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

The short answer is to first get the snippet code from Google Ads by selecting ‘Install the tag yourself’ and choosing ‘Page Load’. Then, use the HFCM plugin on your website to create a new snippet: name it appropriately, select the specific page where you want it to appear (such as a thank you page), set the location to ‘Before Content’, paste the copied snippet, and save your changes.

Full Explanation

To add a Google Ads snippet code to your website, you need to return to your Google Ads account and navigate to the section where you can install the tracking tag. By clicking on ‘Install the tag yourself’ and choosing ‘Page Load’, Google Ads provides a snippet of code tailored for your website’s needs. This snippet is essential for tracking conversions or user activities related to your ads.

Once you have the snippet, the next step involves your website’s backend. If you are using the HFCM (Header Footer Code Manager) plugin, go to it and select ‘Add New’ to create a new snippet. It’s important to name this snippet in a way that identifies its purpose — for example, ‘Google Ads Thank You Pixel’ if it’s intended for a thank you page.

Instead of applying the snippet site-wide, you should pick the option to add it only to specific pages. This is especially useful for conversion tracking on pages like thank you or confirmation pages. Set the location to ‘Before Content’ to ensure the snippet loads appropriately within the page. Finally, paste the copied snippet into the designated area and save your changes to activate the tracking.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Go to your Google Ads account and click on ‘Install the tag yourself’.
Select the ‘Page Load’ option to get the snippet code.
Copy the snippet code provided by Google Ads.
Access your website’s HFCM plugin and click on ‘Add New’ to create a new snippet.
Name the snippet, for example, ‘Google Ads Thank You Pixel’ if it’s for your thank you page.
Choose to apply the snippet only on specific pages rather than site-wide.
Select the thank you page (or the relevant conversion page) where the snippet should be active.
Set the snippet location to ‘Before Content’ to ensure proper loading.
Paste the copied snippet into the provided field.
Save the snippet to finalize the addition.

Real Examples

If you have a thank you page that appears after a customer completes a purchase or fills a form, you can name your snippet ‘Google Ads Thank You Pixel’. By targeting this specific page when adding the snippet, you ensure that the Google Ads tracking pixel only fires after a successful conversion event, giving you accurate tracking data without affecting other pages.

Common Mistakes

Applying the snippet site-wide instead of only on conversion pages, which can dilute or misrepresent conversion data.
Placing the snippet in incorrect locations on the page, such as after content or in the footer, which might prevent the proper firing of the tracking code.
Forgetting to save the snippet in HFCM after pasting the code, resulting in no tracking activation.
Not naming the snippet descriptively, causing confusion when managing multiple snippets later.

FAQs

Can I add the Google Ads snippet to all pages? It’s possible, but it’s best practice to add it only to specific pages like thank you or conversion pages to track meaningful events accurately.
Where exactly should I paste the snippet? In HFCM, set the location to ‘Before Content’ when creating the snippet to ensure proper loading of the tag.
Is the snippet code the same for all types of Google Ads tags? The snippet you copy after selecting ‘Page Load’ in Google Ads is specific to the method you choose; always follow Google’s guidance for your tracking goals.

Key Takeaways

Return to Google Ads to obtain the tracking snippet through ‘Install the tag yourself’ and ‘Page Load’.
Use the HFCM plugin on your website to add and manage the snippet.
Name your snippet clearly based on its purpose, such as targeting the thank you page.
Choose to apply the snippet on specific pages to ensure accurate conversion tracking.
Set the snippet location to ‘Before Content’ and save it properly.