Overview of Cost Tracking in ClickFlare
ClickFlare offers flexible options for tracking cost data, ensuring that you can monitor your campaign performance accurately. You can track cost using automatic, manual, or integrated methods depending on the setup of your traffic source and business model.
Auto Method: Tracking Cost Automatically
With ClickFlare's automatic tracking option, cost data is captured directly from your traffic source. This method is ideal when your traffic source platform sends the cost value as a token within the URL. ClickFlare automatically reads and records this value, matching it to the appropriate cost variable.
How It Works:
When the traffic source passes the cost value in the specified token, ClickFlare automatically captures this information and associates it with your campaign's cost tracking field. No manual input is needed from your side, and the data is recorded every time a conversion is triggered by the traffic source.
Manual Method: Tracking Cost Manually
If your traffic source platform does not support sending cost data through a token, ClickFlare provides a manual tracking method. You can select the relevant cost model for your campaign and input a fixed cost value.
How It Works:
In this case, ClickFlare will manually calculate the cost based on the selected cost model (e.g., CPM, CPC, CPA). The system will apply the cost each time an event tied to that model occurs, such as a click or a conversion. This method is useful when cost data is not passed automatically but is still needed to assess campaign performance.
Integrated Method: Passing Cost Through API
For campaigns with advanced requirements, ClickFlare allows cost data to be passed using API integrations. The cost integrations feature ensures that the cost information is accurately relayed between ClickFlare and other platforms. This integration is typically used for more complex campaigns where automated cost data sharing is required.
How It Works:
Once integrated, cost information is sent through an API connection. ClickFlare captures this data, making it available for tracking and reporting. This method ensures reliable and continuous cost tracking across all campaigns.
Setting Up Cost Tracking in ClickFlare
To set up cost tracking, follow these steps within the ClickFlare platform:
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Create or Edit a Campaign
In the ClickFlare dashboard, navigate to the Campaigns tab. You can either create a new campaign or edit an existing one. -
Select Your Traffic Source
Choose a traffic source from the drop-down menu. Cost tracking settings will only appear once a traffic source is selected. -
Set Up Cost Model
Depending on your traffic source’s capabilities, choose from one of the following cost models:- CPC (Cost Per Click)
- CPA (Cost Per Acquisition)
- Revshare (Revenue Share)
-
Map Cost Variables
For the automatic tracking method, map the cost parameter from your traffic source to the corresponding ClickFlare cost variable. This ensures that the cost data is accurately captured. -
Save Your Settings
Once your cost tracking setup is complete, save your campaign settings to start tracking costs.
FAQs
Q1: Can I send the conversion cost back to the traffic source?
A: Yes, ClickFlare allows you to send conversion costs back to the traffic source using a postback URL.
Q2: Is it possible to track costs without using the API integration?
A: Yes, ClickFlare’s manual and automatic tracking methods can be used without the need for an API integration.
Q3: What are the different cost models I can use in ClickFlare?
A: ClickFlare supports various cost models, including CPC, CPA, and Revshare, as well as automatic models like Auto CPC (cost macro)
