Due to differences in cookies and device ID settings, there may be times when conversions can't be measured directly. In some cases, Campaign Manager 360 uses machine learning and historical data to model conversions.
These are the methods available for tracking an app install / conversion campaign in Campaign Manager 360:
Firebase integration
- Good for advertisers who prefer Google's easy to use app development and tracking platform.
- Track first-opens and post install interactions of your Android & iOS app.
- After setup, changes to your app's code aren't necessary.
More about linking Campaign Manager 360 with Firebase
More about Firebase (overview)
Floodlight GET/S2S request
- Good for advertisers who already manage a lot of data or don't want third-party code in their apps.
- Also good for when advertisers already have a server setup that processes GET requests.
- Supports Android and iOS apps.
- Setup requires writing code to build your own custom app tracking solution.
More about Floodlight GET requests (see "Fire Floodlight tags when tracking app installs or activities" section)
Third-party trackers
- Good for advertisers that already integrate with a third-party solution.
- Track first-opens and post install interactions of your Android or iOS app.
- Third-party trackers support many different tags, remarketing lists, and cross device tracking.
- Requires third-party tracker to Campaign Manager 360 endpoint integration.
More about third-party app tracking
Compare app conversion tracking methods
| Firebase | Floodlight GET/S2S | Third-party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported apps | Android & iOS | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
| Marketer benefits | Good tracking coverage | App changes unnecessary | May already have third-party setup |
| Developer benefits | Code changes are unnecessary after setup | No third-party code in your app | Easier for those who already use third-party trackers |
| app Install tracking | At first-open | At first-open | At first-open |
| Post-install events support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom vars support | No |
Yes Note: Custom vars is supported for all Floodlight activities, as long as they are enabled at the Floodlight config level. |
Yes |
| Remarketing lists support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App code change required? | Yes, one time setup | Yes, one time setup | No, if using third-party |
App conversion tracking terminology
First-open - A first open is counted when the user opens the app for the first time on their device.
Post-Install - Any event that takes place within an app after it has been opened. Examples include in-app purchases, user registration, and user login.
SDK - Software development kit.
S2S - Server to server.
Post-Install - Any event that takes place within an app after it has been opened. Examples include in-app purchases, user registration, and user login.
SDK - Software development kit.
S2S - Server to server.