Tracking promo codes enable publishers to promote your offers without using affiliate links. This is especially important when working with publishers who use social media, where link placement can be restricted.
Integration methods
Even if you run only promo code programs, it’s highly recommended to set up standard link-based tracking. This provides the flexibility in scaling publisher involvement and ensures complete data collection.
You can track actions made with tracking promo codes using the following methods:
- Backend integration: Postback, XML, or API
- Frontend integration: TagTag, GTM Template
- Offline tracking
Learn more about integration methods in What system integration is, and how to integrate with Admitad
Backend integration: Postback, XML, or API
Backend integration involves transferring action data from the server. This method ensures accurate tracking, unaffected by browser privacy policies, ad blockers, or other tracking restrictions.
If you already have this integration set up for affiliate links, you need to adjust it for tracking promo codes.
Frontend integration: TagTag, GTM Template
With frontend integration, action data is transmitted from the website via the user's browser. This integration method is significantly affected by privacy policies and ad blockers and should not be used as the sole tracking method. To ensure precise tracking, it’s essential to submit an offline file with tracking data for all promo code actions alongside frontend integration. This approach ensures no actions are lost.
When setting up frontend integration, ensure that TagTag or GTM code runs on every page without any special conditions, such as run only for Admitad traffic.
Additionally, treat Admitad scripts and cookies as essential by placing them on the exceptions list in the consent management system or consent security policy and mark them as Strictly necessary.
Offline tracking
For offline tracking, you manually submit action data to Admitad for processing and accounting.
For comprehensive promo code tracking, a complete and reliable data source, such as your CRM or database, is essential. These systems provide accurate information about user actions. Google Analytics A4 and similar tools are not appropriate as data sources for offline tracking due to technical restrictions. GA4 tracking code and other tracking software are often blocked by browsers, leading to incomplete action data.
Export action data from your system on a weekly basis and send the CSV, Excel, or Google Sheets file to your manager for uploading data into your account. The export file should include the following information:
- order ID
- promo code
- cart value
- date of action.
If you don’t have a manager, you can upload the file yourself in the Uploading promo code actions section. Learn more in Uploading promo code actions from a file
Attribution rules
- Actions performed using Admitad promo codes are always attributed to Admitad, even if other tracking sources (e.g., other affiliate links) were involved before the promo code was applied. All confirmed orders tied to these promo codes must be paid.
- Tracking actions made with promo codes across all devices is essential. For mobile devices, offline tracking should be used due to tracking limitations at the device level.
Tracking promo code requirements
- While creating promo codes, use the naming convention Admitad1, Admitad2, Admitad3. This helps identify them as part of the Admitad network and differentiate from general offers.
- Promo codes should be valid for at least 3 months to support reallocation between publishers, if needed. Permanent promo codes are recommended for maximum efficiency and long-term campaign continuity.
- Promo codes should apply to a wide range of products to attract more users and engage publishers. Limiting the range may reduce promo codes effectiveness.
- Promo codes should offer a higher discount than publicly available ones.
