Different data in Google Ads and Analytics
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2025 6:45 am
The Google search engine does a lot of things right: It has absolute power in the market, constantly founding and acquiring new and emerging companies, and thus dominates the internet like no other. With so much perfectionism, there must be something that isn't quite as perfect. And indeed, there is. As efficient as Google Analytics' own traffic tool is, and as comprehensive as the advertising tool AdWords presents itself to users, one must be careful when comparing data between the two.
Google recommends that users link both accounts to analyze even more data and benefit from synergy effects. However, those who do this will soon notice that the numbers differ slightly when comparing the two sources. This article algeria phone number data explains the possible reasons for this and what to pay particular attention to.
Tips for getting started with the two tools
Before we start with the possible error analysis, some basic information on how to work best with both tools.
1) Linking Google Analytics and AdWords
As mentioned above, it's best to first link AdWords and Google Analytics. This not only saves time, as you don't have to log into each system every time, but also allows for much deeper analytics. This connection also helps to reduce data discrepancies somewhat.
2) Fully implement Google Analytics tracking code
Anyone who works with Google's traffic tool will probably already have integrated the analytics code into their website and tested it thoroughly. External tools like GAchecker.com or Screaming Frog are excellent for testing. If the code hasn't been implemented yet, here's an additional tip: The code should be integrated across the entire website. Key pages and landing pages that play an important role in AdWords campaigns shouldn't be forgotten either.
3) Check the auto-tagging function
If you have correctly connected AdWords and Analytics, you can double-check the whole thing. The "gclid" parameter should then be appended to every landing page URL in AdWords. This is the small but very important detail that forwards all information about the AdWords campaign and traffic to the Google Analytics account. This is the only way the campaign details can then be found there. A hint of a problem is at least already present if this parameter disappears when the landing page loads. This means that the data cannot be forwarded correctly. The best person to contact here is still your own developer. There is almost always a way to incorporate stubborn gclid parameters. However, as soon as the test was positive and everything is working, auto-tagging should be activated in Google Analytics.
Google recommends that users link both accounts to analyze even more data and benefit from synergy effects. However, those who do this will soon notice that the numbers differ slightly when comparing the two sources. This article algeria phone number data explains the possible reasons for this and what to pay particular attention to.
Tips for getting started with the two tools
Before we start with the possible error analysis, some basic information on how to work best with both tools.
1) Linking Google Analytics and AdWords
As mentioned above, it's best to first link AdWords and Google Analytics. This not only saves time, as you don't have to log into each system every time, but also allows for much deeper analytics. This connection also helps to reduce data discrepancies somewhat.
2) Fully implement Google Analytics tracking code
Anyone who works with Google's traffic tool will probably already have integrated the analytics code into their website and tested it thoroughly. External tools like GAchecker.com or Screaming Frog are excellent for testing. If the code hasn't been implemented yet, here's an additional tip: The code should be integrated across the entire website. Key pages and landing pages that play an important role in AdWords campaigns shouldn't be forgotten either.
3) Check the auto-tagging function
If you have correctly connected AdWords and Analytics, you can double-check the whole thing. The "gclid" parameter should then be appended to every landing page URL in AdWords. This is the small but very important detail that forwards all information about the AdWords campaign and traffic to the Google Analytics account. This is the only way the campaign details can then be found there. A hint of a problem is at least already present if this parameter disappears when the landing page loads. This means that the data cannot be forwarded correctly. The best person to contact here is still your own developer. There is almost always a way to incorporate stubborn gclid parameters. However, as soon as the test was positive and everything is working, auto-tagging should be activated in Google Analytics.