Ad-tracking vendors don’t serve ads like ad networks do—but rather aggregate and synchronize attribution metrics from a wide variety of ad networks. Like Localytics, an ad-tracking vendor will require you to install their SDK so that they can monitor when the app is first opened by a user.
When this happens, the vendor is able to identify the originating source and campaign for the device. They can then communicate this information to Localytics to give you a better picture of your user lifecycle.
How the Integration Works
Localytics and your ad-tracking vendor will have a server-to-server integration. Ad-tracking vendors "relay" per-device attribution information from ad networks to Localytics.
Here’s how that usually works.
Ad-tracking vendors monitor devices that click URLs and compare against installs (app launches) to identify each device’s originating source and campaign.
When the ad-tracking vendor observes a device first launching the app, they’ll then communicate the device ID to Localytics. They’ll also send along the originating source and campaign.
Localytics can then attribute the device ID to the acquisition source and campaign sent over by the ad-tracking vendor.
Setting Up an Ad-Tracking Vendor
Most of the ad-tracking vendor integrations with Localytics have been built as simple server-to-server integrations, and are quick and easy to set up. This means you just need to enter valid identifiers within the Localytics dashboard (and your ad-tracking vendor’s dashboard) to ensure the data can pass back and forth.
To set up your integration, navigate to the Attribution dashboard in Localytics (Marketing > Attribution). From there, click the ellipsis and select Settings. If you’re working with multiple apps, make sure you’re looking at the correct app (which you can select from the drop-down menu at the top of the page).
On the Settings page, you’ll see a section for Ad Tracking Setup. Check the box for Third-party Attribution. This will reveal your Localytics Attribution ID, which you’ll want to copy to your clipboard.
Next, navigate to your ad-tracking vendor's configuration dashboard. Set up the partner to postback app installs to Localytics. This will vary from vendor to vendor, but check out this list for instructions on some popular partners:
Once configured, you can execute your acquisition campaigns through your ad-tracking partner's system. That vendor will communicate to Localytics whenever users are acquired. Then you’re all set!
Check out your article on understanding the Attribution Report for more information.