> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pingtree.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sources Overview

> High-level dashboard displaying performance metrics aggregated across all traffic sources.

## What is a Source?

Your **sources** represent the starting point of the lead generation funnel in Pingtree.\
Setting up your traffic sources correctly is crucial for campaign success and accurate tracking.

Any channel that generates traffic to your campaign is managed within the **Sources** section of the application.

### Pingtree categorizes sources into three types:

1. **Custom Sources (CS)**
2. **Marketing Partners (MP)**
3. **Media Channels (MC)**

Each source type is automatically assigned a unique identifier when created, which helps distinguish the type and instance of the source.

**Identifier Format:**

* `cs123` → Custom Source
* `mp123` → Marketing Partner
* `mc123` → Media Channel

***

## Source Type Differences

| Feature                 | Custom Source                                  | Marketing Partner (MP)                                   | Media Channel (MC)                                       |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **What it is**          | A manually created traffic source              | An individual or agency sending you leads                | An advertising platform used to drive traffic            |
| **How to Add**          | Enter a name only                              | Enter email → Send invite → MP registers and logs in     | Select platform → Click "+" to integrate                 |
| **Purpose**             | For offline, internal, or non-standard traffic | For affiliates, publishers, and external lead generators | For tracking traffic from ad platforms like Meta, Google |
| **Integration Needed?** | No                                             | Yes (via user registration)                              | No                                                       |
| **Example Use Case**    | Manual CSV uploads, trade shows, test leads    | Affiliate sending web form leads                         | Leads from Facebook Ads, Google Ads, LinkedIn            |
| **Identifier Format**   | `cs123`                                        | `mp123`                                                  | `mc123`                                                  |

***

## Summary

* **Custom Source** → Simple, name-only setup for miscellaneous or manual traffic.
* **Marketing Partner** → External individuals or teams sending leads with their own login and portal.
* **Media Channel** → Integrated ad platforms pushing paid traffic with built-in tracking support.

Each source type plays a specific role and helps ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and lead attribution across your campaigns.