A tracking pixel refers to a file or code that allows advertisers or agencies to track the number of impressions recorded on a certain ad unit. A tracking pixel is typically used when the advertiser is unable to deliver third party tags that will render the ads (when third party tags are used, the advertiser is able to track each impression via their ad platform).
The goal of a tracking pixel is for the advertiser to have an accurate count of the number of impressions that have been served. This information is most commonly used to evaluate the success of that ad (for example, in calculating the click-thru rate). The tracking pixel name comes from the fact that this is often accomplished by embedding a 1 pixel wide by 1 pixel tall image into the ad. This pixel is not noticeable by most visitors, but allows for advertisers to track each time it is displayed.
For example, if a publisher requires that a certain ad be delivered as a static JPEG file, the advertiser may wish to include a tracking pixel that will register each ad impression. This tracking pixel may be delivered as either a line of code or an image.
Third Party URL
In many cases, a more effective way to accomplish the same goal will be to utilize a third party tracking URL. Many ad servers, including DFP, allow publishers to specify a URL that will be “pinged” every time an ad impression is served. This generally allows advertisers to have an accurate view of the number of times an ad has been viewed, and accomplishes the same goal as a proper tracking pixel implemented into an ad.
Below is the screen in DFP where this URL is activated:
For many publishers, this will be a more practical way of accomplishing what a tracking pixel would do. Each time an ad impression is served, a URL the advertiser specifies will be pinged so that they have an accurate count. If the advertiser is also tracking the number of visitors coming from that ad, they will be able to compute an accurate click-thru rate and evaluate the performance of the ad unit.
Advantages of tracking pixels
Tracking pixels are very beneficial for marketers, webmasters, and business owners since it gives many insights about audiences who interact with the website.
Here are some ways you can get benefit by installing tracking pixel into your website:
- Improve reporting accuracy
- Understand your audiences better
- Track ad impressions
- Track user shopping patterns
- Allows testing and optimization with the data collected
- Better user experience when improvements are made based on data
Installing Tracking Pixels
Getting a tracking pixel depends on what you plan to use the tracking pixel for. There are many advertising platforms that have a system for generating pixels. You can install the generated pixel code into your website or you can ask your web developer to install them.
FAQ
What is a tracking pixel?
Tracking pixel are code snippets added to a website in order to track and gather information about visitor behavior and conversion
How do tracking pixels work?
After the tracking pixel code snippet is added to a website and when a user visits your site, the tracking pixel loads to collect information about the user as they browse your website
What is the difference between pixels and cookies?
Functionally, pixel and cookies are similar. Both track user behavior across the website. The difference is where the information is served and kept. Pixel is made to send information to servers, and cookies saved in your browser.