Question

Anyone ever come across Google Analytics not showing paid traffic correctly? I’ve tested it myself, put in search term, click on the Ad, check GA, there is the site visit but is categorised as Organic in Acquisition.  

Answer 1

I should add that I’m an SEO and don’t normally work with Ads just doing some traffic analysis.  

Comments

@istria add a tracking template, connect your ga and google ads. Autotag.  

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@genitor4 Thank you, there is clearly a disconnect that I’m not currently aware of.  

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Admin / connect google ads;)

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Should do the trick

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@genitor4 Thank you! Much appreciated.  

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@istria yeah that will work. Allow Auto tagging in Analytics. Link google ads to google Analytics. Create conversion action in google ads. Use that conversion action as your final conversion for customer. That's it

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@istria guessing the GA and G-Ads accounts aren’t linked.  

Answer 2

Have you enabled auto tagging in the account settings?  

Answer 3

Also, are you viewing your own personal traffic in the Real-time section?  

Answer 4

You would also need to click the ad link in a clean browser. Google analytics is remembering your original visit source in the cookie settings

Comments

Or clear your cookies should do the same thing

Answer 5

Google Ads have been running for a week now and I can see clicks in Ads but no paid traffic in GA for the same period.  

Answer 6

And be aware that redirects kill autotagging and remove the source parameters.  

Answer 7

See this a lot with sites that use payment gateways or afterpay services. Anything that breaks the session breaks the flow and will mis report. I use analytics for behavior and that’s about it.