Q1: Could we replace the URL with a Macro?
Understanding the Use of the {url} Parameter in Google Ads Tracking Templates
In Google Ads, the tracking template allows you to specify a URL that users are directed through before reaching your final landing page. The {lpurl} (previously {url}) parameter represents the final URL you've set for your ad and is replaced with the actual landing page URL when the ad is clicked.
Your Original Tracking Link:
https://green64.gotrackier.io/click?campaign_id=4&pub_id=4&force_transparent=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblockchainpro166.com%2Fclick.php%3Fclick_id%3D{click_id}%26user_agent%3D{user_agent}%26ref%3D{referer}%26ip%3D{ip}%26gcode%3D12522
Your Question:
What would happen if, instead of the URL value (https%3A%2F%2Fblockchainpro166.com%2Fclick.php%3Fclick_id%3D{click_id}%26user_agent%3D{user_agent}%26ref%3D{referer}%26ip%3D{ip}%26gcode%3D12522), a variable x is passed to the {url} macro? Would it violate Google Ads policies or not?
Answer:
1. Replacing the URL Value with a Variable x
If you replace the URL value in your tracking template with a variable x, your tracking template might look like this:
https://green64.gotrackier.io/click?campaign_id=4&pub_id=4&force_transparent=true&url={x}
Implications:
Undefined Variable: Google Ads does not recognize a custom variable
{x}by default. If{x}is not properly defined within your Google Ads account as a custom parameter, it will not be replaced at the time of the ad click, resulting in an invalid URL.Ad Disapproval or Errors: Using an undefined variable can cause your ads to be disapproved or lead to errors when users click on your ads, negatively affecting user experience.
Potential Policy Violation: If the final URL generated after replacing
{x}does not match the domain of your display URL or leads to a non-functional page, it may violate Google Ads policies regarding destination requirements.
2. Google Ads Policies on Tracking Templates and Custom Parameters
Allowed Practices:
Custom Parameters: You can define custom parameters using the
{_parameter}notation (e.g.,{_x}). These must be set up at the account, campaign, ad group, or keyword level.ValueTrack Parameters: Google Ads provides predefined parameters (e.g.,
{lpurl},{campaignid}) that automatically insert specific values.
Disallowed Practices:
Undefined Variables: Using variables that are not recognized by Google Ads or not properly defined can result in ad disapproval.
Policy Circumvention: Using parameters to manipulate the final URL in a way that violates policies, such as cloaking or redirecting to disallowed content, is prohibited.
3. How to Properly Use a Variable in the Tracking Template
If you need to use a variable x in your tracking template, you should:
a. Define a Custom Parameter {_x} in Google Ads.
Steps:
Access Your Account Settings:
Sign in to your Google Ads account.
Navigate to the desired level (account, campaign, ad group, or keyword) where you want to set the custom parameter.
Set Up the Custom Parameter:
Click on Settings for the chosen level.
Locate the custom parameters section.
Add a new custom parameter with the name
_xand set its value to the desired URL-encoded string.
Example:
Name:
_xValue:
https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Flanding-page
b. Update Your Tracking Template
Modify your tracking template to use the custom parameter
{_x}:https://green64.gotrackier.io/click?campaign_id=4&pub_id=4&force_transparent=true&url={_x}
c. Ensure Proper URL Encoding
Make sure the value assigned to
{_x}is URL-encoded if necessary, especially if it contains query parameters.
4. Compliance with Google Ads Policies
Destination Requirements:
Domain Consistency: The final landing page must have the same domain as the one displayed in your ad.
Functionality: The landing page must work properly and not lead to errors.
Content Compliance: The landing page content must comply with all Google Ads policies, including prohibitions against disallowed content.
Transparency and User Safety:
No Cloaking: Do not use redirects or parameters to show different content to users than what was advertised.
Avoid Misleading Practices: Ensure that users are not misled about the content or functionality of the landing page.
5. Potential Issues with Passing a Variable x Without Proper Definition
Invalid URLs: If
{x}is not defined, users clicking on your ad may encounter broken links or error pages.Ad Disapproval: Google Ads may disapprove your ads due to invalid tracking templates or destination mismatch.
Account Suspension: Repeated violations of Google Ads policies can lead to account suspension.
6. Recommendations
a. Use Custom Parameters Correctly
Always define custom parameters using the
{_parameter}format.Assign values to custom parameters at the appropriate level in your account.
b. Test Your Tracking Template
Use the Google Ads Preview Tool or append
?url={lpurl}to your tracking template to test and ensure it resolves correctly.Confirm that the final URL after all redirects leads to the intended landing page.
c. Review Google Ads Policies
Familiarize yourself with the Google Ads Destination Requirements and Tracking Template Policies.
d. Avoid Prohibited Parameters
Do not include parameters that capture personal identifiable information (PII) or are used for device fingerprinting (e.g.,
{ip},{user_agent}).
7. Summary
Using an Undefined Variable
{x}: Directly passing{x}without defining it as a custom parameter will likely cause your ads to be disapproved due to invalid URL errors.Policy Compliance: Properly defining custom parameters and ensuring that your tracking templates and landing pages comply with Google Ads policies will prevent disapprovals.
Best Practice: Define
{_x}as a custom parameter, assign it a valid, URL-encoded value, and update your tracking template accordingly.
Example Implementation:
Define Custom Parameter
{_x}:Value:
https%3A%2F%2Fblockchainpro166.com%2Fclick.php%3Fclick_id%3D{clickid}%26gcode%3D12522
Update Tracking Template:
https://green64.gotrackier.io/click?campaign_id=4&pub_id=4&force_transparent=true&url={_x}Remove Prohibited Macros:
Ensure that you do not include
{user_agent},{ip}, or{referer}in your URLs, as these can violate policies.
Test the Final URL:
Confirm that the tracking URL correctly redirects to your intended landing page without errors.
Final Notes:
Avoid Policy Violations: Always ensure that your tracking methods do not collect prohibited information or use techniques that could be seen as circumventing Google Ads policies.
Consult Support if Needed: If you're unsure about your setup, consider reaching out to Google Ads Support for guidance.
Stay Updated: Google Ads policies can change. Regularly review the policies to ensure ongoing compliance.
Q2: How can I identify which click tracker domain is whitelisted/approved by Google Ads?
Answer:
Google maintains a list of verified click tracking publicly, which can be referred from the following URL:
Q3: Why did I encounter a "Malicious Software" error when publishing a Google Ads campaign with a Trackier tracking template?
Answer:
This error generally occurs because Google Ads flagged your tracking URL as potentially leading to harmful or suspicious content. This could be due to several reasons, including issues with the tracking template, suspicious redirects, or the website failing Google's malware detection scans. Sometimes, overly complex URL structures or multiple redirections can also trigger such errors.
Solution: To resolve this issue:
Verify the Tracking Template: Ensure that your Trackier-generated tracking template is configured correctly. The tracking URL should be free from unnecessary or misleading parameters that could trigger Google's safety filters.
Check for Malware: Use tools such as Google Safe Browsing or other online malware scanners to confirm that your landing page and all redirect URLs are safe. Any malware or suspicious scripts detected should be removed immediately.
HTTPS Security: Ensure all URLs, including the final destination and redirect links, use secure HTTPS protocols. Google Ads prefers secure connections, and HTTP links can sometimes raise security concerns.
Request a Review: Once all issues are resolved, log into Google Ads and request a review of your campaign. This can often help to clear up any false positives.
Consult Trackier Documentation: Make sure the tracking URLs generated from Trackier are compliant with Google's advertising policies. You may need to update tracking links or parameters according to Trackier's best practices for Google Ads.
By taking these steps, you should be able to resolve the "Malicious Software" issue and successfully publish your campaign.
Q 4: Why did I encounter a "Compromised Website" error when publishing a Google Ads campaign with a Trackier tracking template?
Answer:
The "Compromised Website" error typically indicates that Google has flagged your website or landing page as potentially compromised or unsafe. This can happen if Google detects suspicious activities, such as malicious code, unauthorized redirects, or other indicators that the website's security may have been breached.
Solution: To resolve this issue:
Scan for Security Issues: Perform a comprehensive security scan of your website using tools like Google Safe Browsing, Sucuri, or other malware detection tools. Remove any malware, malicious scripts, or unauthorized changes found during the scan.
Check Google Search Console: Log in to Google Search Console to see if there are any security alerts or warnings about your site. Google often provides detailed information on security issues, which can help identify the source of the problem.
Update Website Security: Ensure your website uses secure protocols (HTTPS) and that all plugins, themes, and software are up to date. Weak points in your website's security can make it more vulnerable to attacks, resulting in this type of error.
Remove Unauthorized Redirects: Check for and remove any unauthorized redirects. These can often be a sign of compromised security and may be causing Google to flag your site.
Request a Review: After resolving the security issues, request a review in Google Search Console or Google Ads. This will prompt Google to re-evaluate your site and lift the "Compromised Website" flag if the issues have been addressed.
By following these steps, you can address the "Compromised Website" error, ensure your site is secure, and successfully publish your Google Ads campaign.
We're thrilled to have put together a top-notch team of qualified experts who are available to handle any of your concerns and respond to any inquiries you may have. You can contact us at any time by sending an email to support@trackier.com or using the in-platform chat feature.
