Main issue: A non‑native app using Shopify’s App Ads (search campaigns) wants to track ad-driven installs but loses attribution when users are sent off-site to create an account.
Proposed approach: Append UTM parameters (e.g., utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign) to ad URLs. UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) tags are standard URL query parameters used to attribute traffic and campaigns. Capture UTM values on the external site via cookies or session storage, then pass them through the account creation/app installation flow into Shopify and analyze in Google Analytics.
Request for specifics: The app developer asks for guides tailored to Shopify’s App Ads platform.
Resources suggested: Search queries for finding how-tos on:
Outcome/status: No platform-specific instructions or direct links were provided. Action item is to research using the suggested queries and implement UTM capture and transfer. The question of adding UTMs directly within Shopify App Ads remains open.
Hi.
I wondered if there was a way to add UTM tracking to Shopify Ads for our application please? We are not a native app so when people are directed off to add the app to their Shopify by creating an account with us, we lose the ability to track they’ve come from an ad.
Many thanks!
Hi @adtechmax ,
Yes, you can. Append UTM parameters to your ad URLs, like utm_source, utm_medium, and utm_campaign. Ensure your external site captures these parameters, potentially using cookies or session storage. Transfer the UTM data to Shopify during the account creation or app installation process and track and analyze the traffic and conversions with tools like Google Analytics.
Try it out, hope it will help
I am unsure how to exactly do that as we are using Shopify’s own App Ads platform. We have launched search campaigns through there.
Do you have any help articles or guides please?
@adtechmax , of course, here are some key queries that can help you find what you need:
Google’s official guide on UTM parameters
Google Analytics Campaign URL Builder
Google Analytics Setup for UTM
Shopify and Google Analytics integration
How to track UTM parameters in Shopify
Setting and reading cookies in JavaScript
Session Storage Guide
You can find many relevant articles for these queries that describe how to do this. I am not giving a direct link to the resources because the queries have a larger selection, and you can find an article that is as clear as possible.