Google Ads-specific tracking guidance
Track Google Ads landing URLs for search, display, remarketing, and Performance Max reporting. Google Ads traffic can be difficult to compare when campaign names, ad placements, or organic links use inconsistent labels. A dedicated UTM structure helps teams understand how this traffic performs in GA4 and how it compares with other channels.
GA4 sees this traffic through the UTM values attached to the landing URL. For this page, the recommended starting point is source google and medium cpc. That pairing keeps reports readable and makes it easier to compare this traffic against email, paid search, social, affiliate, QR, and referral campaigns.
The goal is not to create a different naming system for every page. The goal is to document practical defaults, show examples, and connect the page to the wider campaign tracking workflow. Use this page when planning campaign URLs, briefing team members, or auditing whether existing links follow a reliable pattern.
Recommended UTM structure
Source
utm_source=googleMedium
utm_medium=cpcCampaign
utm_campaign=brand_searchContent
utm_content=search_ad_aExample URLs
https://example.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brand_search&utm_content=search_ad_a
https://example.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brand_search&utm_content=footer_link
https://example.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=product_launch&utm_content=search_ad_a
Best practices
Common mistakes
Mixing paid search, display, and remarketing into vague campaign names.
Other common mistakes include uppercase values, spaces in campaign names, inconsistent separators, missing campaign names, and using one broad campaign label for every placement. Validate links before launch and keep a shared naming document for future campaigns.
FAQ
What source should I use for Google Ads?
Use google as a practical starting point when you want reports to identify Google Ads traffic clearly.
What medium should I use for Google Ads?
Use cpc when it matches the channel type. Keep medium values consistent across similar campaigns.
Does GA4 support Google Ads UTM links?
Yes. GA4 can read UTM source, medium, campaign, content, and term values from tagged landing URLs.
Should UTM values be lowercase?
Yes. Lowercase values reduce fragmented reports and make campaign data easier to compare.