Understanding Rotation Algorithms

Target & Routing

Rotation algorithms determine how ClickerVolt distributes traffic when a link has multiple targets.

Available Algorithms

ClickerVolt offers 5 rotation algorithms, each suited for different use cases:

1. Weighted Random (Default)

Randomly selects targets based on their weight values. Visitors can see the same target multiple times on repeat visits.

Best for: General split testing and traffic distribution
Behavior: Pure random selection weighted by target weights
Repeat visitors: Can see any target on each visit

2. Sequential

Cycles through targets in order using a global counter (1→2→3→1...). Each new click goes to the next target in sequence.

Best for: Even distribution across all targets
Behavior: Global counter increments by 1 per click
Repeat visitors: Can see the same target multiple times
Target order: Customizable via drag-and-drop in the Routing Summary

How the Global Counter Works

The sequential counter is global across all visitors. Each click increments the counter by 1, regardless of which visitor made the click.

Example with 3 targets:

Visitor A, Click 1 → Counter 0 → Target 1 (counter becomes 1)
Visitor B, Click 1 → Counter 1 → Target 2 (counter becomes 2)
Visitor C, Click 1 → Counter 2 → Target 3 (counter becomes 3)
Visitor A, Click 2 → Counter 3 → Target 1 (loops back, counter becomes 4)
Visitor D, Click 1 → Counter 4 → Target 2 (counter becomes 5)

Notice that Visitor A sees Target 1 twice (on clicks 1 and 2) because the algorithm doesn't track visitor history - it only follows the global counter.

3. Sequential Unique

Uses a global sequential counter but ensures each visitor sees each target only ONCE. Uses fallback URL if visitor has seen all targets.

Best for: Showing each offer to each visitor once
Behavior: Tracks which targets each visitor has seen
Repeat visitors: Never see the same target twice
Fallback: When visitor has seen all targets
Target order: Customizable via drag-and-drop in the Routing Summary

How Sequential Unique Differs

Sequential Unique uses the same global counter, but each visitor can only see each target once. When a visitor has already seen the target at the current counter position, the algorithm finds the next unseen target in sequence.

Example with 3 targets:

Visitor A, Click 1 → Counter 0 → Target 1 (counter becomes 1)
Visitor B, Click 1 → Counter 1 → Target 2 (counter becomes 2)
Visitor C, Click 1 → Counter 2 → Target 3 (counter becomes 3)
Visitor A, Click 2 → Counter 3 → Target 1 (loops to 0) → Visitor A already saw Target 1 → Skips to Target 2 (counter becomes 4)
Visitor D, Click 1 → Counter 4 → Target 2 (counter becomes 5)

Key insight: When Visitor A skips Target 1 (already seen) and gets Target 2, the global counter still increments normally. The next visitor (D) sees whatever is at the new counter position, not affected by A's skip.

4. Only Uniques

Random weighted selection from targets the visitor hasn't seen yet. Each visitor can see each target once. Falls back when visitor has seen all.

Best for: Random unique exposure
Behavior: Weighted random from unseen targets only
Repeat visitors: Never see the same target twice
Fallback: When visitor has seen all targets

5. Progressive Exposure

Time-based per-visitor progression. Shows each target for X days (configurable), then advances to the next target. Also advances early if visitor converts.

Best for: Long-term progressive campaigns
Behavior: Each visitor progresses through targets over time
Duration: Configurable days per target (default 5 days)
Early advancement: If visitor converts on current target
After completion: Can loop back or use fallback
Target order: Customizable via drag-and-drop in the Routing Summary

Custom Target Order

Sequential, Sequential Unique, and Progressive Exposure all follow a defined target sequence. By default, targets are ordered by creation date.

You can customize the order by dragging targets in the Routing Summary panel (visible at the bottom of the targets section in the Link Editor). Grab the drag handle (⠿) and move targets to the desired position. Click Save Changes to persist the new order.

Choosing the Right Algorithm

Use Weighted Random when:

You want simple A/B or multivariate testing
Traffic distribution by percentage is important
You don't mind repeat visitors seeing the same targets

Use Sequential when:

You want perfectly even distribution
Order matters (e.g., rotating through offers)
You don't need visitor-level tracking

Use Sequential Unique when:

Each visitor should see each offer once
You want controlled sequential exposure
You have a fallback for visitors who've seen everything

Use Only Uniques when:

Random distribution but no repeats per visitor
Testing multiple unique offers
Visitor experience matters (no duplicate exposures)

Use Progressive Exposure when:

Running long-term progressive campaigns
Want visitors to see offers in sequence over time
Building progressive value ladders
Need time-based advancement with conversion triggers

Advanced Topics

Changing Algorithms

You can change the rotation algorithm for a link at any time. The change takes effect immediately for all new clicks.

Algorithm and Statistics

All algorithms track the same statistics. The algorithm only affects which target is selected, not what data is collected.