Google Ads

If you selected Manual Installation during sign-up, or if you prefer to have full control over your Google Ads settings, you will need to paste the ClickPatrol tracking template yourself.

Follow these steps to ensure the tracker is installed correctly and not blocked by conflicting settings.

Step 1: Install at the Account Level#

The most efficient way to protect your ads is to apply the tracker globally.

1. Get your Template: Log in to ClickPatrol and go to Integration > Tracker. Copy your unique tracking URL.
2. Go to Google Ads: Sign in and navigate to Settings > Account Settings.
3. Paste the URL: Locate the Tracking template field and paste your ClickPatrol URL.
4. Test: Click the Test button next to the field. Google will verify that the link works and properly redirects to your landing pages.
5. Save: Don't forget to save your changes.

Step 2: Check for "Hierarchy Overrides"#

Important: Even if you paste the code correctly in Step 1, it might not work if you have old settings hiding in your account.

Google Ads follows a hierarchy. A tracking template set at a lower level will override and disable the Account-level setting.

The Hierarchy (Bottom-Up):#

1. Ad Level (Overrides everything)
2. Ad Group Level
3. Campaign Level
4. Account Level (ClickPatrol is installed here)

What to do: Check your Campaigns and Ads. If any of them have their own specific tracking template filled in, ClickPatrol will be ignored for those ads. You must clear those fields or merge them (see Step 5).

Tip: Use our Tracking Template Checker Script to instantly scan your account for hidden overrides.

Step 3: Handle UTM Parameters Correctly#

If you use UTMs (like utm_source=google) to track performance, do not paste them inside the Tracking Template.

• Tracking Template: Only for the ClickPatrol redirect URL.
• Final URL Suffix: The correct place for UTM parameters.

If your template looks like {lp}?utm=..., it is incorrect. Move your UTMs to the Final URL Suffix field in Google Ads settings.

Step 4: Check for External Conflicts#

Do you use tools like HubSpot, TripleWhale, or Hyros? These tools often use "Auto-tagging" which forcibly overwrites the tracking template field, removing ClickPatrol.

• The Fix: Disable automatic tracking updates in those third-party tools.
• The Test: Check your Google Ads settings again one hour after installation. If the ClickPatrol URL has been replaced, an external tool is still active.

Step 5: Merging (Advanced)#

If you are required to use another tracking service alongside ClickPatrol at the campaign or ad level, you must merge the templates.

1. Go to the ClickPatrol Tracking Template Tool.
2. Paste your ClickPatrol template in Step 1.
3. Paste your other 3rd-party template in Step 2.
4. Click Submit and use the generated "merged" link in Google Ads.

Step 6: Verify Traffic#

Once installed, traffic should start appearing in your ClickPatrol dashboard within a few hours of your first new ad click.

• Check Date Ranges: Ensure your dashboard date is set to "Today".
• Verify Google Ads: Make sure your campaigns are actually active and receiving clicks.