Why should advertisers trust the simplified GTM integration?

Admitad has released a new method of integration — via Google Tag Manager (GTM) custom templates. However, we do realize that some advertisers are still wary and hesitate to trust the affiliate networks and their tracking code. In this article, we are trying to explain why their suspicion is groundless.

1. High loading speed

Some advertisers suspect that the presence of a tracking pixel on their website will have an adverse effect on the performance of the website. However, in reality, Admitad tracking code is asynchronous and does not have any effect on page loading time.

2. No extra data collection

Another reason that makes advertisers feel apprehensive about third party code is that they believe it can retrieve confidential data from the website. This is a myth because third party solutions like Admitad’s do not collect any personal data without advertiser’s approval — in that case, we usually sign NDA.

Moreover, the GTM templates can capture only the data that the advertiser chooses to send to the affiliate network. There is no way for the tracking code to collect the data it is not meant to.

3. GTM is a separate entity

The advertiser does not have to place the pixel directly in the website code. It can be placed within a container – such as Google Tag Manager (GTM). Through GTM, all codes activate from within a single container managed by Google. When an action happens, the GTM code gets triggered which, in turn, simultaneously triggers other codes based on the condition.

4. Approved by Google

Before publishing in the GTM Store, Admitad templates were checked by Google specialists, which should help alleviate the fears of many advertisers. The solution is compliant with the GDPR norms.

5. Easy to install

Another roadblock is the fact that many advertisers do not have tech teams or resources with enough experience to implement the code, so they require guidance on how to carry out the technical integration. The easiest and most hassle-free solution to this problem is to use GTM. GTM is designed to be used by non-technical personnel, such as online marketing professionals, which makes it much easier to carry out the integration.

Other features? Simplified GTM integration is a perfect alternative to out-of-date <img> pixels (aka hidden images). Moreover, unlike the old solutions, it has a simple way to adjust deduplication and cross-device.

How is simplified integration via GTM different from the advanced one?

• Deduplication is on by default

In the simplified integration, the advertiser can only give a name to the GET-parameter, which is used to perform deduplication.

NB: if deduplication of your affiliate program differs from the standard one and is not defined by one GET-parameter, rather by a set of rules, it is advised to use the advanced integration.

• Cross-device is only on if configured manually

The cross-device feature is only active if the advertiser passes along the Account ID.

• No protection from cookie lifetime change

Browsers can cut down the lifetime of cookies that contain admitad_uid, value used to attribute the order to a certain publisher. If the cookies are deleted before the order is made, publishers will gain less profit. Advanced integration protects cookies from this deletion by using alternative methods of storing the admitad_uid value.

• Parallel tracking for Google Ads is off

Critical when managing affiliate programs with a large share of mobile traffic and interest in contextual ads publishers.

How do I install the template?

Disclaimer: We do not recommend using GTM container for integration since it is prone to blocking by extensions. Kindly use the standard method of integration by tracking code.

Should you eventually choose the simplified GTM integration, please follow the instructions listed in Admitad Help Center.