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Standard SetupThe steps below apply to a standard setup: one dashboard, one domain, per brand.
If your configuration differs (e.g., one brand with multiple dashboards or multiple domains), additional steps will be required and the process may vary.
Below is a practical overview of the three parts of your Northbeam implementation:
  1. Account Setup – Getting your dashboard, store, tracking, and ad accounts connected so data can flow into Northbeam.
  2. Data Validation – This is where we double-check that everything is set up correctly. Thanks for being patient — our team will reach out with quick questions and updates as we confirm your data is accurate.
  3. Using the Platform – Once validation is complete, you’ll learn how to use Northbeam and, if included, work with your Media Strategy team.

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1. Account Setup

This is where you connect your store, place tracking, and link your ad accounts so Northbeam can start collecting data.
  • Dashboard Creation
    • Our team will create your account and provide access to your team.
  • Set up your DNS A-Record
    • Enables first-party tracking. Without it, pixel and event tracking won’t function correctly.
    • Guide: /docs/link-dns
  • Pixel and Event Setup
    • Add the Northbeam Pixel site-wide and configure conversion tracking (e.g., Purchase Event).
    • Guide: /docs/add-pixel
  • Upload Order Data
    • Shopify: Install our native app.
      • Guide: /docs/shopify-order-sync
    • Non-Shopify: Send orders to Northbeam via the Orders API.
      • Guide: /docs/orders-api/
      • API Ref: /reference/orders
  • Connect your Ad Accounts
    • Ad account connections are user-based. The user connecting must have admin access to the account.
    • If that user loses admin access, the account will disconnect from Northbeam. An admin will need to reconnect or restore access.
    • Agencies: Best practice is to have someone from the brand side connect accounts.
    • Multiple Ad Accounts: The connecting user must have admin access to all accounts.
    • Multiple Google Ads Accounts: All accounts should be under a Parent MCC, and the connecting user must be an admin on the MCC.
  • TikTok Shops and Meta Shops Setup
    • Orders from TikTok Shop and Meta Shop must flow into your source of truth (Shopify or your custom backend).
    • Shopify Stores: Make sure TikTok and Meta Shop orders are syncing into your Shopify account so they are included with the rest of your Shopify orders sent to Northbeam.
    • Custom Stores: Send TikTok and Meta Shop orders to Northbeam via the Orders API, using a unique order tag to distinguish them from other order sources.
    • This setup is especially important for TikTok GMV Max campaigns, since these transactions are processed through TikTok Shop.
    • Guide: /docs/tracking-for-shops#/
  • Attach UTM Parameters
    • Required for accurate reporting and attribution — see note below.
UTM Parameters Are RequiredNorthbeam requires specific UTM parameters for proper tracking.
  • Adding UTMs may reset ads into a learning phase, but we strongly recommend implementing them immediately.
  • For plans that include data reviews and walkthroughs, these will be delayed until UTMs are attached so that we’re working with fully healthy data.
  • Bottom line: The longer UTMs are delayed, the longer your implementation will take.
  • Additional Spend Data (Optional)
    • Use Custom Spend Sheets or the Spend API for channels without spend integrations (e.g., email, influencer, affiliate, partners).
    • Guide: /docs/add-spend/
  • Typical Timelines
    • Shopify brands: 2–4 weeks (light dev work).
    • Non-Shopify brands: 4–8 weeks (depends on dev resources).
    • Timeline varies based on the availability of your dev team.

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2. Data Validation

At this stage, we confirm that everything is flowing correctly and matches your source of truth. Expect communication from us with updates and follow-ups.
  • Activation & Validation Period
    • After setup, our team validates your data to confirm orders, pixels, UTMs, and integrations are healthy. We require at least 3 fully tracked days of data before validating to ensure a large enough sample size.
    • During this period, our team checks the following:
      • Orders Data – Confirm we’re receiving orders through the Shopify App or Orders API.
      • Pixel Tracking Rate – We validate that conversion events fire for online orders. The target is 85% of all web orders, with some loss expected from cookie blockers. If a cookie banner blocks pixel events, please provide the acceptance rate, as this will adjust the target.
      • UTMs – We’ll confirm UTM coverage across all integrated channels (e.g., Meta, Google, TikTok, Pinterest, Snapchat).
    • Integrations – We ensure all ad accounts remain connected with valid permissions.
  • Revenue Reconciliation
    • Northbeam default: Gross Sales + Shipping + Taxes – Discounts

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3. Using the Platform (and Media Strategy, if applicable)

Once your data is validated, your implementation and support will depend on your plan.