Pixel integration allows you to track conversions by placing a small piece of tracking code — usually an image pixel or JavaScript — on your thank you or confirmation page. It’s a simple alternative to postbacks, especially useful when you don’t have access to server-side tracking or are working with static pages, form builders, or email campaigns.
To understand how pixel tracking works in a real scenario, let’s walk through a typical flow from click to conversion:
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User Clicks the Tracking Link
A visitor clicks on an affiliate link—this link points to your affiliate tracking platform, not directly to the merchant's website.
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Tracking Platform Sets a Cookie
The user’s browser lands on a special tracking URL. The tracking system responds by saving a cookie in the user's browser with key information (e.g., which affiliate sent the traffic, campaign ID, etc.).
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Redirect to Merchant Page
After setting the cookie, the tracking platform automatically redirects the browser to the merchant’s website. From the user’s point of view, this redirection is almost instant.
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User Completes Purchase
The user browses the site and eventually completes a purchase. On the Thank You or confirmation page, the merchant has included a tracking pixel—a small piece of code (image or JavaScript).
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Browser Sends Pixel Request with Cookie
This tracking pixel makes the browser send an HTTPS request back to the original tracking domain, carrying along the previously stored cookie. This allows the tracking platform to recognize the user.
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Conversion Is Registered
The tracking platform receives the request, reads the cookie, and matches it to the original click event. A conversion is recorded and attributed to the correct affiliate, campaign, or offer.
Pixel integration offers a straightforward way to track user actions without relying on server-side communication. By using browser-based signals like cookies and image/JS requests, you can still attribute conversions accurately — even in environments where S2S postbacks aren’t possible.
While it's easy to implement, keep in mind that pixel tracking depends on the user’s browser behavior. Cookie restrictions, ad blockers, or browser privacy settings may impact accuracy. For critical tracking needs, we recommend testing thoroughly and considering postback tracking whenever possible.