Google Analytics Warning

[Fraser]

Just in reference to QGJ's post here

http://www.a4uforum.co.uk/showthread...ewpost&t=37483

I've had a bit more of a look into this and when you enable Analytics there is an option added to your adwords account which you can find here

My account > user preferences > analytics > edit

I haven't yet checked if it is on or off by default.

If this is activated then google adds it's own tracking on to the end of your adwords campaign. (using something like ?gclid=321312321) This can then cause a problem if you are using any kind of modrewrite or dynamic URLs that don't expect this extra parameter.

So take real care about activating this option and test your adwords. I don't think it will add the tracking code to links within your account so you may need to click your own links after doing a search and cost yourself some cash to be sure that it is actually working.

[Qui Gon Jinn]

Thanks for your help Fraser.

Just to reiterate, it won't affect everyone, but clicking on Ad within the the Google Adwords Admin area will not reveal potential problems.

You'll have to click on your own actual ads on Google Search.

If unsure, a safer option maybe to make sure it is switched off, as this corrected the problem.

My Account > User Preferences > Scroll Down to Analytics

and make sure it says

Destination URL auto-tagging: No, thanks

[hpops]

Hi guys
Thanks for bringing up the problem, just to clarify - would this extra parameter cause tracking problems for "direct-to-merchant" PPC ads. I have some ad groups which direct to my sites and some which direct to merchants you see. (Plus, I have the technical knowledge of a mole)

[Fraser]

I think it is only for your own site. e.g. you set up analytics for www.mysite.co.uk so then any adwords ads are changed to
www.mysite.co.uk?gclid=122314312

Other URLs should remain the same. I'm not certain on this but just encouraging people to look carefully and be sure it's not causing them problem.

[thetafferboy]

if it is causing you problems with your tracking, you can setup a url rewrite rule, or a bounce page.. although the rewrite rule would be better.