A guide to Impression Tracking and CacheBuster

Understanding CacheBusting in tracking, and how to automatically update it in Adnami

What Is CacheBuster?

Cache busting ensures browsers load the latest file versions instead of outdated cached ones. To address this common challenge, our platform offers an intuitive CacheBuster function. It simplifies identifying whether an impression tracking needs cache busting and makes the process seamless. Let’s explore cache busting, its importance, and how our tool streamlines the process.

In web development, browser caching stores static assets like images and scripts locally to improve load times. However, cached files can cause users to miss updates. Cache busting solves this by adding unique file version identifiers, forcing browsers to fetch the latest files from the server. This ensures users always see the most recent version of a site or application.

Why Is Cache Busting Important?

  1. Consistent User Experience: Ensures users always see the latest version, avoiding outdated designs or features.
  2. Accurate Analytics: Prevents cached files from skewing user interaction data.
  3. Smooth Updates: Guarantees immediate access to updates, reducing confusion.

How our CacheBuster function simplifies the process

To address this challenge, we’ve integrated an easy-to-use CacheBuster function into our suite platform. Here’s how it works:

  1. Automatic Detection: The CacheBuster function quickly identifies if an impression tag has a cache-busting issue, saving you time and guesswork.
  2. Intuitive Interface: Simply click on the CacheBuster text logo that appears. This action triggers the tool to analyze and apply the required fix.
  3. One-Click Fix: After clicking the logo, press the arrow button to implement the change. It’s that simple!

Here is an image of how an impression tracker can look like before the auto function inside on the Adnami suite. 

  • Original tag:
    <IMG SRC="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackimp/N1334079.2225510PROGRAMMATIC/B24445227.355614014;dc_trk_aid=546811372;dc_trk_cid=184187362;ord=[timestamp];dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=?" BORDER="0" HEIGHT="1" WIDTH="1" ALT="Advertisement">

     

  • Cachebuster modified tag: 
    <IMG SRC="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackimp/N1334079.2225510PROGRAMMATIC/B24445227.355614014;dc_trk_aid=546811372;dc_trk_cid=184187362;ord=${CACHEBUSTER};dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=;tfua=;gdpr=${GDPR};gdpr_consent=${GDPR_CONSENT_755};ltd=?" BORDER="0" HEIGHT="1" WIDTH="1" ALT="Advertisement">

    As you can see, in the modified example, the macro [timestamp] has been replaced with ${CACHEBUSTER}. This substitution ensures dynamic cache-busting, improving tracking accuracy and performance.

4. Tutorial Support: For visual learners, we’ve created a detailed video tutorial to walk you through the process step by step. Click here for the video tutorial: (link tbc.)