Add macros to third-party ad tags

ad:personam streamlines the integration and optimization of third-party ad tags with its Ad Tag Detection and Macro Insertion Service. This comprehensive guide outlines how to prepare your ad tags for enhanced performance and precise tracking within the ad:personam platform.

Understanding Macros in Ad Tags

Macros, such as ${CLICK_URL}, are special placeholders within ad tags that allow for enhanced tracking. These macros are replaced by the ad server with actual values when the ad is served, enabling seamless tracking of key metrics such as clicks and impressions.

For example, click tracking macros like ${CLICK_URL} enable third-party ad servers to track clicks and associate them with the correct campaign in ad:personam. When a user clicks on an ad, the ad first directs them to the ad:personam server (to record the click) before redirecting them to the advertiser's landing page.

Types of Ad Tags Detected by ad:personam

Our service automatically detects and recognizes a variety of ad tag types from major ad servers, including:

Campaign Manager 360 JavaScript and INS tags
i-frame/JavaScript tags
Sizmek tags
Adform tags

Using pattern recognition, ad:personam can identify these tags based on their unique characteristics, ensuring macros are inserted properly.

Automatic Macro Insertion for Tag Optimization

Once the tag type is recognized, ad:personam performs specific transformations to insert the appropriate macros, ensuring your ad tags are optimized for tracking:

Click URL Insertion: The ${CLICK_URL} macro is automatically inserted to enable precise click tracking.
Timestamp Replacement: The ${CACHEBUSTER} macro replaces any existing timestamp placeholders, ensuring each ad impression is uniquely logged.

These automatic transformations eliminate the need for manual macro adjustments, simplifying the process of ensuring your third-party ad tags are correctly formatted for optimal performance.

Handling Unrecognized Tags

If your ad tag does not match one of the predefined types, ad:personam will still attempt generic transformations to improve its functionality:

Generic Click URL Insertion: The ${CLICK_URL} macro will be inserted even if the tag type isn’t recognized.
Timestamp Replacement: Existing timestamp markers will be replaced with ${CACHEBUSTER}, ensuring that impressions are properly tracked.

User Process for Adding Macros

Insert Your Ad Tag: Paste your third-party ad tag into the provided input field in the ad:personam platform.
Detect Tag Type: Click on the "Detect Tag Type" feature to automatically identify your ad tag’s format.
Insert Macros: Once the tag is identified, click the "Insert Macro" button to apply the necessary macro transformations (e.g., ${CLICK_URL}, ${CACHEBUSTER}).
Use Your Transformed Tag: Copy and use the modified ad tag with enhanced tracking for your third-party creative uploads.

Note: Special Tag Formats

While ad:personam covers a wide range of tag types and performs essential macro transformations, not all ad tags are standardized. In certain cases, unique tag formats may require additional customization. If you encounter any issues or need further support, our ad:personam support team is available to assist you and ensure your ad tags are correctly configured for optimal performance.