This article will cover the following:
How Click Tracking Works
Every time someone clicks an affiliate link, CAKE records that click and assigns it a unique identifier called a click ID. This ID travels with the user from the affiliate's link all the way to the advertiser's thank-you page — so CAKE can match a completed conversion back to the right affiliate and campaign.
1
The user clicks the unique tracking link, which includes the affiliate ID and offer ID.
2
CAKE's server logs the click, stamps it with a click ID (sometimes called a transaction ID or
s1 value), and records the timestamp, device, and referring source.3
The user is redirected to the advertiser's landing page. The click ID is passed along in the URL or stored in a cookie.
4
If the user completes the desired action, the advertiser's system sends that click ID back to CAKE to record a conversion.
Note:
CAKE uses server-side redirects, so tracking is fast and doesn't rely on JavaScript loading on the advertiser's page.
CAKE uses server-side redirects, so tracking is fast and doesn't rely on JavaScript loading on the advertiser's page.
Conversion Tracking Methods
When a user converts, CAKE needs to be told about it. There are two main methods: postback URLs (server-to-server) and conversion pixels (browser-based).
| Feature | Postback URL (S2S) | Conversion Pixel |
|---|---|---|
| How it fires | Server to server — no browser involved | Fires in the user's browser on the confirmation page |
| Reliability | High — not affected by ad blockers or browser settings | Lower — can be blocked or fail on slow page loads |
| Technical setup | Requires server-side implementation | Simple — paste code into a webpage |
| Best for | Advertisers with developer resources, high-volume campaigns | Quick setups, simpler tech stacks |
Tip:
Postback URLs are the recommended method for most advertisers and networks. Use pixels only when server-side integration is not possible.
Postback URLs are the recommended method for most advertisers and networks. Use pixels only when server-side integration is not possible.
Conversion Statuses
Once a conversion is recorded in CAKE, it gets assigned a status. Understanding these statuses helps you know whether a conversion will be paid out and why it might not be.
| Status | What It Means | Paid Out? |
|---|---|---|
| Approved | Verified and accepted. Included in payout for affiliates. | Yes |
| Pending | Recorded but not yet confirmed — awaiting review, fraud check, or return window. | Not yet |
| Rejected | Reviewed and found invalid — duplicate, cancelled order, or off-spec. | No |
| Scrubbed | Removed as part of quality or fraud-control process, automatically or manually. | No |
Caution:
A high scrub rate may indicate a traffic quality issue. If you're seeing many conversions scrubbed, contact your network manager to understand the specific reason before continuing to run traffic.
A high scrub rate may indicate a traffic quality issue. If you're seeing many conversions scrubbed, contact your network manager to understand the specific reason before continuing to run traffic.
Setting Up a Postback URL
1
Log in to CAKE and go to Offers. Open the offer you want to set up tracking for.
2
Open the Tracking section of the offer settings.
3
Copy your CAKE postback URL — it will look like:
https://[yourdomain].cakemarketing.com/c.asmx/conversion?...4
Identify where to place the postback call on your end — typically your order confirmation or lead submission logic on the server side.
5
Pass the click ID back in the postback call. CAKE needs this to match the conversion to the right click. Make sure your system captures and stores this value when the user first arrives.
6
Test the postback. Complete a test conversion and check Reports > Conversions to confirm it appears.
Tip:
The click ID is typically passed in the original tracking link as a parameter — e.g.
The click ID is typically passed in the original tracking link as a parameter — e.g.
?s1={'{'}clickid{'}'}. Check with your network for the exact parameter name used in your setup.Adding a Conversion Pixel
1
Open the offer in CAKE and go to the Tracking tab.
2
Copy the conversion pixel code snippet — available as an image tag (basic) or JavaScript (more robust).
3
Paste the pixel into the HTML of your confirmation or thank-you page, just before the closing
</body> tag.4
Ensure the pixel fires only on genuine conversions — not on every page load.
5
Test by completing a test conversion and confirming it appears in Reports > Conversions.
Caution:
Browser privacy features and ad blockers can prevent pixels from firing. If you notice a gap between your internal conversion count and CAKE's, switching to a postback URL will resolve most discrepancies.
Browser privacy features and ad blockers can prevent pixels from firing. If you notice a gap between your internal conversion count and CAKE's, switching to a postback URL will resolve most discrepancies.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your dedicated CAKE Client Success Manager/Account Manager or contact the CAKE Support Team at support@getCAKE.com.