A Redirect Profiles in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) defines the way users are redirected from the campaign URL to the destination (landing page or offer).
While it may sound like a technical detail, the type of redirect used can have a significant impact on tracking accuracy, compliance with traffic sources, and page load speed.
Why Redirect Profiles Exist
When a visitor clicks a campaign link, CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) must process the click, assign a Click ID, and forward the user to the correct destination. This process can be handled using different redirect methods, each with its own characteristics. Some traffic sources are strict about how redirects are handled, and certain networks or browsers block specific redirect types. Redirect Profiles in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) give you the flexibility to select the redirect method that best matches your campaign setup.
Types of Redirect Profiles in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One)
CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) supports multiple redirect methods, including:
- Standard 302 Redirect
- This is the most common redirect method. When a user clicks a link, the server responds with a 302 status code, redirecting them to the landing page or offer.
- Advantage: Simple and fast.
- Limitation: Some ad networks discourage 302 redirects because they can mask the final destination.
- This is the most common redirect method. When a user clicks a link, the server responds with a 302 status code, redirecting them to the landing page or offer.
- Meta Refresh Redirect
- This uses a small HTML page with a meta refresh tag that forwards users after a short delay.
- Advantage: Can bypass restrictions on server redirects.
- Limitation: Slightly slower and may look suspicious to traffic sources if overused.
- This uses a small HTML page with a meta refresh tag that forwards users after a short delay.
- Double Meta Refresh (DMR)
- Adds an extra layer of redirection (two consecutive meta refreshes).
- Advantage: Commonly used for cloaking or hiding the referrer URL from affiliate networks.
- Limitation: Advanced traffic sources may detect it, and misuse can lead to compliance issues.
- Adds an extra layer of redirection (two consecutive meta refreshes).
- Direct Redirect (No Intermediary)
Example Use Case
Suppose you’re running a campaign on Facebook Ads. Facebook is strict about ad destination URLs and may disapprove ads if it detects masked redirects. In this case, you may need to use a direct redirect profile or configure a branded tracking domain to ensure compliance.
On the other hand, if you’re testing offers from multiple affiliate networks and want to prevent them from seeing your original traffic source, you might choose a Double Meta Refresh (DMR). This way, the referrer information is stripped before the user lands on the offer.
Best Practices
- Match redirect profiles to traffic source requirements. Some sources explicitly ban certain redirect methods.
- Use the fastest possible redirect (usually 302 or direct) unless you have a specific reason to hide referrers.
- Always test redirects before launching campaigns to avoid broken flows.
- Avoid abusing cloaking methods (like DMR) as it can lead to bans from networks.
In summary, Redirect Profiles in CPV tracker (CPV Lab or CPV One) allow you to control how users are forwarded through the tracking system. Choosing the right profile ensures smoother campaign operation, compliance with traffic sources, and more accurate tracking.
See also: Campaign URL, Click ID, Campaign Redirect Domains
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