Skip to main content

Troubleshooting Guide for Google Ads Reporting in Stack

Google Ads is a powerful platform for promoting your business and driving traffic. However, tracking the effectiveness of your ads can sometimes be challenging. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps to ensure your Google Ads setup is correctly configured in Stack.

Topics Covered​

  • How to troubleshoot your Google Ads Reporting
    1. Ensure your Google Ad Account is integrated with Stack.
    2. Properly configure UTM Tracking templates.
    3. Maintain unique names for Google Ads, Ad sets, and Campaigns.

How to Troubleshoot Your Google Ads Reporting​

1. Verify Google Ad Account Integration​

First, confirm that your Google Ad Account is integrated with Stack:

  • Check that the Gmail address used for integration matches the one linked to your Google Ad Account.
  • Ensure the connected email address has the highest permission level (admin) in your Google Ad Account.

Note: The Gmail account used for integration must have a user or admin role, not a manager role.

2. Configure UTM Tracking Templates​

UTM Tracking templates are crucial for accurate data tracking. Follow these guidelines:

  • Add the UTM Tracking template in only one location: Account settings, Campaign, or Ad setup.
  • If applied in multiple places, the hierarchy is Account > Campaign > Ad.

Important: UTM Tracking is case-sensitive. Ensure the template follows the exact format without using capital letters.

3. Ensure Unique Naming for Ads, Ad Sets, and Campaigns​

Unique names are essential to prevent duplicates in reporting. Here's an example of what to avoid and how to correct it:

Incorrect Setup:

  • Campaign Name: Winter Shoes
  • Campaign ID: 12345
  • Ad Group: Sport Shoes
    • Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1
    • Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1

Duplicate names can cause the same ad to appear in different Ad sets.

Correct Setup:

  • Campaign Name: Winter Shoes
  • Campaign ID: 12345
  • Ad Group: Sport Shoes 1 York
    • Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1.1 York logo
  • Ad Group: Sport Shoes 2 John
    • Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1.2 John logo

Note: Changing the name of a Campaign, Ad set, or Ad will not update existing UTM parameters. It is advisable to create new Campaigns, Ad sets, and Ads to ensure accurate data attribution.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and optimize your Google Ads reporting within Stack.