Pixel Tracking is one of the two main methods CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) supports for recording conversions (the other being S2S Postbacks, see: S2S Postback).
Pixels are browser-based snippets of code—usually JavaScript or an image tag—that are placed on the confirmation page of an offer. When the page loads, the pixel fires and sends conversion information back to CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One).
How It Works
When a user clicks your campaign URL, CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) assigns a unique Click ID and redirects them through the funnel. If they eventually reach the confirmation page of the offer, the pixel loads in their browser. This triggers a request to CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One)’s server, reporting the conversion associated with that Click ID.
The typical pixel script generated by CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) looks like this:
<img src=”https://tracker.com/pixel.php?cid=##CLICK_ID##” width=”1″ height=”1″ />
Affiliate networks that support pixel tracking allow you to place this code directly on the “thank you” page of the offer.
Advantages
- Simple Setup: Quick to implement, often requiring only copy-paste.
- Widely Supported: Many affiliate networks provide pixel placement as a standard option.
- Immediate Tracking: Fires at the moment the page loads, sending instant conversion data.
Limitations
- Browser Dependence: Pixels rely on the user’s browser to load the code. If the user disables JavaScript, blocks images, or uses an ad blocker, the pixel may not fire.
- Privacy Restrictions: Updates like Apple’s ITP (Intelligent Tracking Prevention) can block pixel-based tracking.
- Less Accurate: Compared to S2S Postbacks, pixels are more likely to miss conversions.
Use Cases
Pixel tracking is useful when:
- The affiliate network does not support S2S postbacks.
- You are promoting your own product and control the thank-you page.
- You want a quick setup to test offers before implementing S2S.
Reporting in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One)
Conversions tracked via pixels appear in reports alongside those tracked with postbacks. While reliable for small campaigns, discrepancies may occur in larger campaigns due to blocked pixels. This is why CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) recommends prioritizing S2S tracking whenever possible.
Example
Suppose you are promoting a trial signup offer for a software tool. The network allows you to insert a tracking pixel on the confirmation page. When the user signs up, the confirmation page loads, the pixel fires, and CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) records the conversion. You can now see the conversion in your reports, tied to the original traffic source and token values.
Best Practices
- Always test pixel firing by completing a test conversion yourself.
- Monitor discrepancies between network and CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) reports—if differences are large, move to S2S tracking.
- Use pixels as a backup method in combination with S2S for redundancy.
In summary, pixel tracking in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) is a quick, easy way to track conversions, but it has limitations in accuracy. For mission-critical campaigns, S2S postbacks are the recommended solution.
See also: Conversion, Campaign, S2S Postback, Offer
« Back to Glossary Index