When tracking conversions in ClickFlare, one of the most reliable and secure methods is using the server-to-server (S2S) postback URL. This method ensures accurate conversion tracking without depending on the user's browser, making it ideal for capturing conversions across various platforms.
What is S2S Postback URL?
A postback URL is a server-to-server method of conversion tracking where the server on the offer owner's side fires a GET request to pass conversion data back to the platform from which the traffic originated. In ClickFlare, this allows you to track when a conversion occurs and securely send that data to your platform without relying on cookies or browser-based tracking.
How Does S2S Postback URL Work?
To use the S2S postback URL in ClickFlare, the basic process is as follows:
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Pass the Click ID to the Affiliate Network:
You need to pass a unique click ID from ClickFlare to your affiliate network. This is done by adding the ClickFlare click ID token, {cf_click_id}, to the offer URL when creating a campaign. -
Affiliate Network Sends Conversion Data:
Once the conversion is recorded by the affiliate network, they will send the click ID back to ClickFlare using the postback URL. This allows ClickFlare to log the conversion and track the performance of the campaign accurately.
Setting Up S2S Postback URL in ClickFlare
Step 1: Pass the Click ID in the Offer URL
In ClickFlare, a unique click ID will be generated for each user visit. You need to pass this click ID to the affiliate network in the offer URL. This is done by appending the {cf_click_id} token to the URL. For example:
https://www.offer_link.com?s2={cf_click_id}
Once the URL is clicked, the {cf_click_id} token will be replaced with a unique value, such as:
https://www.offer_link.com?s2=67da9261-3e4b-4053-ae4e-c76f063d318b
Step 2: Submit the Postback URL to the Affiliate Network
After the conversion is recorded on the affiliate network’s side, they will send the click ID back to ClickFlare using a postback URL. This URL is configured with parameters, such as the {click_id} token, to ensure the right conversion data is passed.
Here is an example of a postback URL:
https://your_clickflare_domain_name.com/cf/cv?click_id=#s2#
You can also append additional information like payout data using dynamic tokens or static values, such as:
https://your_clickflare_domain_name.com/cf/cv?click_id=#s2#&payout=#price#
Or a fixed payout value:
https://your_clickflare_domain_name.com/cf/cv?cid=#s2#&payout=2
Step 3: Testing the Postback URL
To ensure everything is set up correctly, you need to test the postback URL. You can do this by using a test click ID and triggering a test conversion. This helps verify that the conversion data is being correctly passed back to ClickFlare.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got questions? Find the answers below:
Q1: What is a postback URL in S2S tracking?
A1: A postback URL is a server-to-server method used to track conversions. After a user completes a conversion, the affiliate network sends a GET request to ClickFlare with the conversion data, such as the unique click ID.
Q2: Why should I use S2S postback URL tracking?
A2: S2S postback URL tracking is more reliable and secure than browser-based methods because it doesn't rely on cookies or browser settings, making it less prone to issues like ad blockers or cookie clearing.
Q3: How do I pass the click ID to the affiliate network?
A3: To pass the click ID, include a {cf_click_id} token in the offer URL when setting up your campaign in ClickFlare. This token will be replaced with a unique value when the link is clicked.
Q4: Can I pass other data along with the click ID?
A4: Yes, you can append additional parameters to the postback URL, such as payout data or any other relevant tracking information, by using dynamic tokens or fixed values.
Q5: How do I test my postback URL setup?
A5: You can test the postback URL by using a test click ID and triggering a test conversion. This will allow you to confirm that the conversion data is correctly passed back to ClickFlare.
