Can you explain to me where the URL from the suffix is from and what exactly it’s supposed to do?
Short Answer: The URL parameters and code snippet added at the account level allow platforms like Google Ads and CallRail to identify which traffic is coming from specific sources, enabling accurate conversion tracking and visitor verification. This setup lets you switch your normal phone number to a CallRail number for tracking purposes, while Clicky helps verify visitors as legitimate potential buyers or block unwanted traffic.
Full Explanation
The URL suffix, often consisting of specific parameters, works by tagging traffic from different sources—primarily Google Ads and CallRail. When these parameters are attached to URLs, they help these platforms distinguish where the traffic originates. This distinction is crucial for tracking conversions correctly. Essentially, when someone clicks on an ad or a tracked link, the parameters send that information back to the platform.
This enables the system to switch the displayed phone number from your usual business number to a CallRail number designed specifically for tracking calls. By doing this, you can measure how many visitors from Google Ads or other platforms turned into actual phone calls, which counts as conversions. Furthermore, the Clicky tracking included in the setup allows you to see who exactly visits your site. It helps identify if a visitor is genuinely interested and potentially going to make a purchase, or if they are unwanted traffic, which can be blocked accordingly.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- URL Parameters Added: Parameters added to URLs track traffic source details.
- Account-Level Code Snippet: Installed at the account level to capture click data for both platforms.
- Switching Phone Numbers: Based on traffic, the normal phone number is replaced with the CallRail tracking number.
- Tracking Visitors: Clicky monitors if visitors are legitimate prospects.
- Blocking Unwanted Traffic: If visitors are identified as irrelevant, they can be blocked.
- Conversion Tracking: All of this contributes to knowing which ads or calls lead to conversions.
Real Examples
Imagine a visitor clicking on a Google Ad; the URL they click on contains special parameters. These parameters notify Google Ads and CallRail that this visitor came from the ad campaign. Instead of showing your usual phone number, the system replaces it with a CallRail number so calls can be tracked back to that campaign. Meanwhile, Clicky monitors the visitor’s actions to verify if they are genuinely interested and not just random or malicious traffic.
Common Mistakes
- Not adding URL parameters correctly, leading to inaccurate tracking.
- Failing to set the account-level code snippet, causing platforms not to receive click data.
- Not switching the phone number, which prevents call tracking from working.
- Ignoring visitor verification, which may lead to counting irrelevant or fake traffic.
FAQs
- Why is switching the phone number necessary?
- Switching lets CallRail track calls as conversions tied to specific campaigns, giving you precise data on lead sources.
- What does Clicky do with visitor information?
- Clicky helps determine if visitors are legitimate potential buyers and assists in blocking unwanted traffic.
- Can I track multiple traffic sources with this method?
- Yes, URL parameters help distinguish traffic coming from Google Ads or CallRail, amongst other sources configured similarly.
Key Takeaways
- URL parameters are essential for identifying traffic sources.
- Account-level code snippets enable platforms to track click data effectively.
- Switching the phone number to a CallRail number makes call tracking and conversion measurement possible.
- Visitor verification via Clicky improves data quality by confirming genuine leads and blocking irrelevant visits.