Definition
Auto-tagging or Gclid (Google Click IDentifier) is a setting that is activated from Google Analytics that adds a parameter to each URL that is loaded from a PPC ad.
Índice de contenidos
How does it work?
The Gclid is formed by a code of numbers and letters that serves so that Google can identify each visitor who clicks on a Google Ads ad and lands on the web. This is recorded in different dimensions:
- Fountain
- Campaign
- Ad group
- Keyword
- Search term
- Concordance
- Device
Advantages of automatic labeling
These are the biggest advantages when using Gclid or automatic labeling.
- It saves a lot of time since you don’t have to manually tag all the final URLs.
- Avoids URL tagging errors that can occur when manually tagging URLs with UTMs.
- Goals and transactions can be easily imported from Google Analytics into Google Ads conversion tracking.
- You have the possibility of havingmore detailed Google Analytics reports.
How do I activate the Gclid?
The steps to follow are:
- Sign in to Google Ads.
- Click Settings,which is located in the menu on the left.
- Enter the tab called Account Settings.
- Click on the “Auto-tagging” section.
- Select “tag my ad’s destination URL”. Disabling auto-tagging leaves that action disabled.
- Save the settings.
Functionality
These are the most outstanding features that the Gclid or automatic labeling has:
- You can import conversions registered in Google Ads into Google Analytics.
- Data from Google Ads campaigns to Google Analytics such as costs, clicks, CTR, among many others, are synchronized.
- You can even measure conversions in all browsers.
- With automatic tagging you can import metrics and conversions from Google Analytics to Google Ads such as revenue, bounce rate, average session duration, attribution, etc …
Frequently asked questions about Gclid
What does Gclid mean in digital marketing?
Gclid refers to the concept described in this glossary entry: Definition Auto-tagging or Gclid (Google Click IDentifier) is a setting that is activated from Google Analytics that adds a parameter to each URL that is loaded from a PPC ad. The Gclid is formed by a code of numbers and letters that serves so that Google can identify each visitor who clicks on a Google Ads ad and lands on the web. It gives teams a shared vocabulary for analysing digital projects.
When should teams pay attention to Gclid?
Teams should review Gclid when it affects acquisition, measurement, user experience, content, automation or campaign performance. The important step is to connect the definition with a real decision.
How is Gclid used in a digital strategy?
Gclid is used by translating the concept into practical checks: where it appears in the funnel, which data or channel is involved and whether it needs optimisation, monitoring or documentation.
What is a common mistake when interpreting Gclid?
A common mistake is using Gclid too broadly. It is better to verify the context, the tool or the metric involved before making strategic or technical conclusions.