Category: Network News

Google strengthens privacy – learn how this affects you and ensure compliance for continued ad campaign success.

Google has introduced changes to enhance privacy in Google Ads, affecting the use of click trackers. As of August 28, 2023, only certified click trackers will be permitted in Google Ads. This prevents misuse of click trackers, vital for affiliate marketing. Non-compliance risks ad disapproval and loss of target audience.  

Both Awin and ShareASale are certified, so your ads, conversions, and commissions remain secure. Although no immediate action is required on your part, it’s essential to be aware of Awin’s additional parameter for click trackers.   

If you started using click trackers after August 28, 2023, you must update your Google Ads account settings with Awin and ShareASale’s new parameter to fully comply with Google’s guidelines. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your ads continue to perform well and adhere to the updated regulations.  

You can find instructions on adding the parameter and a list of certified click trackers in Google’s official announcement. If you are concerned about your ads, consider switching to Awin links to maintain your customer growth and commissions.   

Understanding Google’s click tracking services  

Google’s click tracking services are designed to help advertisers monitor and analyze the performance of their ads in Google Ads. These services track clicks on ads, providing valuable insights into user behavior that can help optimize ad campaigns.  

Google’s click tracking services use a unique identifier called the Google Click Identifier (GCLID) to track clicks on ads. When a user clicks on an ad, the GCLID is added to the landing page URL, enabling Google to track the click and associate it with the specific ad and campaign.  

Data collected through Google’s click tracking services allows advertisers to view detailed reports on ad performance. This includes the number of clicks, click-through rate (CTR), conversion rate, and cost per click (CPC). This information can be used to optimize ad campaigns by adjusting targeting parameters, ad copy, and bids.  

Google’s certification program for click trackers  

To ensure that third-party click tracking services meet specific standards and guidelines, Google has implemented a certification program. Advertisers using click trackers in their Google Ads campaigns must use certified click trackers to avoid their ads being disapproved. Certified click trackers must clearly indicate the next destination after an ad click, allowing Google to verify the legitimacy of the tracking service.  

In conclusion, Google’s click tracker restrictions emphasize using certified services for Google Ads campaigns. As an Awin Group publisher, use Awin and ShareASale’s certified trackers and update your account settings to comply with guidelines, ensuring successful ad campaigns.

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Awin and ShareASale are proud to present the ThinkTank 2024 Network Award winners.

Against the stunning backdrop of Chicago’s skyline, we gathered at the esteemed Adler Planetarium to honor and celebrate the innovative spirit, unwavering success, and unparalleled excellence in the affiliate space.

Adam Weiss, President Americas at Awin and ShareASale, said, “Tonight was truly a moment of pride as we gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our clients at the ThinkTank Network Awards ceremony. It’s inspiring to see how our partners continuously raise the bar and drive innovation in our industry. I’m honored to be part of such a vibrant and forward-thinking community.”

Drumroll for the ThinkTank 2024 network award winners…

Advertiser of the Year: AliExpress

AliExpress is an exemplary advertiser on the Awin and ShareASale networks, known for their unwavering commitment to partnership growth. With a dedicated team driving strategic content campaigns, AliExpress has significantly expanded its collaboration with both new and top partners over the past year. Their proactive approach is evident in their efforts to develop curated product lists and review articles, demonstrating ongoing dedication to fostering stronger relationships with affiliates.

Publisher of the Year: Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping stands out for their effective collaboration and communication with advertisers, as well as with the Awin and ShareASale team, ensuring seamless integration of their wide range of offerings available to advertisers. Their innovative “Dynamic Rewards Passback” system demonstrates a commitment to maximizing partner ROI, ensuring brands achieve successful campaigns with tangible results. Their sustained investment in the affiliate channel has fueled continuous growth in both users and sales. 

Partnership Technology of the Year: UpSellit

UpSellit stands out as one of the premier tech partners across the Awin and ShareASale networks. Renowned for their exceptional ability to assist top online brands in converting first-time visitors into devoted, lifelong customers, UpSellit excels in optimizing advertiser conversions through a diverse array of strategies. Demonstrating unwavering commitment, UpSellit has continually collaborated with Awin and ShareASale over the past year to enhance their services for clients. They have seamlessly integrated with the Awin platform and supported the team in both internal and external marketing endeavors. 

Agency Team of the Year: eAccountable

eAccountable is a highly valued agency partner, fostering strong relationships with its brands as well as with Awin and ShareASale. Their proactive approach to strategy has consistently driven growth and revenue for their clients, showcasing their dedication to partnership success. Notably, driving global strategies for their brands as well as their innovative use of PR has set eAccountable apart and demonstrates their commitment to excellence.

Best Content Marketing Campaign: State & Liberty, managed by Today’s Business

Today’s Business and State & Liberty showcase the power of content marketing when paired with a personalized touch. Their strategy, targeting non-branded keywords and leveraging videos featuring product benefits and testimonials, drove significant revenue and new customer acquisition. This human-centric approach resonated, resulting in a highly successful campaign that earned them recognition for their innovative methods and outstanding results.

Best Use of Influencer Marketing: Etsy

Etsy’s campaign exemplifies the power of creativity in influencer marketing. By showcasing the craftsmanship of Etsy sellers and the authentic endorsements of influencers, they’ve maximized their creators’ creativity, resulting in diverse and engaging videos that offer genuine insights and recommendations. Leveraging technology and data, Etsy optimized targeting on TikTok with insights from Awin, highlighting the effectiveness of affiliate and influencer marketing in driving sales and engagement.

Most Innovative Use of the Channel: lululemon

Since joining Awin, lululemon has expertly leveraged the affiliate channel by collaborating with influencers, maintaining a robust content strategy, and strategically managing fintech and loyalty partnerships. They employ new tools, activate publishers, and consistently recruit partners. The company’s innovation extends to creative commission structures, activation campaigns, and proactive communication with partners, ensuring the program’s maximum effectiveness.

Attendees’ Choice

As part of ThinkTank, attendees were able to vote for their favorite publishers, agencies and advertisers, with the winners being revealed live during the Network Awards ceremony. Here is who received these esteemed honors.

Advertiser Choice of Affiliate Partner: UpSellit

Affiliate Choice of Advertiser: Vuori

Attendee Choice of Agency Team: eAccountable

Congratulations to this year’s winners, they’ve truly earned their recognition. Keep an eye out for our ThinkTank recap in the following days. In the meantime, catch up on the excitement with #ThinkTankUS on social media!

All clients with an active program on either Awin or ShareASale were eligible to receive a nomination and subsequent win. Winners were selected internally after thorough review of program performance on one or both networks. If you would like to take a look at the complete list of nominees, click here.

The post Presenting the ThinkTank 2024 Network Awards Winners appeared first on ShareASale Blog.

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