In this WooCommerce tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of capturing the Google Click Identifier (gclid) value during the WooCommerce checkout process and saving it in the order details using a WordPress plugin which we built – AFL UTM Tracker plugin.
By implementing our WordPress plugin, you can streamline your tracking, improve campaign performance attribution, and maximize the efficiency of your Google Ads strategies.
How does the AFL UTM Tracker work?
- Google Ad Click: A visitor clicks on a Google Ad and lands on your website with the gclid parameter appended to the URL.
- Cookie Storage: The AFL UTM Tracker plugin automatically captures the gclid value and stores it in a browser cookie.
- Checkout Process: When the visitor completes the checkout, the plugin saves the gclid value to the corresponding order details in WooCommerce.
Why is the gclid parameter important to digital marketers?
Digital marketers benefit greatly from capturing the gclid parameter for the following main reasons:
- Offline Conversion Tracking: Once an order is confirmed, marketers can use the gclid value to import offline conversions into Google Ads, ensuring more accurate campaign performance tracking.
- Attribution Insights: The gclid value provides a clear signal that the visitor interacted with your Google Ads, enabling precise attribution of sales and conversions.
Installing the AFL UTM Tracker Plugin
Follow these steps to install and set up the AFL UTM Tracker plugin:
- Download and Install:
- Purchase and download the AFL UTM Tracker plugin from our online store.
- Install and activate the plugin on your WordPress website.
- Clear Cache:
- Clear all page cache to ensure the plugin’s JavaScript tracking file loads correctly on your website.
- Test the Setup:
- Simulate a click on your Google Ad.
- Complete a purchase on your WooCommerce store to verify functionality.
Viewing the GCLID Conversion Report
- Login to your WordPress Admin.
- Browse to the WooCommerce > Orders page.
- Select the Order you made during testing.
- Under our AFL UTM Tracker metabox, look for the Google (gclid) section.
Exporting the GCLID value into Excel
You can install any WooCommerce Order export plugin which support custom meta field.
- Install the Advanced Order Export for WooCommerce plugin.
- Go to WooCommerce > Export Orders.
- Under the “Set up fields to export” > Add field.
- Meta key: _afl_wc_utm_gclid_value
- Save settings.
- Export.
Conclusion
By following this tutorial, you’ll be able to track the gclid parameter efficiently, enhancing your digital marketing efforts and optimizing your Google Ads campaigns. If you encounter any issues, feel free to reach out to our support team for assistance.
Download our AFL UTM Tracker plugin today!
