Understanding Redirect Tracking in ClickFlare: Benefits, Setup, and Best Practices

Discover the benefits and considerations of using the redirect method for campaign tracking in ClickFlare, and learn how to implement it effectively to gather valuable visitor data.

Written by Ervis

Updated 4 weeks ago

The redirect tracking method is a widely used strategy in affiliate marketing and campaign management. It redirects visitors through ClickFlare servers, allowing you to gather detailed insights on user behavior, campaign performance, and more. This approach offers a range of path-altering options, such as A/B testing, rule-based paths, weights, and AI, enhancing your ability to optimize traffic and conversions. However, not all traffic sources support this method, so it's essential to consider compatibility before using it.

Pros of Using Redirect Tracking

Advanced Path Alterations: Take advantage of advanced features like rule-based paths, A/B testing, AI, and weights to optimize traffic routing and improve conversion rates.
Referrer Data Privacy: You can use redirect modes to hide referrer data, which adds an extra layer of privacy and control.
Simple Implementation: The redirect method is easy to set up and often doesn't require adding scripts to your landing page. However, to ensure maximum tracking accuracy, we recommend implementing a ClickFlare lander tracking script.
Comprehensive Data Collection: ClickFlare can capture key visit data (such as CEP parameters) from a click URL, cookies, or HTTP referrer data.

Cons of Using Redirect Tracking

Compatibility Limitations: Certain traffic sources, like Meta Ads (formerly Facebook Ads), may not fully support the redirect method.
Potential Delay: A slight delay in the redirect process may occur, as the visitor is routed through the ClickFlare servers before reaching the destination page.
Browser URL Visibility: Redirects may be visible in the browser’s address bar, which could potentially discourage visitors from continuing to your page.

1. Why You Should Use a Lander Tracking Script

Even if you’re relying on the redirect method, adding a ClickFlare lander tracking script to your landing page is highly recommended. This script ensures that all possible device and browser configurations are captured accurately. Furthermore, ClickFlare has a built-in mechanism to prevent double counting of visits, so even if a visitor is redirected and the script fires, the visit will only be recorded once.

2. How the Redirect Method Works in ClickFlare

First Transition
When a visitor clicks on an ad and triggers the campaign URL, ClickFlare intercepts the click and processes it through its servers. Here’s what happens:

ClickFlare records a visit.
Values from any tokens in the campaign URL are captured.
Additional visitor data (such as device type and country) is derived from the user agent.
A cookie containing visit information (CEP parameter) is placed in the visitor’s browser.

Afterward, the visitor is redirected to the destination, such as an offer page or landing page. You can apply path alteration features like A/B testing, AI, or rule-based routing during this stage.

If a lander tracking script is also implemented on the landing page, it ensures that the visit is recorded even if the cookie isn't saved due to browser settings. In such cases, ClickFlare will only count the visit once, preventing duplicate recordings.

Second Transition (Optional)
The second transition is optional but can further enhance tracking. If the visitor clicks a CTA button on the landing page, they are redirected again through ClickFlare servers. Here’s what ClickFlare does in this case:

The click is recorded.
Additional data passed through tokens is captured.
ClickFlare reads the click ID from the token.

Afterward, the visitor is sent to the destination, such as an offer page, where you can continue applying path alterations like A/B testing and rule-based routing.

3. Setting Up Redirect Tracking

To implement redirect tracking in ClickFlare, follow these steps:

Generate a Tracking URL
- In ClickFlare, create a new campaign and obtain your tracking link.
- Example format:
```
https://track.clickflare.com/cf/r/campaign_id?ad_id={{ad.id}}...
```
Place the Tracking Link in Your Ad
- Use the generated tracking URL in your traffic source settings.
Configure Conversion Tracking (Optional)
- If using S2S postbacks, ensure the affiliate network supports postback tracking.
- For pixel-based tracking, place the ClickFlare conversion pixel on your thank-you page.

4. Best Practices for Redirect Tracking

Use a custom domain for your tracking links to avoid ad platform disapprovals.
Regularly test tracking links to ensure smooth functionality.

By following these steps, you can leverage redirect tracking to gain deeper insights into your campaign performance while maintaining compliance with ad networks.

5. Final Thoughts

Redirect tracking in ClickFlare provides a powerful tool for managing and optimizing affiliate campaigns. While it offers great flexibility and advanced features, it's important to consider compatibility with your traffic sources and the potential for slight delays. Implementing a lander tracking script will ensure the most accurate data collection and help avoid duplicated visits, providing a seamless experience for both marketers and visitors.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got questions? Find the answers below:

Q1: Is the redirect method compatible with all traffic sources?

A1: No, some traffic sources, such as Google Ads, may not fully support the redirect method. Always check the compatibility of your traffic source before using this method.

Q2: Will using the redirect method slow down the loading time of my landing page?

A2: There may be a slight delay in the loading time, as the visitor is routed through ClickFlare servers before reaching the destination. However, this delay is typically minimal.

Q3: Do I need to implement a lander tracking script if I use the redirect method?

A3: While the redirect method doesn’t always require a script, we highly recommend implementing a lander tracking script for more accurate data collection and to ensure the visit is tracked, even if the cookie isn’t saved due to browser settings.

Q4: What happens if the cookie isn’t set on the visitor’s browser?

A4: If the cookie isn’t set due to browser settings, the lander tracking script will help record the visit. ClickFlare ensures that the visit is only counted once, preventing duplicate visits from being recorded.

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