Build a reliable postback log in Google Sheets without paying for a tracker

Build a reliable postback log in Google Sheets without paying for a tracker

Use Sheets as an audit log, not a full tracker. Create columns for received_at, click_id, conversion_id, offer, payout, status, and raw_params. Keep one row per postback and format IDs as plain text.

Point the network postback to a small Google Apps Script web app that appends request values. Protect it with a secret token; reject requests without click_id or conversion_id, while preserving the original payload.

Add simple checks:
— Duplicate conversion_id: flag with COUNTIF.
— Missing click_id: flag in a review tab.
— Unknown status: compare against the network’s allowed values.
Freeze headers, protect formula columns, and use conditional formatting for exceptions. Never store API keys in a shared sheet.

This will not replace attribution software, but it can show where a conversion disappeared and make basic reconciliation repeatable. Treat it as an audit log first and a dashboard second.