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Tracking String Doesn't Carry Over To Other Page Links

October 26, 2009 3:16pm

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  • #1 / Oct 26, 2009 3:16pm

    DisMedia

    16 posts

    A client is using a SEM firm for marketing.  Thier code appends ?=omg_interactive to the end of the url after a user clicks the PPC ad. 

    They want the appended string to carry through to each page during this user’s session.  It’s not working.

    I’ve added this to the php config:

    $conf['protect_javascript'] = 'y';

    I’ve also enabled cookies and session IDs in the Security and Session Preferences.

    The .js files are being called from another domain.

    Any help is appreciated.

  • #2 / Oct 26, 2009 6:57pm

    ChiefAlchemist

    913 posts

    Hey Jed…

    Maybe this is stating the obvious but I would think you’re going to have to read the URL on the way into any page, parse off (with PHP or EE’s segement_x), and append that string on to the end of any link being created on that page.

    And so on… And so on… A pain in the butt, but it doesn’t sound too bad.

    Also, if they’re using Google Analytics, then *I think* (but am far from certain) that Google’s URL builder will plant a cookie that will track the visit as generated by a particular link in without having to keep messin’ with the URL. But I’m not certain about that. I’m just kinda assuming, and am still trying to figure out creative ways to use URL Builder.

  • #3 / Oct 26, 2009 7:15pm

    DisMedia

    16 posts

    Thanks Chief!

    Unfortunately the segment if->then might end up being a lot of work with this site since it’s over 100 pages deep. 

    I notice the links that reference anchors on the same page do carry over the append string.  It’s the links off of the page which do not.

    I know google adwords used to have a similar query string once a visitor clicked on an ad.  Now it appears the updated script they use has done away with it.  Perhaps it’s the same as Google Analytics now?

    Here’s another twist.  What the extra code does at the end of the url is call a .js file that replaces the current telephone number on a particular office location with one of SEM companies which they can track conversions based off who calls the phone number.

    Thanks,
    JED

  • #4 / Oct 26, 2009 7:50pm

    ChiefAlchemist

    913 posts

    JED

    Sorry brother, ya stumped me this time. Does the SEM outfit have an insights? I mean, what go is a plan if it can be implemented? And if their plan can’t be implemented, then it ain’t really a plan, is it?

    I know. I know. Not your department 😊

    None the less, there’s not to be a better way? Seems to me something is a bit out of whack here. That said, it very well might be me 😉

    Good luck. Please post if you find a solution. I for one would be interested in hearing about what you find.

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