Google Ads UTM Tracking

By setting up UTM tags for Google Ads, you can pass rich metadata to your analytics destinations.

How It Works

1. You add a tracking template with UTM parameters in Google Ads
2. Google resolves ValueTrack parameters and custom parameters into the final URL
3. Vendo reads the resolved URL and extracts UTM values

Setup

1. Add Tracking Template on Account Level

Navigate to Google Ads Account Settings and add your UTM tracking template at the account level:

{lpurl}?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={_campaign}&utm_content={_content}&utm_term={keyword}

The template uses two custom variables: {_campaign} and {_content} that require values set at the campaign and ad levels.

Tip: These steps can be completed faster via Google Ads Editor.

2. Update _campaign Parameter Values for Campaigns

In campaign settings, access Campaign URL options (under Additional Settings) and establish a custom parameter named _campaign containing the URL-encoded campaign name.

3. Update _content Parameter Values for Ads

Set up a parameter called _content with the URL-encoded ad title at either the ad group or individual ad level.

Supported Variables

For more information, see Google’s ValueTrack parameters documentation .

Extracted Parameters

Click ID Tracking

Google automatically appends the gclid parameter to landing page URLs. Ensure your website captures and stores this parameter so Vendo can match conversions to ad clicks.

https://yoursite.com/product?gclid=abc123def456

Best Practices

• Always include utm_source=google and utm_medium=cpc in your tracking template
• URL-encode custom parameter values
• Use consistent naming conventions for campaigns and ads

Verify Setup

1. Click a test ad and confirm the landing URL contains UTM parameters
2. Confirm UTM values appear on events in your destination or Vendo