The two most popular 3rd party tracking platforms are Voluum and CPVLab.
Lets jump right into it. I have affiliates asking me all the time what system I prefer or what is the best to use for tracking. So in this blog I am going to delve into the positives and negatives of Voluum and CPVLab, which in my opinion are the top two best tracking systems available currently.
Tracking System is described as software used to monitor and optimize your online marketing campaigns.
CPVLAB
This tracking system was a big deal when it first came out. P202 was the most used then but with lack of updates and issues CPVLab was breath of fresh air when it dropped.
CPVLab Tech Details
- Cost $297.00
- Linux Server VPS or Dedicated Recommended (GoDaddy & HostGator NOT Recommended)
- PHP version 5.3 or above
- MySQL version 5.1 or above
- Minimum 100 MB of disk space
- IonCube Loaders 4.4 or above installed
PROS
- Easy use and to set up and split test campaigns.
- Self-Hosted System
- Tracks many different type of campaigns from direct linking, mobile, to multi-level campaigns and can easily add and update new traffic sources and networks
- Good Support
- Rules and Colors comes in handy when your tracking ROI. For example: you can create a rule for a campaign that says my minimum desired ROI is 30% and when an ad or landing page hits 30% ROI it will turn yellow, green, red etc.
CONS
- After about 500k+ views CPVLab server will get bog down so you will need to reset campaigns.
- Need a secure server to auto-post conversions
- Lack of updates (Although there is a new one in the works now that is soon the released)
VOLUMM
Volumm is a system that was released late 2013/early 2014 and has already had tremendous growth. Being an affiliate manager for Society Invite I speak to affiliates all the time and most of them have transitioned over to Volumm.
Voluum Tech Details (From Website)
- Hosted
- Database technology: VoluumDB
- Programming language: Java
- Worldwide server locations
- 2 Year Data Retention
- Max click volume/day: 3 Billion+
PROS
- One of the best features about Volumm is that it is hosted for you. Some of the features you get
- Servers all over the world
- Built in Java
- Very easy to use
- More data about your users is tracked. More data = more $$$
- 2 year data retention ( Bit of an upgrade from CPVLab)
CONS
- Monthly Costs for Volumm tracking (Now although its hosted for you its not free)
- Hosted in the Cloud
- No multi-variate testing
- They have packages from $0-$999.00 depending on the volume you send.
SUMMARY
At the end of the day both systems are solid and will be for a long time. They both get the job done and you will see success with both of them. In my personal opinion I do think Volumm is just a bit better because they have faster servers and currently more features to use which brings more data on your campaign to help you dial in and ultimately increase your earnings. As an affiliate your most crucial weapon is the data and being able to monetize to get the best ROI out of your campaign and I just think Volumm is doing a better job. Hoped this helped decide which is a better fit for you.
If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to hit me up on Skype at: Adam.SocietyInvite