So you're reviewing a campaign, putting together a few thoughts on how it went and you just can't seem to get the numbers to match up. Why won't clicks equal visitors? Why does Google Ads report conversions differently to Analytics? What is going on here. Which platform should I trust?
Google does a pretty good job of explaining potential reasons for data discrepancies and lots of links to drill down into each particular issue. So rather than repeat them all, I've included links to the relevant sections below.
General data discrepancies
This article talks about several potential reasons for differences in the data between Google Ads and Analytics. Then they go into a step by step checklist on how you can get the two platforms to match up (as much as you can). There are three main areas:
Head over to the article here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1034383?hl=en&ref_topic=1042504
Comparing Analytics & Google Ads conversion metrics
This article will give a summary of the tracking differences between conversion metrics in Google Ads and Google Analytics. It also goes in-depth into why there are data discrepancies in eight key areas:
Head over to the article here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2679221?hl=en
Attribution models for conversions
Extra for experts - The pretty amazing team over at Luna Metrics put together this blog post that's still relevant today. It talks about how Google Analytics and Google Ads will attribute your goal conversions differently. We think it's worth getting your head around.
Head over to the article here: http://www.lunametrics.com/blog/2016/02/03/difference-adwords-conversion-tag-import-analytics-goals/
If you're interested in learning how to use the Google Ads platform more effectively, check out our Google Ads eBook:
Recovering ex-lawyer James heads up our Paid Media team. He handles advertising campaigns and paid media strategy across Google, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and more, together with Google Analytics.
With over 15 years' experience in the digital marketing space, James has a rounded background that includes SEO, email marketing and conversion rate optimisation, in addition to his current paid media focus. He enjoys working side by side with marketing teams and business owners, to create long-term success for our clients.
When he's not in the office, James can be found running social basketball games, listening obsessively to music, and running around after a toddler.
