What was the problem with the website?

The problem with the website was that the call tracking number displayed to every visitor changed unpredictably, even for users who did not come from Google ads. This issue was caused by a problem with the website’s cache memory.

Full Explanation

The core issue related to how the website handled call tracking numbers and the function of its cache memory. Essentially, every visitor landing on the website ended up seeing a different call tracking number, regardless of their origin. While call tracking numbers are intended to vary based on specific traffic sources like Google ads, here they changed universally due to a caching problem.

Cache memory is used by websites to store content temporarily and improve loading speeds. However, when it malfunctions or is not configured correctly, cached data can improperly overwrite or display incorrect information. In this case, the cache improperly caused the call tracking number to change for all visitors, not only those directed through paid advertising.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Visitor Lands on Website: Any user visits the site, whether through organic search, direct URL entry, or paid Google ads.
Call Tracking Number Is Displayed: The site is supposed to show a specific call tracking number depending on the visitor’s source.
Cache Memory Intervenes: The website’s caching system stores certain page elements to speed up future visits.
Cache Malfunction Occurs: Instead of selectively updating call tracking numbers, the cache causes the number to change universally.
All Visitors See Changing Numbers: Visitors who are not from Google ads also see changing call tracking numbers, creating confusion and inconsistency.

Real Examples

Imagine a user who arrives at the website via an organic search on Google. Normally, they would see a standard contact number. However, due to the caching issue, this user sees the special call tracking number intended only for Google ads traffic. Similarly, the next visitor landing from a social media site might see a different number as well, even though their traffic source does not warrant that change. These inconsistent displays stem directly from the cache memory problem impacting every visitor.

Common Mistakes

Ignoring Cache Behavior: Not fully understanding how caching affects dynamic content such as call tracking numbers can lead to display issues.
Uneven Implementation: Failing to ensure call tracking numbers update only for relevant traffic sources causes data mix-ups.
Not Testing Different Traffic Sources: Overlooking testing for how different visitors see the website content can allow cache-related problems to persist.

FAQs

Why did the call tracking number change for all users?
The cache memory on the website caused the call tracking number to update regardless of the incoming traffic source.

Should only users from Google ads see the changing call tracking number?
Yes, call tracking numbers are typically meant to change only for specific sources, such as Google ads, but this was not happening due to the caching issue.

Key Takeaways

The website’s cache memory was causing the call tracking number to change for every visitor.
This issue led to confusion because even users who were not coming from Google ads saw the call tracking number change.
Proper cache management is essential to ensure that dynamic content like call tracking numbers updates only for intended user groups.