How do I add the Google Ads snippet code to my website?

To add the Google Ads snippet code to your website, you first need to retrieve the tag from Google Ads by selecting the option to install the tag yourself, then choosing the page load method. Once you have copied the snippet code, you return to your WordPress site and use the HFCM plugin to add the new snippet, specifying details like the snippet name and page display settings.

Full Explanation

Adding the Google Ads snippet code correctly ensures that your website can track conversions and interactions from your advertising campaigns. The process begins inside your Google Ads account, where you choose to install the tag yourself. By selecting the ‘page load’ version, you obtain the snippet code designed to trigger when a page loads, allowing accurate tracking.

After acquiring the snippet, you move to your WordPress website, and use the HFCM (Head, Footer & Post Injections) plugin to manage your scripts easily. When adding the snippet in HFCM, you create a new snippet and can give it a specific name such as ‘Google Ads Thank you Pixel’ if you want it to run on a thank-you or confirmation page. For better targeting, instead of applying the snippet site-wide, you select specific pages where the snippet should be active.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Go to your Google Ads account.
2. Click on the option to ‘install the tag yourself’.
3. Select the ‘page load’ snippet option and copy the provided code.
4. Log in to your WordPress website.
5. Navigate to HFCM and choose ‘Add New’ to create a new snippet.
6. If using a thank you page, enter the snippet name as ‘Google Ads Thank you Pixel’.
7. In the site display settings, choose to display on specific pages instead of site-wide.
8. Paste the copied snippet code into the provided area.
9. Save your snippet and verify its implementation on the chosen pages.

Real Examples

For example, if you already have a thank you page set up after a user completes a form or a purchase, you can add the snippet there and name it ‘Google Ads Thank you Pixel’. This setup ensures that the conversion tracking fires only on the confirmation page, avoiding unnecessary tracking across the entire website.

Common Mistakes

• Applying the snippet site-wide when it should only run on specific pages, which can dilute conversion data.
• Forgetting to name the snippet clearly, making it harder to manage or identify later.
• Not correctly copying the snippet from Google Ads or selecting the wrong option other than ‘page load’.

FAQs

Do I need to place the snippet on every page?

No. It is often best to select specific pages, such as a thank you or confirmation page, rather than deploying the snippet site-wide.

What is the ‘page load’ snippet in Google Ads?

The ‘page load’ snippet is the version of the Google Ads tag that triggers when a page fully loads, which is useful for conversion tracking tied to specific page visits.

Can I use HFCM for other snippets too?

Yes, HFCM allows you to add various header or footer codes across your WordPress site in a controlled manner.

Key Takeaways

• Retrieve the Google Ads snippet by choosing ‘install the tag yourself’ and then ‘page load’.
• Use the HFCM plugin within WordPress to add and manage your snippet code.
• Name your snippet descriptively for easier management.
• Apply the snippet on specific pages, such as a thank you page, instead of site-wide for more precise tracking.