Trackers and TDS for affiliate marketing
There are basic tools in affiliate marketing: a tracker and a traffic distribution system. The first one identifies the user - what device he/she uses, where he/she comes from, what time zone he/she is in, etc. Even quite unexpected data - what enters a search query.
The distribution system helps to divide users among a huge number of parameters mentioned above. As a result - the user receives exactly the content that meets his consumption parameters and interests. The advertiser does not scorch the budget as from a cannon on sparrows. His interest is to maximize profit from X amount of money spent.
Let's try to understand what is the difference between them and what functions they perform in more detail.
Chief analyst of the advertising campaign
The tracker collects and analyzes a huge amount of data about visitors. Which category clicked from the placed advertising links.
In its arsenal:
- Information about the IP addresses of each visitor, from what device comes in.
- Operating systems, screen sizes and time zones of users.
- Search queries, User Agent and browser versions.
The main analyzer of the advertising campaign
The tracker collects and analyzes a huge amount of data about visitors. Which specific category moved from the placed advertising links.
In its arsenal:
- Information about the IP addresses of each visitor, from what device is logged in.
- Operating systems, screen sizes and time zones of users.
- Search queries, User Agent and browser versions.
Smart traffic manager
Above we mentioned what TDS stands for. Its task is to sort the incoming flow. By segment, redirect to the content that will be most relevant to it.
What can it do?
- Filter by country of location. Accordingly, advertising of a conditional product of an American network will not be suitable for a French consumer.
- Divide mobile devices and desktops. It is more appropriate to advertise a mobile application on cell phones. A desktop user will run the risk of downloading an application “here and now”.
- Redirect “unnecessary” visitors to back up sites (Trafficback URLs).
The webmaster's task is to make the most efficient use of each click.
Evolution of tools: from statistics to multifunctionality
The first tracker was not distinguished by its functionality. In today's understanding, it is a primitive tool. In the past, it was a simple counter that collected the most basic information. It went in - it went out. Over time, they have evolved greatly by incorporating the functions of the distribution system. This allowed webmasters to conduct more complex manipulations with content, to bypass the restrictions of advertising platforms.
In parallel, specialized analytical tools developed. Google, Yandex.Metrics, Facebook, etc. came in. They took over some of the functions of deep data analysis. As a result, modern trackers have become universal tools that combine the functions of TDS and basic analytics.
Types of trackers. Cloud or server?
Trackers and distribution systems can be categorized into two main types:
Cloud solutions (cloud) - turnkey services. Including: software and server capacity. The user only needs to pay for the required package of services and customize the system for his/her tasks.
Server solutions (self-hosted) - software that the webmaster installs on his own server or hosting. This option is more difficult to implement for a beginner. It requires technical knowledge and administration skills. But its advantage is that it gives more control and costs less in the long run.
The choice between cloud and server solution depends on the technical savvy of the webmaster. The size of the budget and goal-setting.
Not sure which tracker to use? Go here and get a bonus from AffCommunity.
Why do I need trackers and TDS in modern affiliate marketing?
Powerful tools that allow a webmaster to:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns: spent + achieved effect;
- monitor conversions through postbacks;
- optimize traffic distribution, conduct A/B testing;
- mask arbitrage bundles from affiliate networks, pass moderation.
Advanced tools allow you to implement cloaking technique. Helps to show different content to moderators and ordinary users. What is it necessary for? Read in this article.
Detailed statistics collected by the tracker helps to solve disputable situations with CPA - networks.
Why is it important to master the work with these tools?
They open completely new horizons for the webmaster:
- Ability to work with more complex and profitable verticals (gambling, betting, adult).
- Create more sophisticated ad bundles.
- Accurate targeting increases advertiser conversion growth.
- We remove targeted traffic - we get budget savings.
With sophisticated audience segmentation - utilizing tracker and distribution systems is critical.
Conclusion: invest in new opportunities
Don't rely solely on outsourcing tasks. The more you understand how trackers and distribution systems work, the more effectively you can utilize these tools.
Invest time in learning the technical side of affiliate marketing. This will not only expand your opportunities, but will also allow you to manage all aspects of your advertising campaigns yourself.
