Running ads is easy. Tracking whether they’re working? That’s where Google Analytics comes in. Whether you're investing in Google Ads, Facebook promotions, or Instagram campaigns, tracking performance is crucial to ensure every rupee delivers results.
In this guide, you'll learn how to track ad performance using Google Analytics — even if you're a beginner.
Why Track Ad Performance?
Paid ads cost money. Without proper tracking, you won’t know:
- Which platform is driving the most conversions
- Which audience responds best
- What return you're getting on your investment (ROAS)
Google Analytics offers deep insights that help you make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Step 1: Set Up Google Analytics
If you haven’t already:
- Visit analytics.google.com
- Create an account and add your website
- Install the GA tracking code or use Google Tag Manager
- Verify that data is being collected
Step 2: Link Google Ads with Analytics
If you're running Google Ads:
- In Google Analytics, go to Admin → Google Ads Linking.
- Select your ad account and enable data sharing
- Now, ad performance data (clicks, cost, sessions) will be visible in GA
Step 3: Use UTM Parameters for Non-Google Ads
For Facebook, Instagram, or any third-party ads, use UTM tags to track sources.
Example:
https://yourwebsite.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=summer_sale
Paste this link in your ad. Google Analytics will track the traffic and conversions from it.
Create UTM links with Google’s Campaign URL Builder tool.
Step 4: Set Up Goals and Conversions
Want to track leads, purchases, or sign-ups?
- Go to Admin → Goals → New Goal
- Choose a template (like "Place an order")
- Set destination or event tracking
- Now Google Analytics will track conversions from your ads
Step 5: Analyze Your Reports
Go to Acquisition → Campaigns → All Campaigns in Google Analytics.
Here, you'll see:
- Sessions from each campaign
- Bounce rate
- Goal completions
- Conversion rate
- Revenue (if eCommerce tracking is enabled)
Use this to compare campaigns and optimize accordingly.
Pro Tips for Better Tracking
- Always test UTM links before using them
- Use consistent naming conventions in UTM tags
- Check real-time data to monitor ad traffic instantly
- Use Google Analytics with Looker Studio to create visual, easy-to-read reports.
Final Thoughts
Tracking ad performance with Google Analytics isn’t just for experts — it's essential for anyone running online ads. By using the right tools and techniques, you’ll know exactly where your budget is going and how to get better results from every campaign.



Disclaimer
The views expressed by experts in this article are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any website, organization, institution, or affiliated entity. If you have any concerns regarding this article, please contact us at contact@quantamminds.com and also on WhatsApp
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to track Facebook ad performance in Google Analytics?
Use UTM parameters in your Facebook ad URLs to track traffic and conversions in Google Analytics under the “Campaigns” section.
How do I know which ad platform is giving the best ROI?
By linking ad platforms and setting up conversion goals in Google Analytics, you can compare traffic, conversion rates, and revenue from each source.
Can I track Instagram ads using Google Analytics?
Yes, use UTM-tagged URLs in your Instagram ads. This lets Google Analytics identify traffic and performance coming from those campaigns.
What are UTM parameters and why are they important?
UTM parameters are tags added to URLs that help Google Analytics identify the source, medium, and campaign behind incoming traffic—crucial for ad tracking.
Do I need to be a developer to set up ad tracking with Google Analytics?
No, anyone can do it with basic steps: create UTM links, link ad accounts, and set up goals. No coding knowledge is required.