Liam Webster’s Post

Hidden Google tool reveals GA4 and Google Ads discrepancies Google Analytics 4 (GA4) contains a concealed report that allows users to compare conversions exported to Google Ads and explains discrepancies between the platforms. Why we care. This hidden feature provides advertisers with a valuable tool to reconcile differences in conversion data, potentially improving campaign accuracy and performance. How to access: Start with your standard GA4 property URL Append “/advertising/key-event-differences” to the URL The full URL should resemble: “https://lnkd.in/dTppWASW First seen. We first came across this from Brais Calvo Vázquez’s LinkedIn who showed us the shortcut that allows us to see this report: Yes, but. The report isn’t accessible for all GA4 properties. Between the lines. The renaming of “conversions” to “key events” in GA4 was meant to eliminate discrepancies with Google Ads. The report‘s hidden status may be due to its potential contradiction of this goal. The big picture. Some users report seeing this feature for over a year, suggesting extended development or testing. What to watch. Whether Google will officially release this tool or continue to keep it hidden, given its usefulness to marketers in reconciling data inconsistencies. July 11, 2024 at 11:49PM

Do you find your Google Ads data often doesn't match what you see in GA4? Here's why ⬇ 1. Time lag. Google Ads attributes the conversion at the time an ad was clicked, whereas GA4 counts when the conversion happened, even if the conversion came a while after the ad itself was clicked. It's not unusual to see a delay of up to 72 hours 2. Their counting models. You'd think both being Google products designed to speak to each other on a regular basis they'd be the same, right? Wrong! GA4 defaults to counting every conversion, whereas Google Ads allows you to configure conversions to be counted only once within a specified conversion window. 3. Different attribution models between platforms. For example, if you've chosen Data-driven attribution in Google Ads but Last Click in GA4, you'll see discrepancies There can be other things at play, but understanding your data is key when trying to navigate your Google Ads reporting. If you're struggling to make sense of your data or need help with tracking set up, get in touch! #GoogleAdsExperts #GA4 #DataAnalysis

Did you know that Google Analytics 4 (GA4) contains a hidden “Conversion Differences” report that allows users to compare and explain discrepancies between conversions exported to Google Ads and those in GA4? According to searchengineland.com, some users have reported seeing this feature (I tested it here and it worked), suggesting ongoing development or testing. See how to test it out in the link below. Although, be warned, it isn’t accessible for all GA4 properties. https://lnkd.in/dBZzH6cf

GA4 has a new hidden secret feature that reveals conversion differences between Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads! Read more here: https://t.ly/mriFY #DigitalMarketing #GoogleAds #GA4

Another step in the direction of GA4 being an interface for Google Ads with the introduction of the Google Ads reports to the advertising reporting section. This isn't really anything new, as these reports have always been available if you linked Ads and enabled them through the library. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ However, getting my crystal ball out 🔮 I think this will be the start of many Google Ads features available in the GA4 side, such as bidding adjustments or even creating campaigns. The end game will be to make Google Ads as accessible as possible for anyone with a GA4 property, it will be a money spinner 🤑 ~~ But don't worry, all of your problems will be solved by spending more money on ✨Google Ads✨ and you'll be able to see all of those attributed conversions in these reports 😁 Don't ever question Google though 😡~~ If you use a tool for free, then you're the product 🤔 #ga4 #googleanalytics #googleads #ppc #google

🔍💼🚀 Unveiling the Hidden Google Tool! Ever wondered why your GA4 and Google Ads data don't match up? The mystery is about to unravel! Google has a secret weapon in its arsenal that can help you uncover the discrepancies between GA4 and Google Ads data. This tool, hidden from plain sight, is a game-changer for all marketers and data analysts out there. Dive deep into the ocean of data, decode the anomalies, and discover a whole new perspective on your marketing strategies. Stay tuned as we explore this hidden tool, its functionalities, and how it can transform your data analysis game. Let's demystify the discrepancies together! #GoogleTools #GA4 #GoogleAds #DataAnalysis #MarketingStrategy #DataDiscrepancies #HiddenTools

Have you ever wondered why your conversion data in Google Ads and GA4 looks so different? Well, it seems that there is a hidden report that can shed some light on this. Recently, it has come to light that GA4 has a concealed conversion differences report. This report enables users to compare conversions exported to Google Ads and explains the discrepancies in counts between the two platforms. The reason it has been hidden is due to the renaming of "conversions" to "Key events" in GA4. This was intended to eliminate any discrepancies between Google Ads and GA4. However, the existence of this report seems to contradict that goal, which likely explains why it's hidden away. To access the hidden report, follow these steps: 1️⃣ Start with your typical GA4 property URL 2️⃣ Add this to the end of your URL: /advertising/key-event-differences #google #googleanalytics #googleads

What to Use: 🔴 Google Analytics Tag vs. 🔵 Google Ads Tag? Over time, I've noticed something interesting: the GA4 tag shows strong growth in conversion value, while the Google Ads Tag does not. 👆🏻 Back when I worked at Google, we were all about getting advertisers to use the Google Ads Tag for its superior tracking capabilities. But now, reps are nudging me toward the GA4 tag—and I'm starting to see why. Here’s a key difference 🕐: GA4 Tag: 90-day conversion window (standard) Google Ads Tag: 30-day conversion window (standard) Another key difference (that's irrelevant for longer periods): Google Analytics measures conversion on the day of the conversion. Google Ads measures conversion on the day of the click/imp of the ad. Take a look at the graph below from one of my clients, which compares "All Conversion Value" for both tags: 🔵 Blue = Google Ads Tag 🔴 Red = GA4 Tag Initially, the Google Ads Tag captured more conversion value. But over time, the GA4 tag seems to catch up—and even surpass it. In fact, last week the GA4 Tag captured 50% more conversion value than the Google Ads Tag! To my fellow SEA specialists: Is this difference simply explained by the longer conversion window in GA4? Or am I missing something else here? Important note: We’ve made no tracking changes since launching the GA4 tag. Curious to hear your thoughts! #goolgeads #SEA #analytics

Mitchel Wubben raises a good question regarding which platform provides better (i.e. more accurate) attribution - GA4 or Google Ads. My experience across the board has been that working with Google Ads conversions offers broader attribution which is a good thing - the more data fed into the platform, the better it gets. Client reporting will in any case be done through a neutral platform (e.g. GA4 or Hubspot) that mis-attributes all platforms equally. There is however one exception to the GA4/Google Ads conversions debate that is often overlooked: When your conversion action is followed by a redirect. In most cases, a redirect after the conversion action is fine - submit a form and be sent to /thank-you. Simply measure the URL and you're all set (except for issues on Enhanced Conversions, but that's for a separate post). But if the form submission leads to another site, for example an external booking page, you have to measure the initial form submission. At this case, GA4 and Google Ads differ greatly. Google Ads conversions send a request that waits for a server response that takes a few ms to generate. GA4 on the other hand, uses a beacon that is (mostly) one way and forces the browser to wait for it to finish. This is why in some cases, the same conversion for both platforms using a single GTM trigger will fail for Google Ads and succeed for GA4. So long story short: If you have to choose between native Google Ads conversions or GA4, choose Google Ads. If your conversion scenario is non-standard, consult with an expert 😉

I suggest Super-Conversions next. The ones produced exclusively through PSuper (PMax Next Generation) the "give us a link and budget" solution we'll probably see in the next 6-12 months (if that) 🤣