Dodging questions from advertiser about traffic sources

An advertiser is asking questions about where traffic is coming from (I cloak the referral string via a HTTPS redirect) and why the conversion rate is so damn good (it's a strong traffic source), but I'd rather not reveal what I'm up to (most advertisers wouldn't like it, even though it's not evil).

Any suggestions for a plausible response?

Was thinking of; "I buy PPC search traffic and run users through my own tracking solution for ROI monitoring and quality assurance. This process strips the referral URL. I'd prefer not to reveal my KWs as its proprietary information. I pre-qualify clicks through optimsed ad copy, but more data is still needed to see an accurate representation of the conversion rate".

"I buy PPC search traffic and run users through my own tracking solution for ROI monitoring and quality assurance. This process strips the referral URL. I'd prefer not to reveal my KWs as its proprietary information. I pre-qualify clicks through optimsed ad copy, but more data is still needed to see an accurate representation of the conversion rate".

Click to expand...

Go with it, a little BS can work wonders!

From one of the 'get accepted to a CPA company' stickies, try:

"Say you buy traffic through media buys and some PPC - This allows for you to not have many organic traffic sites. You can say you are able to target it ALOT more through bought traffic then through your organic sites."

Or depending on the advertiser and how much money you bring them, you could tell them none of their business. They might be trying to steal your method.

Thanks guys. I've tried my luck with a polite response and a plausible explanation of using very targeted PPC traffic. I'm now waiting to hear back from them :/

I always tell them about a bad experience I had in the past where an AM left the network and then competed against me in my niche. Don't let the AMs trick you into giving up your methods.

I would assume they are monitoring your cb's/refunds and if they are normal that should give them enough indication that you aren't doing anything "evil". Your response should be more than enough.

How much of a percentage are you getting out of it? It's something I'd love to learn to get rid of my stuff up on the site.

Looks like a solid response. I think it's totally fair to let people know that you can't give all the details. If you did, then where's the "secret sauce" to your business. If the quality is working for the client/end buyer, then relax. Also, it always helps to remind the advertiser that there is no incent whatsoever. In a lot of cases, that tends to be the biggest concern.