Best 25 free and paid trackers for affiliate marketing

Oct 27, 2023
11 minutes to read

Affiliate Marketing: The Essential Role of Trackers

In the intricate dance of affiliate marketing, quality tools set the stage for mastery. At the heart of this realm lies the unsung hero: the tracker. It empowers those in traffic arbitrage to steer their campaigns, pinpoint their most profitable ventures, and strategize accordingly. This piece sheds light on the pivotal role of trackers in successful traffic arbitrage.

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Understanding Trackers

Trackers in arbitrage advertising stand as robust instruments, capturing, sifting through, and dissecting campaign data. They broadly split into two categories: server-based and cloud-based.

While server-based trackers demand placement on high-performance servers, typically leased online, cloud-based versions offer the luxury of direct browser or smartphone access.

Their realm isn’t restricted to mere data collection. Contemporary trackers, like Keitaro, come with enriched features, including cloaking – a method to redirect bots to a safeguarded preland.

What’s more, trackers synergize data from various advertising platforms, crafting a one-stop dashboard for simultaneous campaign oversight. They provide insights into traffic origins, user devices, browser preferences, and ad trends.

The beauty of a tracker lies in its ability to centralize media buying actions, saving arbitrageurs the hassle of juggling multiple platforms and streamlining their analytical tasks.

While trackers are replete with varied features, like anti-fraud mechanisms, their primary mission remains clear: delivering precise, current data. They’re indispensable, serving as the arbitrageur’s eyes and ears.

Deciphering Tracker Mechanics

Delving into the mechanics, arbitrage trackers are intricate setups, aiming to streamline and automate campaign data processes. Their operations include:

  • Data Acquisition: Predominantly, trackers employ postback methods for gleaning affiliate program data, offering comprehensive insights post-action processing. Some might opt for pixels, though they’re a less favored route.
  • Unique Identifiers: Every ad click receives a distinct ID. When users land on the advertiser’s page, this ID, along with associated data such as IP, OS, and location, is registered by the tracker.
  • Conversion Records: Key information leading to conversions, like keywords and ads, are stored and analyzed, prepping a comprehensive report for the arbitrageur.
  • Postback Reception: Following user engagement, the affiliate program sends the tracker a postback containing the click ID and more. It’s a treasure trove of data, ranging from the action’s timestamp to commission details.
  • Analytical Processing: With the amassed data, trackers conjure statistics, elucidating conversion sources and pathways.

Prior to the tracker era, the TDS system was the go-to for traffic distribution. But with today’s trackers, the scope and convenience have been revolutionized.

Why Trackers are Non-negotiable

In the evolving domain of advertising traffic arbitrage, trackers aren’t mere accessories; they’re the linchpin. Let’s explore their indispensability:

  • Spotting the Best Bundles: Trackers offer a consolidated view, enabling arbitrageurs to discern the most rewarding traffic streams.
  • Revenue Amplification: By segmenting traffic (by location, operator, language, etc.), trackers bolster conversion rates, enhancing profit margins.
  • Swift Traffic Redirection: Trackers alleviate the need for campaign halts during affiliate switches or traffic reroutes.
  • Facilitating A/B Tests: They make in-depth traffic scrutinization possible, paving the way for effective A/B tests to refine strategies.

Ultimately, the tracker’s essence is time-efficiency. Freed from tedious manual chores, one can focus on business expansion.

The tracker market is vast, from basic to elite solutions. Your tracker choice molds your campaign’s efficacy and, by extension, your revenue. For novices wary of hefty investments, an array of cost-effective solutions awaits exploration.

Top Traffic Arbitrage Trackers

Promotional Free Trackers

These trackers grant users access for a specified duration without charges, known as the promotional period. This window allows you to familiarize yourself with the tool’s offerings and decide whether to invest in it or consider other options.

1. Peerclick

Price: Begins at $70

Platform: Cloud-based

Demo: Accessible

Key Features: A complimentary version is provided, brimming with tools to enhance ad campaigns. Its performance has drawn parallels to Binom’s capabilities.

Advantages:

  • A collection of 55 traffic source templates.
  • An attentive customer support team.
  • Encompasses features like cloaking, anti-fraud, and defense against spying tools.
  • Capability to monitor installations.

Drawbacks: As traffic inflow rises, the subscription cost also escalates.

2. Zeustrack

Starting Price: $399

Platform: Cloud-based

Demo: Available

Main Features: Offers a complimentary plan that accommodates up to 10,000 clicks monthly. Surpassing this threshold redirects traffic to a blank page.

Pros:

  • Pre-configured bot filtering settings.
  • Shields against espionage tools.
  • Option to designate traffic caps for certain offers.
  • Facilitates the formulation of bespoke traffic verification and filtering guidelines.
  • Compatibility with mobile devices.

3. BeMob

Price Point: Begins at $49

Platform Type: Cloud

Demo: Accessible

Key Features: Equipped with essential tools accompanied by in-depth analytics.

Advantages:

  • Filters for fraudulent activity and bots.
  • Omits the use of cookies.
  • Streamlines certain procedures automatically.
  • Alerts for updates or alterations in ad campaigns. Drawbacks: Certain plans require extra charges for clicks that go beyond 1 million within a month.

4. CPA Tracker

Platform Type: Hybrid (Server & Cloud)

Pricing:

  • Personal: Complimentary
  • Solo: 2500 rubles/month
  • Business: 5000 rubles/month

User Interface: Presented in Russian

Core Features:

  • Initiation necessitates a domain and hosting.
  • Complimentary tier allows up to 10,000 clicks daily.
  • Premium plans cater to a substantial amount of traffic transitions.
  • Cloud deployment available with paid subscriptions.
  • Intuitive UI complemented by comprehensive analytics.

Potential Concern: A segment of users have indicated occasional instability.

5. Kintura

Primary Focus: Native, Push, Pops, and Banner Ad Campaigns

Key Features:

  • Utilizes AI for campaign analysis and conversion forecasting.
  • Offers instantaneous, real-time reporting.
  • Provides adaptable preset configurations.
  • Ensures prompt and efficient customer support.

6. Appsflyer

Main Features:

  • Integrated system to combat fraud.
  • Comprehensive analytical insights.
  • Enhanced return on investment via retargeting strategies.
  • Cohort-based reporting and instantaneous performance reviews.
  • Precision targeting with audience micro-grouping.
  • Complimentary trial periods and exclusive packages for new businesses.

7. TrackingDesk

Focus Area: Conversion monitoring and advertisement attribution.

Key Features:

  • Seamless integration across multiple ad platforms, affiliate networks, and e-commerce sites.
  • Comprehensive data tracking for SEO, Google Ads, email campaigns, social media, and more.
  • Simplified campaign modifications.
  • Efficient redirection of campaigns based on geographical targeting.
  • Extensive list of partnered traffic sources and affiliate networks.

8. Prosper202

Platform Type: Server-based

Pricing: Complimentary

User Interface: English

Synopsis: Prosper202 presents itself as a complimentary tracking tool equipped with a range of functionalities. Among its offerings are features tailored for mobile offers, conversion tracking, in-depth conversion analysis, customizable filters, integration with WordPress, personalized data options, and A/B split testing. Its straightforward interface is particularly user-friendly, making it a top choice for those new to tracking.

9. ClickGum

Platform: Cloud-based

Pricing Tiers:

  • Basic: Complimentary (capped at 3,000 conversions)
  • Manager: $9/month
  • Executive: $29/month
  • Enterprise: $49/month

Interface Language: English

Brief: ClickGum provides a cost-free tracking solution for elementary ad campaign oversight. Its core functionalities encompass click-fraud prevention, link rotation, A/B testing, and URL cloaking. The free version allows tracking up to 3,000 clicks, with options to expand this limit for a certain charge. Additionally, users can delve into campaign data from the past year and can utilize an unlimited count of custom domains.

10. Binom

Platform: Server-based

Pricing: $99

Key Advantages:

  • Billing based on duration, not traffic quantity.
  • Capable of handling up to 1 million clicks daily (at 7ms per click).
  • Swift generation and updating of reports.
  • Tailored team access options and proactive customer support.

11. Keitaro

Platform: Both Server and Cloud

Pricing: Starting at $25

Key Advantages:

  • Granular team access settings.
  • Flexible report customization.
  • Pre-made templates for easy affiliate integration.
  • Comprehensive user guide in Russian.

12. AdsBridge

Platform: Cloud

Pricing: Starts from $29

Key Features:

  • Includes cloaking and bot detection.
  • Supports split testing and ad monitoring.
  • Offers a 14-day free trial.

Drawbacks: Pay-per-click system may not be economical for high-traffic campaigns.

13. RedTrack

Platform: Cloud

Pricing: Plans begin at $49 (customized options available)

Key Features:

  • Seamless tracking without the need for redirects.
  • Automation rules and multi-user access capabilities.
  • Excludes tracking via 3rd party cookies and supports A/B testing.
  • Provides bot detection and adaptable postback configurations.

14. LandingTrack

Platform: Cloud

Pricing Plans:

  • Starter: $49/month
  • Professional: $99/month
  • Business: $249/month
  • Master: $449/month

Key Highlights:

  • Offers a 15-day free trial.
  • Unified dashboard for managing all affiliates.
  • Features include A/B testing, bot protection, and live reporting.

15. ClickMagick

Platform: Cloud

Pricing Plans:

  • Starter: $37/month
  • Standard: $77/month
  • Pro: $197/month

Key Highlights:

  • Offers a 14-day free trial.
  • Tracks activity across multiple devices.
  • Provides click-fraud detection and a dynamic bot filter.

Limitations:

  • Lacks support for popunders and certain high-volume traffic sources.

16. TrackWill

Platform: Cloud

Pricing Plans:

  • Basic: $49/month
  • Pro: $99/month
  • Business: $399/month

Key Features:

  • Offers a 30-day free trial.
  • Incorporates an anti-fraud system.
  • Allows for an unlimited count of user domains.
  • Seamless integration of offers and traffic sources.

17. Thrive

Description: A comprehensive tool suitable for all traffic sources and promotional offers.

Features:

  • Optimization powered by Artificial Intelligence.
  • Effective bot filtering.
  • Rapid redirection capabilities.
  • Auto-scaling features.
  • Efficient domain management.
  • Premium customer support.
  • Pixel integration for landings.
  • Support for sales funnels.
  • Access for multiple users.

Pricing: Offers a 14-day free trial. Monthly plans range from $35 to $799.

18. Improvely

Description: An integrated solution for monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing online marketing efforts. Ensures precise traffic source tracking.

Features:

  • Protection against click fraud.
  • Consolidated platform for all tracking needs.
  • Available free trial.

Pricing: Offers a 14-day free trial. Monthly subscriptions range from $29 to $299.

 

Paid Trackers

These tracking tools offer a comprehensive suite of features for a seamless experience. Boasting state-of-the-art functionalities, intuitive interfaces, and dedicated support teams, they ensure users get the best out of their customization needs.

19. Voluum

Price: Begins at $89

Platform: Cloud

Features: Centralize the management of numerous campaigns, swift data analysis, and an optimizer for efficient traffic routing.

Drawbacks: Basic subscription doesn’t grant access to all features.

20. Adspect

Price: Begins at $300

Platform: Cloud

Features: Integrates both tracking and cloaking. Provides automated A/B testing and offer rotation functionalities.

Drawbacks: Lacks a trial version.

21. ClickMeter

Description: Platform designed for link optimization and marketing analytics.

Pricing: Monthly rates range from $29 to $349.

22. iMobiTrax

Description: A comprehensive tool tailored for media buyers, offering over 40 intricate tracking metrics.

Features:

  • Enhanced security measures
  • Streamlined redirects
  • Landing page and direct link testing
  • Diverse post-click redirection guidelines

Pricing: Set at $179 monthly.

23. Kochava

Description: A unified solution that merges tracking and mobile analytics.

Features:

  • Comprehensive and customizable reporting
  • Robust anti-fraud mechanisms
  • Enhanced deep linking capabilities
  • Life-time value (LTV), media expenditure, and ROI analysis
  • Seamless integration with over 2,800 affiliate networks
  • TV ad installation attribution.

24. FunnelFlux

Description: Gain insights into conversion funnels and fine-tune traffic navigation.

Ideal for:

  • Email Campaign Analysis
  • Monitoring Subscriptions
  • Multivariate Testing (MVT)
  • Automated Processes
  • Detecting Bots
  • Comprehensive Multivariate Evaluations Advanced Features: Robust Open API, streamlined data analysis, and immediate campaign evaluations.

25. Linktrackr

Type: Cloud

Pricing: Ranges from $7 to $47 monthly. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Features:

  • Monitor campaigns and conversions
  • URL rotation capabilities
  • A/B testing
  • Seamless integration with Google Ads and Facebook
  • Filters out bot traffic
  • URL cloaking options

 

Choosing the Perfect Tracker

Selecting an ideal tracker can be the cornerstone of a triumphant advertising campaign. While many may seem identical on the surface, subtle differences often reveal themselves during actual usage.

Test Before Investing: Always opt for a trial or the most basic package initially. This will allow you to get a feel of the product before fully committing.

Key Considerations: Here’s a guide to help you navigate the vast sea of choices:

  • Tracker Type: Decide between cloud-based or server-based. For novices, cloud-based trackers are typically easier to set up and manage.
  • Features: Ensure the tracker offers essential functionalities like cloaking, real-time analytics, etc.
  • Budgetary Limits: Set a ceiling on how much you’re willing to invest.
  • Traffic Volume: Consider the tracker’s capacity in terms of visitor counts.
  • Report Customization: Verify the availability of comprehensive analysis tools.

Hands-on Evaluation: Once you’ve shortlisted 3-5 contenders, take them for a spin:

  • Navigate through the user interface.
  • Gauge the responsiveness and expertise of the support team.
  • Assess how intuitive managing traffic is.
  • Examine the tracker’s efficiency in campaign management and reporting.

Region-Specific Features: If your campaigns are primarily CIS-targeted, focus on quick redirects and reliability. For global campaigns, the presence of servers in your target locations is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The quest for the right tracker is pivotal to your advertising campaign’s success. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned advertiser, investing time in researching and evaluating different options is crucial. With the best tool at your disposal, managing and scrutinizing ad campaigns will become significantly streamlined. Wishing you insightful choices and prosperous campaigns!

 

Want to make your dating platform the talk of the town? Experience a monumental rise in your clientele. Supercharge your visitor influx. Initiate a masterfully curated advertising campaign to resonate with your ideal matchmakers and usher in a surge of enthusiasts to your dating ecosystem.  Start earning with PG Dating Pro.

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