How to Use Tracking Macros Effectively

What Are Tracking Macros?

Tracking macros are dynamic placeholders in your campaign URLs. When a user clicks an ad, each macro is automatically replaced with an absolute value, such as the user's country, traffic source, or click ID.

This enables precise tracking for post-click analysis, performance optimization, and fraud detection, without affecting the user experience.

Why Use Macros?

Macros help you:

• Attribute conversions accurately
• Analyze traffic sources and user behavior
• Detect suspicious activity
• Optimize traffic quality and performance

Step 1: Choose the Right Parameters

Define what you want to measure for your campaign goals. Common macros include:

• {country_code}– Shows the user's GEO (country)
• {click_id} – A unique ID for every click; used to match conversions with traffic
• {source_id} – Identifies the traffic source within AdMaven
• {sub_source_id}– Refers to sub-level source segmentation (e.g., site, widget, or publisher ID)

These values help you segment performance by region, traffic source, and user session.

Step 2: Add Macros to Your Destination URL

Begin with your base landing page URL. Then, append the macro parameters using the standard ? And & format.

Each macro will be automatically replaced by the corresponding real value during the ad call.

Step 3: Test Compatibility and Setup

Before launching:

• Ensure your tracking platform or affiliate network supports URL parameter parsing
• Confirm that all macros are mapped correctly (e.g., {click_id} → conversion tracking)
• Run test clicks and verify data in your analytics dashboard

Best Practices

• Use only the macros relevant to your goals
• Avoid overcrowding the URL with unnecessary parameters
• Always test URLs before launch (including redirects and syntax)
• Avoid redirects or shorteners that might strip parameters
• Ensure HTTPS is used and macro syntax is correct ({} format)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Omitting the https:// prefix
• Using unsupported macros
• Mixing static values and macros without proper formatting
• Incorrect macro syntax (e.g., missing {})

★ Correct macro implementation is essential for accurate performance tracking, fraud prevention, and ROI analysis.

A clean, tested, and compatible setup ensures reliable results.

For the full and updated list of supported macros, visit:

https://advertisers-help.ad-maven.com/en/article/what-tracking-macros-are-available-mjyzzp/

Updated on: 10/08/2025