How Can I Resolve the Issue with Call Rail?

Short Answer: To fix issues with Call Rail, you need to change the single source tracker to direct and create new trackers for each other source type. Then, in Call Rail, adjust the tracking source of the problematic phone number to “direct,” ensuring it is only used for visitors without a referring website. After these adjustments, the phone numbers on your site should update correctly.

Full Explanation

The main challenge with Call Rail often comes from how tracking sources are configured. If a single source tracker is used universally, it can cause issues with how numbers are displayed and attributed. The solution involves switching this single source tracker to a “direct” type, which means it applies solely to visitors who arrive without any referring website.

By segmenting tracking sources properly, you can create better clarity in your call analytics. Assigning new trackers for each type of traffic source ensures that each visitor group’s actions are tracked accurately. This approach helps Call Rail assign the right numbers to the right visitor sources, preventing misattribution and improving the reliability of your call tracking data.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

  1. Identify the current single source tracker being used in Call Rail.
  2. Change this single source tracker to a “direct” type. This change designates it for visitors without a referring website.
  3. Create new tracking sources to correspond with other types of visitors or referral sources.
  4. In Call Rail, locate the problematic phone number that is not tracking correctly.
  5. Change the tracking source for this problematic number to “direct” so it is only assigned to direct visitors.
  6. Monitor your website to confirm that phone numbers are now changing correctly based on the visitor’s source.

Real Examples

For example, if your website was previously using one single source tracker for all traffic, you might have encountered an issue where numbers didn’t update when visitors came from specific referral sites. By changing the single source tracker to direct and adding separate trackers for other sources such as paid ads, referrals, or social media, visitors without a referrer will be assigned the direct tracking number. This ensures accurate number swapping depending on the visitor’s origin.

Common Mistakes

  • Failing to separate tracking sources and relying solely on a single source tracker.
  • Not changing the tracking source to “direct” for numbers supposed to track direct visitors.
  • Overlooking the need to create additional trackers for other traffic sources, which leads to inaccurate tracking results.
  • Assuming numbers will automatically update without adjusting tracker settings.

FAQs

Why do my phone numbers not change correctly in Call Rail?

This often happens if the tracker setup is not segmented properly, such as using a single source tracker for all traffic or not assigning the correct tracking source to the phone number.

What does changing the tracker to “direct” do?

Changing the tracker to “direct” ensures that the tracking number is assigned only to visitors who arrive without any referring website, improving accuracy for that visitor segment.

Do I need to create new trackers for different traffic sources?

Yes, creating separate trackers for each type of source helps Call Rail attribute the correct tracking numbers based on visitor origin.

Key Takeaways

  • Switch your single source tracker to direct to designate it for visitors without referrers.
  • Create additional trackers for other visitor sources to enhance tracking accuracy.
  • Assign the problematic phone number’s tracking source to direct to fix number swapping issues.
  • These changes will help your Call Rail numbers update correctly and reflect true visitor sources.