Custom Tracking Parameters (CustomID)

Custom Tracking Parameters (CustomID) allow advanced publishers to add specific metadata to their links, enabling deeper analysis of performance by campaign, sub-category, or individual social media post.

What is a CustomID?

A CustomID (sometimes referred to as xcid) is an optional parameter you can add to any Skimlinks URL.

• Purpose: It helps you identify exactly which campaign, link placement, or user interaction led to a sale.
• Granularity: While standard reports show you which merchant was bought, CustomID shows you why or where (e.g., "Newsletter_May_2024" or "Summer_Sale_Campaign").

How to implement CustomID

There are two primary ways to add these parameters to your links:

Option 1: Using the Link Generator

1. Log in to the Publisher Hub and open the Link Generator.
2. Paste your destination URL.
3. Enter your desired text in the "CustomID" field.
4. Copy the generated short link, which now contains your tracking metadata.

Option 2: Using JavaScript (Automated)

If you are using the Skimlinks JavaScript, you can programmatically add a CustomID to all links on a page by adding a simple attribute to your HTML tags:

• Attribute: Add data-skimlinks-custom-id="your_custom_id" to your <a> tags.
• Result: Our script will automatically pick up this value and include it in the tracking redirect.

Critical Limits & Restrictions

• Prohibited Characters: Do not use special characters like &, ?, =, or spaces, as these will break the URL structure and prevent tracking.

Where to view your CustomID Reports

1. Navigate to the Reports tab in the Publisher Hub.
2. Select the Performance by CustomID report.
3. Filter by date to see exactly how your specific campaigns are performing.

Recommended for you

What is the Merchant API? – Skimlinks Publishers

How are clicks tracked? – Skimlinks Publishers