4 replies to this topic

[sfmalo]

Hi!

This quote (from another forum category) has to do with an adword campaign:

You place tracking codes at the PPC engine information points.

When you write the creative for an adword campaign you are given a destination url to fill out and when using more than one keyword per ad etc. you can apply the destination url on a per word basis.

But it looks generally something like this:
http://www.YOUR-DOMA...ord=blue widget

the code is a query string that is parsed and tracked for you

but, my question is:

Should I manually affix some sort of tracking code to the URLs I submit to Yahoo's new Overture Site Match? I have already submitted URLs for 3 clients for review. So, 1) is it too late, 2) can I even do this, and 3) if so, how?

Also, how will this affect organic SEO since I thought Google had problems with indexing URLs that had query strings in them?

A newbie to code tracking,

Sharon

[Trellian]

Hello Sharon,

As a note the Site Match URLs can be distinguished in the actual results, as can the former Inktomi Search Submit URLs, as they require a redirect so that the rank and clicks can be tracked. With Site Match the clicks that are tracked are also used to bill the customer the 15c or 30c as applicable.

This means that any URL via the Site Match program will have a redirect URL from Yahoo, if you them use a tracking URL, it will then have a second redirect... so not overly helpful for organic SEO.

If you submitted through Trellian aka Priority Submit, we can change the URLs for you. If you used a different Site Match partner, please contact them directly.

Or better still use us for your future submissions

Cheers
David

[Scottie]

Nothing like a little self-promotion mixed in with the advice, David...

[sfmalo]

Thanks for the advice, David.

Think I'll leave well enough alone with the URLs submitted to Site Match. Guess you're saying that if I ask Ineedhits (sorry about that! ) to add another query string to each URL, that might cause indexing problems and adversely affect present ranking in Google, etc.?

So, to be sure I'm understanding you completely, I can look at the referrer stats urls in my web logs to determine how many visitors came through clicking on Site Match urls? How would I know what to look for and sort out who came from what program? I'm running a Google AdWords campaign for one client that just signed up for Site Match. How would I tell the difference in the referring urls?

Actually 2 clients are hosted by Crystal Tech which has a great Stats reporting set-up so I probably wouldn't have to bother with the web logs. Not true of other clients tho. I've never dealt with the raw logs before and haven't popped for the $ to get a tracking program or service. A good free program would be very nice. Some have been recommended in other posts. Which would you recommend?

Best,
Sharon

[Trellian]

INH are a good crew, so no need to be sorry.

to add another query string to each URL, that might cause indexing problems and adversely affect present ranking in Google, etc.?

This will not affect your Google rankings.

With Site Match you do not need a tracking app to see traffic reports, as this is provided via Site Match. The tracking you do need is to make sure you can track conversions and ROI. This is best used by tracking URLs.

Cheers
David