How To Implement Commission Junction Conversion Tracking with Shopify via GTM
Elevar powers your data layer and server-side tracking needed to connect Commission Junction and Shopify.
Integration Specs
- Channel Accuracy Monitoring
- Requires Elevar Data Layer
- GTM server-side client customizable
- Chrome Extension
- GTM Web Container
What's Included
Events
What customer events are tracked in this integration
- Purchase
- Sitewide Tag
Customer Parameters
What customer parameters are tracked in this integration
- customer status
- click id
- promo code
- order id
- discount amount
- line items
Steps to Implement
Step 1: Overview
Without a single line of code and done in minutes, Elevar helps you implement your Commission Junction tracking pixel and conversion event to Shopify through Google Tag Manager using the most up-to-date requirements from each platform.
Plus – these templates come with built-in monitoring so you’re the first to know when a tag breaks and risks impacting your campaigns.
This integration supports the complete tracking implementation required by Commission Junction affiliate tracking.
Commission Junction is one of the largest affiliate marketing platforms for brands and retailers. Learn more about Commission Junction affiliate marketing here
Step 2: Install Data Layer to Your Store
In order to deploy Commission Junction’s conversion tracking via Google Tag Manager tags, you need to have a data layer implemented on your Shopify store that pushes the CJ click ID and order data that Commission Junction requires.
If you don’t have a data layer for your Shopify store yet, then you can utilize Elevar’s data layer for Shopify. It’s a 1-click installation into your theme.
Step 3: Update Variables & Download Container for GTM
There are three variables that need to be updated to match your CJ account details.
These 3 variables are the constants that CJ provides in their onboarding documentation:
- Company ID
- Action Tracker ID
- Tag ID
For example, here would be your Tag ID:
And here is your Company ID and Action Tracker ID:
Inside of your Elevar account, go to Pre Built Tags > Commission Junction.
Update your 3 unique CJ variables in the tag settings shown below.
Download the container and save to your computer.
Step 4: Import Container to GTM
Next up, go to your Google Tag Manager container > Admin > Import.
Be sure to select Merge container, not overwrite.
Once you’ve imported, verify the 3 variables are accurate.
Step 5: QA & Publish
Once you’re ready to go live then put GTM into preview mode.
You can navigate the site and place an order to verify your Commission Junction purchase tags trigger as expected.
Remember that the data layer from step 2 needs to be live on your store in order for the variables – like revenue and order id – to populate.
Once you’re ready to go live then publish your container in GTM.
It’s likely that your CJ rep has provided 4 unique scenarios to test:
- Order without coupon code and 1 item
- Order without coupon code and 2 items
- Order with coupon code and 1 item
- Order with coupon code and 2 items
They will give you unique click URLs to test each scenario.
Once you’ve completed each test order then email your CJ rep to confirm.
Compatible Data Sources
Data Layer
FAQs
View common integration questions
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If you have different domains or subdomains for your website then you will need to be sure the CJEVENT Id is not lost in the process. You can verify this when GTM is in preview mode -- go to the CJEVENT variable that you imported into GTM.
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If you have multiple checkouts – like ReCharge, or Bold – in addition to Shopify then the dataLayer will need to be configured on those stores as well.
