How do I add sub IDs to a click tracking link?

A sub ID allows you to identify individual tracking events. They can help you to evaluate the success of SEO or retargeting campaigns, for example.

Every subID has to be added as an independent SMC parameter to the tracking URL you want to use. Let’s start with an example of a regular ad media code:

To add a subID, place an ampersand sign (&) after the first parameter and use ‘smc1’ as the name of the parameter. Subsequently, add the equal sign and the subID code you want to use. Your tracking URL will now look like this:

If you want to use multiple subIDs, make sure you add them in the same way and number the parameters consecutively. Also make sure the parameters are seperated by the ampersand sign (&). With two additional subIDs, the tracking URL will look like this:

Please note you can add up to six subIDs to your tracking URLs: smc1 - smc6.

The use of alphanumeric sub IDs is highly recommended. Special characters (such as ß, ç or æ) should be submitted URL-encoded. Full stops, commas, quotation marks etc. should be avoided. If you export your sub ID data, particularly with Excel, make sure you use UTF-8 characters instead of ISO-formats.

Also, please note that the value for each smc parameter (sub ID) should not exceed 255 characters. Longer values will be shortened.

Basically, you can transmit any value you wish. Most freuqently used:

• fixed values, like a channel (e.g. “performance”)

• variable values, like the name or id of the placement

• unique Ids like clickIds

For smc1 there is a report showing aggregated numbers under Insights > Reporting > SubIds. It will show clicks and conversions per subId. Please note: In case you use unique values for smc1 such as a clickId, the report will show only conversions (no clicks).

We recommend therefore, to use for unique values (like clickIds) smc2 (or higher, like smc3...)

All six subIds (smc1 - smc6) will be shown as part of attributed conversions under finance > conversions for every conversion in the UI and in the touchpoint export (bottom of the same page).

An AdSpace is a fixed traffic source such as a website, or an app. It helps you organize and group where your traffic comes from on a higher level.

A sub ID is a flexible tracking parameter that you add to a link. It lets you track more detailed information, for example specific campaigns, creatives, keywords, or A/B tests.

When to use what?

• Use AdSpaces to define and categorize your main traffic sources.

• Use sub IDs when you need more detailed performance tracking within those sources.