Admitad TagTag: a new technology of tracking code integration

Admitad presents a new technology of integration through tracking code. Thanks to new technologies of cross-browser and cross-device tracking and the resistance of tracking code to AdBlock, the number of correctly registered orders will increase by 5-10%. More over, TagTag makes it easier for advertisers to work with multiple affiliate networks by integrating tracking data from all of the different networks an advertiser uses.

Using a variety of affiliate networks for advertising campaigns presents advertisers with the challenge of accurately tracking data from multiple channels. TagTag solves this problem by leveraging order attribution, which assigns orders to the correct publisher and the correct affiliate network.

TagTag also prevents the erroneous blocking of advertisements by browser extensions and anti-virus applications.

Additionally, TagTag tracks orders made on different types of browsers and devices. According to Admitad, number of cross-device orders is about 10%. 

• In the category “gifts and flowers” number of cross-device orders reaches 5%;
• In the category “sport” — up to 8%;
• “Household goods” — up to 10%;
• “Instruments” — up to 25%.

Thanks to TagTag, when a user clicks on a partner link from one device and performs a target action (e.g., completing an order) in another device, data is registered accordingly. This feature is possible even without the use of personal data of users.

Frequently asked questions about Admitad TagTag:

1) What is TagTag?

TagTag is an updated and improved tracking code provided by Admitad. The tracking code is a program code in the JavaScript language that is placed on the advertiser’s website. The code registers the user’s target action and sends a query with information (including the order number, the order amount, and other non-personal data) to Admitad’s server. The technology allows users to work with multiple affiliate networks at the same time. Additionally, the tracking code is responsible for the deduplication of orders and for cross-browser and cross-device tracking.

2) What are the components of TagTag’s tracking code?

The code is divided into two parts: The upper part contains the main script (mandatory minimum), and the lower part has Admitad’s special additional functions and mechanisms written into it, including an algorithm protecting the client’s advertising materials against erroneous blocking.

3) What are the strong points of the TagTag tracking code?

• Resistance to blocking;
• Simplified integration with CPA networks;
• Automated cookie storage;
• Cross-browser tracking;
• Cross-device tracking;
• Deduplication;
• Comprehensive tracking adjustment;
• Security.

4) How does TagTag facilitate integration with Admitad? How convenient is integration with multiple СРА networks?

We’ve done our best to save the advertiser as much work as possible when integrating. Admitad and TagTag will take care of everything that can be done without the advertiser’s participation.

Advertisers often work with several affiliate networks and already have established relationships with other CPA platforms by the time they’re integrating with Admitad. TagTag’s algorithm can automatically find the previous integrations’ settings and forward them to Admitad, provided that the third-party networks comply with certain parameters.

Therefore, if the advertiser has already filled in forms related to integration settings, Admitad’s department of integration and the advertiser just have a few additional fields to complete related to the general parameters of the other affiliate networks. This will save them hours of work, and maximally automate the process on both sides.

5) What new opportunities does TagTag provide?

TagTag has expanded its tracking capabilities, adding to the previously existing functions of cross-browser and cross-device tracking, the deduplication function, and advanced attribution settings.

6) What is cross-browser tracking?

Cross-browser tracking is one of the main functions allowing Admitad to collect technical information about the device the user uses to visit the advertiser’s website for the first time. If this user visits the website later in incognito mode, clears the cookies, or uses a different browser (on the same device), it is highly likely that Admitad will mark the user in the system based on a “snapshot” of the device made previously. Thus, the order will not be lost, and the publisher will receive the due remuneration.

It is important to emphasize that we do not transfer the user’s personal information and do not process it in any way. Admitad collects only technical data about the device.

For example: A user first visited the advertiser’s website via Mozilla Firefox but did not place an order, and then visited it via Opera and made a purchase. In this case, Admitad will be able to recognize that it is the same client, and the order will be registered in our system.

7) What is the cross-device technology like?

Cross-device tracking is the other main function of TagTag. It is intended for tracking of a user’s actions performed from different devices.

For example: A person visited the advertiser’s website from a PC, signed in, but didn’t buy anything. Later, this person visits the site from a mobile phone under the same user account. At this stage Admitad’s algorithm makes the conclusion that both devices belong to the same user. If this user visits the site from a tablet, the information about all the three devices is united into one account. If the buyer places an order from any of the aforementioned devices at a later time, Admitad’s systems will determine at once that it is our client, and consequently the order will be followed and credited to the publisher who has provided the user.

8) How does TagTag allow an advertiser to avoid erroneous payments?

The TagTag algorithm has a deduplication function. Deduplication delineates an advertisers paid traffic sources and eliminates payment duplication for a single action captured in different CPA networks.

TagTag makes this function possible in the integration code on the advertiser’s side. Advertisers that works with more than one partner network will need to configure deduplication orders on their side.

However, if the advertiser works only with Admitad and no other affiliate network, the advertiser does not need to configure the deduplication: the algorithm will independently determine the orders, attracted through our partner network.

9) Does this eliminate the “Last Cookie Wins” problem?

Yes, it does. The “Last Cookie Wins” principle was previously set up via cookies, and now these settings are placed inside the field.

When one advertiser has set up integration with two affiliate networks, there will be two tracking codes installed, and the algorithm will send a request associated with an order to each affiliate network. But the deduplication function makes it possible to adjust the order distribution logic for all affiliate networks the advertiser works with. That is, if the advertiser has adjusted the order attribution logic in this way, it settles the issue of cookie erasing in advance.

10) How does TagTag optimize data reporting for advertisers?

The advertiser can select the channel parameter when integrating the advertiser’s affiliate program within the Admitad system. If they believe that an order has come from organic referrals, they should write “organic.” That way, we will understand that the order didn’t come via an affiliate network. This function did not exist before TagTag, which means there was no order. It was simply lost, and shown as “lost” in the reports.

11) How else is TagTag convenient for advertisers?

TagTag can send cookies to the user and record information automatically whenever a user makes an order. Before, advertisers had to perform this function manually. But now, advertisers do not have to take care of saving the “admitad_uid” value after an order is completed.  

12) How secure is the technology when it comes to data protection?

It is absolutely secure. TagTag works using the “https” protocol, which means that all the data collected by Admitad about the order will be encrypted. Even if a website isn’t a secure one itself (“http”), we will send all the information related to Admitad using the “https” protocol. This means that any data collected by Admitad will be protected one way or another.

13) What is the systematic approach to TagTag tracking expressed in?

Previously, an advertiser who wished to enable coupons and post-view tracking would have had to perform the entire process of integration all over again. Now, the advertiser has these capabilities the first time TagTag is installed. Our affiliate network specialists install the tracking code and adjust the tracking. If the advertiser wants to set up post-view tracking and coupons afterwards, they just have to write slight modifications into the code, instead of re-installing the whole system three times.

As a result, the integration does not take much time. If the advertiser requires other types of tracking, Admitad is able to add them easily and quickly to the already existing settings on the advertiser’s request.

14)  How much does TagTag improve order tracking?

It should be pointed out that the two important tools of TagTag are cross-device and cross-browser tracking. Some of our advertisers have had the cross-device tool installed for a few months already. According to statistics, this brings in 7 – 8% of additional orders.

As for the cross-browser technology, it is highly accurate, but there aren’t so many people who place orders via different browsers. The percentage increase in the number of orders due to cross-browser tracking is approximately 4-5%.

Thus, cross-browser and cross-device tracking together bring about 12% of additional orders.

15) Why is cross-browser tracking in TagTag better than similar technologies offered by other CPA networks? Why is this technology unique?

The technology allows for following an order from a signed-in user with 97 – 98% probability. This is why we can say with confidence that this parameter makes TagTag a unique technology, distinguishing it from the rest of the CPA market.

16) Why is TagTag better than postback URLs?

TagTag is a more transparent solution than setting up tracking via postback. The publisher can follow the order from start to finish. That is, they see everything that happens at every step of the buyer’s way, up to the moment of making the purchase. This provides more transparency and more control over the technical aspects. This is its difference from postback, which doesn’t display all the details.

The percentage of tracked orders is approximately equal for TagTag and postback, with one important difference: cookies may “fall off” when postback is used. As a result, the order will not be tracked, not credited to the publisher, and in the end, not paid for by the advertiser. Besides that, the “Last Cookie Wins” problem still exists when postback is used, unlike integration via TagTag where it has been eliminated from the very beginning.

17) Is TagTag compatible with CMS?

Of course it is. TagTag is simply a code installed on the page. In most cases, anything can be combined and built in. The new tracking code does not limit the advertiser’s technical possibilities in any way. It allows for all the same things as a conventional tracking code.

18) Does TagTag cancel integration via Admitad’s Mobile SDK?

No, these two tools have been incorporated into our system, and do not cancel each other out. Admitad’s Mobile SDK allows for integration with mobile applications and is a solution for tracking in mobile applications.

19) Can an advertiser already registered with Admitad switch to TagTag now?

We are planning to work in this direction and thinking over the best solutions for our new and already registered advertisers.

20) Do any of the advertisers already work with TagTag?

Yes, there’s a number of our advertisers who use TagTag already, and this number grows rapidly. Our verifications report positive results: cross-browser and cross-device tracking do help track more purchases, and deduplication allows for avoiding instances of double payment for one order.

21) Where can I find detailed instructions for TagTag?

A detailed manual is available in the Help Center on Admitad’s website here.