The Power of Data Pixels for Healthcare

You’ve might not have ever seen a data pixel, but they’ve almost definitely been part of your online browsing before. Data pixels are essential when healthcare marketers are thinking about campaign planning, targeting, and optimization. They allow marketers to gather useful information and assess the effectiveness of healthcare advertising campaigns. In this blog, we’ll break down the basics of pixel tracking, how they work, the different types, and other frequently asked questions.

What is a data pixel?

A data pixel, also known as a web beacon or pixel tag, is a small, transparent image or graphic typically embedded in a web page or email. Its primary purpose is to track and collect data on user interactions with a website or the content of an email.

 Data pixels within the source code might look like this:

 <img style="“position: absolute;" src="“Tracking">

<img style="“display: none”;" src="“Tracking">

<img src="“Tracking" width="“0”" height="“0”">

How do data pixels work?

Data pixels are embedded in web pages and emails within the source code. When a web page is loaded, these pixels send requests to a server, recording user information. It’s as simple as that!

What are some examples of how a data pixel is used?

Data pixels are very helpful with creating a more complete picture of web site behavior and performance. Some examples of data pixel usage may include:

- recording registrations to an online brand event

- tracking attendance to an online webinar

- monitoring video viewership

- tracking survey completions

- recording form submissions

- and more

What’s the difference between a pixel, a cookie, and a tag?

While all three are different, they are all used to capture user information so healthcare marketers can deliver a more customized web experience to their users.

• Pixels allow you to follow users on all their devices, linking marketing efforts across mobile ads and website. Because they don’t rely on an individual’s browser, users can’t disable them. Pixels are useful for tracking conversions on landing pages, partner sites, and affiliate networks.

• Cookies are saved in a user’s browser. Unlike pixels, users can disable, block, or clear cookies. Cookies are most commonly used to create an easier login experience and also for adding multiple items to a visitor’s cart for a single checkout.

• Tags are often used interchangeably with pixels. Defined loosely, tags are the keywords that describe elements on a page and all their attributes.

Ready to get started with pixel tracking?

Throtle can help. Throtle’s data pixel technology offers easy implementation and actionable intelligence, beyond simple data collection. Using our proprietary identity graph, we fill many of the gaps that other website tracking pixels miss, giving you deeper insights. The result is a broad and complete view of user activity — from entry through conversion or exit. The insights go beyond just data collection. The intelligence gained can be leveraged in developing personalized, omnichannel marketing outreach. We help you make data-driven marketing decisions by unifying your campaign data with sales outcomes.

Data pixels can give you the edge you need if you’re ready to take your online advertising or latest campaign to the next level. Get in touch with one of our experts about how we can help you set up, plan, execute, and optimize your campaigns.