Introduction
Running Google Ads without tracking conversions is like driving blind—you won’t know which ads generate results. Conversion tracking helps advertisers measure actions such as purchases, sign-ups, and form submissions to optimize ad performance.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up and track Google Ads conversion events for better ROI and campaign optimization.
Step 1: What is Conversion Tracking in Google Ads?
Google Ads conversion tracking records specific actions that users take after clicking on your ad.
🔹 Examples of Conversion Events:
✅ Purchases – A customer completes a checkout.
✅ Lead Generation – A user submits a contact form.
✅ Phone Calls – A user calls your business via a Google Ad.
✅ App Installs – A user downloads your mobile app.
👉 Why is Conversion Tracking Important?
✅ Identifies high-performing ads – Helps you focus on ads that drive results.
✅ Optimizes bidding strategies – Google uses conversions to improve automation.
✅ Reduces wasted ad spend – Stops spending money on ineffective campaigns.
Step 2: How to Set Up Conversion Tracking in Google Ads
To track conversions, you need to set up Google Ads Conversion Actions and install a tracking tag on your website.
1. Create a New Conversion Action
1️⃣ Go to Google Ads Dashboard → Tools & Settings → Conversions.
2️⃣ Click New Conversion Action and choose your conversion type:
- Website (for purchases, sign-ups, etc.)
- App (for mobile app installs)
- Phone Calls (for call tracking)
3️⃣ Enter conversion details: - Conversion Name: Example: “Lead Form Submission”
- Value: Set a monetary value for the conversion (optional).
- Count: Choose whether to count every conversion or just one per user.
2. Install the Google Ads Conversion Tracking Tag
1️⃣ After creating the conversion, Google Ads will generate a tracking code (Global Site Tag + Event Snippet).
2️⃣ Copy the Global Site Tag and paste it inside the <head> section of your website.
3️⃣ Copy the Event Snippet and paste it on the specific page where conversions happen (e.g., “Thank You” page after a purchase).
👉 Tip: If you use Google Tag Manager, you can add the tracking tag without editing your website’s code.
Step 3: Verify Conversion Tracking is Working
After installing the tracking code, make sure it’s recording conversions correctly.
How to Test Conversion Tracking?
✅ Use Google Tag Assistant (Chrome Extension) to check if the tag is firing.
✅ In Google Ads, go to Tools & Settings → Conversions and look for active status.
✅ Perform a test conversion (e.g., fill out a form) and check if it’s recorded in the dashboard.
Step 4: Link Google Ads with Google Analytics for Advanced Tracking
Linking Google Ads with Google Analytics provides deeper insights into user behavior.
How to Link Google Ads & Google Analytics?
1️⃣ Go to Google Ads → Tools & Settings → Linked Accounts.
2️⃣ Click Google Analytics and select your GA4 or Universal Analytics account.
3️⃣ Import conversions from Analytics into Google Ads for better attribution tracking.
👉 Benefit: Google Analytics allows you to track multi-channel conversions beyond just Google Ads.
Step 5: Optimize Ads Based on Conversion Data
Once conversion tracking is live, you can optimize campaigns based on real results.
1. Use Automated Bidding Strategies
✅ Maximize Conversions – Google adjusts bids to drive more conversions.
✅ Target CPA (Cost-Per-Acquisition) – Sets bids to reach a specific cost per conversion.
✅ Target ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) – Focuses on generating higher revenue.
2. Adjust Bids Based on Conversion Data
📌 If mobile users convert better → Increase bids for mobile traffic.
📌 If certain keywords don’t convert → Pause or reduce bids for those keywords.
3. Use Retargeting to Improve Conversions
📌 Show ads to users who visited your site but didn’t convert using Google’s Display Network.
Conclusion: Conversion Tracking is Essential for Google Ads Success
Without conversion tracking, you can’t measure what’s working. By setting up Google Ads Conversion Tracking, linking it with Google Analytics, and using the data to optimize campaigns, you’ll increase ROI and ad performance.
🚀 Action Steps:
✅ Set up Google Ads conversion tracking for purchases, leads, or calls.
✅ Verify tracking with Google Tag Assistant.
✅ Link Google Ads with Google Analytics for advanced insights.
✅ Optimize bids and audience targeting based on real conversion data.
By following these steps, you’ll turn data into profits!