurately, and optimize return on investment (ROI). This guide provides a step-by-step approach to implementing an ad tracking system effectively.​

1. Select an Appropriate Ad Tracking Platform

Begin by choosing an ad tracking solution that aligns with your marketing needs and budget. Popular options include:​

• Voluum: A cloud-based platform offering real-time analytics and AI-driven optimization.​

• Skro: Known for its user-friendly interface and robust tracking capabilities.​

• Hyros: Specializes in advanced tracking and attribution, ideal for high-spending advertisers.​

• RedTrack: Provides comprehensive tracking features suitable for various campaign types.​

Evaluate each platform's features, integrations, and pricing to determine the best fit for your operations.​

2. Integrate Tracking Codes into Your Website

After selecting a platform, implement the necessary tracking codes to monitor user interactions:​

• JavaScript Tags: Insert these into your website's header or specific pages to track visitor behavior.​

• Tracking Pixels: Use 1x1 pixel images to record page views and conversions.​

• UTM Parameters: Append these to URLs to identify traffic sources and campaign performance.​

• Postback URLs: Utilize server-to-server tracking for accurate conversion attribution, especially when cookies are restricted.​

Ensure that these tracking methods comply with privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.​

3. Configure Traffic Sources and Affiliate Networks

Set up your traffic sources within the tracking platform to monitor incoming data effectively:​

• Define Traffic Sources: Input details of platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or native ad networks.​

• Integrate Affiliate Networks: Connect with networks such as ClickBank or CJ Affiliate to track offers and conversions.​

This configuration allows for comprehensive monitoring of campaign performance across various channels.​

4. Create and Manage Campaigns

Organize your marketing efforts by setting up individual campaigns:​

• Campaign Naming: Use descriptive names to easily identify and manage campaigns.​

• Assign Offers and Landing Pages: Link specific products or services to corresponding landing pages.​

• Set Conversion Goals: Define desired actions such as purchases, sign-ups, or downloads.​

This structure facilitates targeted tracking and performance analysis.​

5. Test Tracking Setup

Before launching campaigns, verify that your tracking setup functions correctly:​

• Click Testing: Ensure that clicks are accurately recorded.​

• Conversion Testing: Confirm that conversions trigger the appropriate tracking events.​

• Data Verification: Cross-check data across platforms to identify discrepancies.​

Conducting thorough testing helps prevent data inaccuracies and ensures reliable performance metrics.​

6. Monitor and Optimize Campaigns

Once campaigns are live, continuously monitor their performance:​

• Analyze Metrics: Review key indicators such as click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and ROI.​

• A/B Testing: Experiment with different creatives, landing pages, and offers to identify high-performing variations.​

• Adjust Strategies: Use insights gained to refine targeting, bidding, and content strategies.​

Regular optimization based on data analysis enhances campaign effectiveness and profitability.​

7. Ensure Compliance and Data Privacy

Adhere to legal requirements and best practices to maintain user trust and avoid penalties:​

• Privacy Policies: Clearly communicate data collection practices to users.​

• Consent Management: Implement mechanisms for obtaining and managing user consent.​

• Data Security: Protect collected data through secure storage and processing methods.​

Compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA is essential for ethical and legal marketing operations.​

By following these steps, affiliate marketers can effectively set up and manage ad tracking systems, leading to improved campaign insights, better decision-making, and increased ROI.

TRACKBACK, POSTBACK, TRACKER PIXELS: WHAT THE F IS ALL THIS LINGO?!!!!

​In affiliate marketing, effective tracking mechanisms are essential for monitoring user interactions, attributing conversions accurately, and optimizing campaign performance. Three primary tracking methods are commonly employed: trackback, postback, and tracking pixels. Each method offers distinct advantages and is suited to specific scenarios within the affiliate marketing landscape.​

Trackback: Monitoring Traffic Sources

Trackback is a method used to identify the origins of website traffic, providing insights into which affiliates or campaigns are driving visitors to a site. By analyzing trackback data, marketers can assess the effectiveness of different traffic sources and ensure compliance with brand guidelines. This method is particularly useful for maintaining transparency and accountability in affiliate partnerships.​- Affiverse

Postback: Server-to-Server Conversion Tracking

Postback, also known as server-to-server (S2S) tracking, is a reliable method for recording conversions without relying on client-side technologies like cookies. When a user completes a desired action (e.g., a purchase or sign-up), the affiliate network's server sends a notification to the advertiser's server via a postback URL, transmitting conversion data securely.​Scaleo

Advantages of Postback Tracking

• Accuracy: Since postback operates server-to-server, it is less susceptible to issues like ad blockers or browser restrictions, ensuring more accurate conversion tracking.​RollerAds Blog

• Real-Time Data: Postback enables immediate reporting of conversions, allowing for timely optimization of campaigns.​RollerAds Blog

• Enhanced Security: By avoiding client-side scripts, postback reduces the risk of data manipulation or loss.​

Implementation Considerations

To implement postback tracking, both the affiliate network and the advertiser must support this method. Proper configuration of postback URLs and parameters is essential to ensure accurate data transmission and attribution.​

Tracking Pixels: Client-Side Conversion Monitoring

Tracking pixels are small, transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that collect data on user behavior. When a user loads a page containing a tracking pixel, information such as page views, clicks, and conversions is sent to the server for analysis.​

Benefits of Tracking Pixels

• Ease of Implementation: Adding a tracking pixel typically involves inserting a simple code snippet into the desired web page.​Reddit+1LinkedIn+1

• Detailed User Insights: Tracking pixels can capture granular data on user interactions, aiding in the refinement of marketing strategies.​Offerslook

Limitations

• Susceptibility to Ad Blockers: Since tracking pixels operate on the client side, they can be blocked by browser extensions or privacy settings, potentially leading to incomplete data.​

• Privacy Concerns: The use of tracking pixels must comply with data protection regulations, necessitating transparency and user consent.​

Comparative Overview

In short: trackback, postback, tracking pixels in an Ad Tracker

Selecting the appropriate tracking method is crucial for the success of affiliate marketing campaigns. While trackback offers insights into traffic sources, postback provides accurate and secure conversion tracking, and tracking pixels deliver detailed user behavior data. Marketers should assess their specific needs, technical capabilities, and compliance requirements to determine the most suitable tracking approach for their operations.

Conclusion

Selecting the right ad tracking software depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Platforms like Voluum and Hyros cater to high-volume advertisers requiring advanced features, while Skro and Trackdesk offer accessible solutions for those starting out. Evaluating each tool's capabilities ensures effective campaign tracking and optimization in the competitive affiliate marketing landscape.​