Google Ads isn't recording my leads as conversions. Why?

By: Jyll Saskin Gales, Google Ads Coach

Have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering why your Google Ads account isn't tracking the leads you know you're getting? This is a common issue that can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're seeing success elsewhere. Let's get your conversion tracking back on track.

The Curious Case of the Missing Leads

If you're confident that you're generating leads from your Google Ads campaigns, but Google Ads isn't recording them, there are a few potential culprits:

• Misattribution: Those leads might be coming from other sources, like Google organic search, your Google Business Profile, or even other marketing channels. Double-check your Google Analytics data to confirm the source of your leads.
• Conversion Tracking Setup Issues: If Google Analytics confirms the leads are from Google Ads, then the problem lies within your conversion tracking setup. Head over to the "Goals" > "Conversions" > "Summary" in your Google Ads account and check the status of your Lead Form Conversion setting.

Red Alert: Troubleshooting Conversion Tracking Issues

If you see a red warning next to your Lead Form Conversion setting (or anywhere else in Google Ads), it's a clear sign that something is amiss. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as incorrect tracking code implementation, issues with your website's code, or problems with the conversion action itself.

A yellow warning, on the other hand, indicates a potential issue that may not be critical at the moment but could become problematic in the future. It's a good idea to address yellow warnings promptly to avoid any disruptions in your conversion tracking.

A Silver Lining: Real Leads Are Better Than Phantom Conversions

While it's frustrating to have your leads go untracked, it's definitely preferable to the opposite scenario: Google Ads reporting conversions that don't actually exist. At least you know your efforts are yielding results, even if the tracking isn't perfect.

To pinpoint the exact cause of your conversion tracking woes, Google Analytics can be a valuable ally. Use it to analyze the source of your leads and compare the data with your Google Ads reports. If there's a discrepancy, it's time to dive deeper into your conversion tracking setup and investigate potential issues.