1x1 pixel vs java

Which will be more accurate?

[eWhisper]

We are doing some very specific PPC tracking, and have the option to either input a java code or a 1x1 invis pixel on the pages.

Which is more likely to catch most visitors and be more accurate?

Thank you.

[shrewsbury matt]

Go for the 1x1 pixel, too many people have javascript disabled to get accurate results.

[choster]

The way WebTrendsLive used to do it was use Javascript to collect all the different variables, but include a 1x1 pixel <noscript> so at least hits would be measured for people with JS turned off. Of course, some people have both JS and images turned off, as well as spiders...

[eWhisper]

We're putting a tracking code in the URL. IF part of the URL contains the tracking script, then the tracking code will work, if it doesn't then it won't count the hits. This is only for PPC ROI tracking, I've got something else in place to track regular visitors.

I didn't know if one was considered more accurate than the other (pixel vs java) or if more users have images or java turned off. We can't use both - it's one or the other, so was looking for advice on which seemed to be more accurate and catch more people before I go and decide which one to implement.

[Jimpaka]

How difficult is ROI tracking on PPC advertising to implement yourself ewhisper? I'm looking for a simple solution to track which keywords on what search engines are leading to purchases on my site.

[jatar_k]

I use

1. targeted landing pages
2. tracking vars in urls in SE accounts
3. onsite custom tracking scripts
4. custom log parsers

gives me pretty much all the data I need. 1 and 2 take care of most of the ppc referals.

[eWhisper]

Jimpaka,

There are several cheap and easy to implement systems out there. Many 3rd party solutions require you to input a 1x1 pixel or java script on your landing and conversion pages, and then modify the referring string which will get you an accurate convrsion method.

For full ROI tracking, several of the above will also work with you to modify the script so the actual purchase amount is also passed with the conversion.