Pixel Tracking Methods For PPC Conversions

Pixel tracking is important for any PPC campaign. In order to know what keywords are converting, you have to track down to the keyword level. Although this used to be difficult to gauge, new tracking methods make it a breeze.
Here are effective pixel tracking methods you can use for your PPC campaign.
Built In Systems

The easiest and fastest way (and free) to setup keyword level tracking is to use the tracking code built into your PPC service.
If you are using Adwords, click the “Conversion Tracking” link at the top of your account, then click “Create New Action.” Enter your information and lead payout amount, then click “Save Action and Get Code.” Now go into your ad network (if your network doesn’t have a tool, your affiliate manager can place one for you). Go to tools, add Pixel. Enter the code from Google and hit submit.
Once this is installed, you can track conversions at the keyword level. Instead of just seeing what your click, impression and cost amounts are, Google can now show you your conversion rates and average price to obtain a lead.
If you aren’t working Google, Yahoo, MSN and other PPC services have tracking code that can be installed.
PHP Coded Systems
If you are proficient in PHP, you can insert code into your landing pages that will pull the search term used and then place the query into the subid of your affiliate link. Your affiliate reports will show the keyword as your subid, which you can use to see which words converted. This is slightly more difficult  as a measuring tool, but can be useful if you’re building a custom system for yourself.

3rd Party Tracking Systems
Another option is to use a third party tracking system, such as Tracking 202. Tracking 202 Pro software integrates all of your tracking results from all PPC services and affiliate networks into one console. Once you set up their system, tracking converting keywords for PPC campaigns is a snap.

Watch here for a great Tracking 202 tutorial on how subid tracking works.

Do you use pixel tracking on your PPC campaign? If so, what methods/tools do you use? If not, is there a reason why you don’t use pixel tracking? Let us know in the comments below.