How do I correctly set up Google Ads conversion tracking?

[AdriKant]

Hi,

I am using the standard Google Channel app from Shopify (https://apps.shopify.com/google) to connect with Google (GA4, Merchant Center, Google Ads). All looks good from the App, but I have an issue with setting up the Conversions in Google Ads.

Is there something additional I should do to track conversions in Google Ads besides activating the app above and connecting everything? I read about adding tags to the website, but I wonder if this causes duplications because from App standpoint it looks like Google Ads is connected.

So my question is about understanding the full implementation of Google Ads conversion tracking (using the standard Google Channel app)

Thanks in advance,

[flareAI]

Hello @AdriKant,

I am Gina from flareAI app helping Shopify merchants get $6Million+ in sales from Google Search, on autopilot.

If you have already installed the standard Google Channel app from Shopify and connected it to your Google Ads account, you should be able to track conversions without any additional setup.

However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your conversion tracking is set up correctly and working as expected.

1. Verify that the conversion tracking code is properly installed on your website
The Google Channel app will automatically generate the conversion tracking code for you, but it is important to make sure that it is correctly installed on your website. You can use the Google Tag Assistant or Google Analytics Debugger tools to verify that the tracking code is firing correctly.

2. Check that your conversion actions are set up correctly
In Google Ads, make sure that you have set up conversion actions that match the actions customers take on your website (e.g. completing a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, etc). You should also ensure that your conversion tracking settings are configured correctly (e.g. attribution windows, conversion values, etc).

3. Test your conversion tracking
Once you have set up your conversion tracking, it's a good idea to test it to ensure that it is working properly. You can do this by placing a test order on your website and verifying that the conversion is tracked in Google Ads.

If you have followed these steps and are still experiencing issues with conversion tracking, you may want to reach out to Shopify or Google Ads support for assistance.

Gina

[EmmanuelFlossie · Accepted solution]

When using the Google Channel app it should be automatically added. You can verify by going to Google Ads > top right corner > tools and settings > conversions

[AdriKant]

Hi
Thanks, I see that what it was missing was to "import" the conversions I
set in GA4 into Google Ads. Now working fine!

[danny_l]

Hi Emmanuel, I have the same question, when setting up conversion in Google Ads, I notice there are two purchase events. One is Google Shopping App Purchase - which seems to be one automatically generated by Shopify if I'm correct? And another one is Purchase in which I generated by myself by adding new conversion action > import > Google analytics 4 > web.

But which one should I use though? To avoid duplication, and be more accurate...

[EmmanuelFlossie]

@danny_l It depends on what you want.

Google Shopping App Purchase will track every ad click that led to a conversion.

While Google Analytics will only track the last non direct click on an ad as a converion.

Both work very differently and I recommend you search online more detailed articles about the difference so that you can make a decision based on what you want to achieve/usee.

For the majority of my clients, I use Google Ads conversion, not Google Analytics.

[danny_l]

Thanks Emmanuel,

When you say you use Google Ads conversion, does it mean another conversation tracking source other than the built-in Google Shopping App Purchase and GA4?

[EmmanuelFlossie]

There are two types.

Google Ads

and

Google Analytics

Google ads is your Google Shopping App Purchase action.

[danny_l]

Thank you so much 🙂

[danny_l]

Hi Emmanuel, sorry I have another question, apart from the automated tracking action (Google Shopping App Purchase) installed on Google Ads, I noticed that you made a tutorial about applying a custom code to the Shopify checkout which is another option? what's the benefits of doing this option? and if I just want to check purchase events, would Google Shopping App Purchase be enough?

[EmmanuelFlossie]

In certain scenarios, merchants may want to control what data is sent to Google Ads. Thus use my code.

If you just want to track sales, simply use the google shopping app purchase.

[Project_S]

Hi Emmanuel,

what would you say is currently the best way to implement Google Ads Tracking (app/code) and GA4 Tracking (app/GTM) if you want to track transaction values in both accounts?

[EmmanuelFlossie]

If you want to track both at the same time, and assuming you will set one of them as a secondary.

Then if you are using the Google Channel app, you can enable it all within that app. If you are not, you can still install the app, and only enable GA4.

[Project_S]

Thank you! Yes, GA4 will run as secondary in the Ads account. Perfect, I will try to implement both via the App.

One last question, tracking of conversion value in Google Ads is also directly available via App without further adjustments?

[EmmanuelFlossie]

Correct.

[KamilM]

Hi Emmanuoel,

so i did create the connection via Google and Youtube, but these are no conversions added at my Google Ads acc. I know that i can set it up manually, but i think that a proper connection would work better.

And btw, Merchant looks like properly connected, so the products are being check now in merchant acc.

Maybe im missing smth? Should i check some fields or anything so shopify will create the google ads conversions? 

[EmmanuelFlossie]

If you want to use the Google Shopping & Youtube app, then I recommend disconnecting and connecting, if it still does not work, contact Shopify support, but I guess they will send you to Google support, and visa versa. They are currently not great with app support.

[Tacotech]

Thanks for the great information.