What if I already use UTM parameters in my tracking template?

Table of Contents

    1. Step 1: Identify the existing UTM structure
    2. Step 2: Move the UTM parameters to the Final URL Suffix
    3. Step 3: Add ClickPatrol’s tracking template at the account level
    4. Step 4: Use our template checker script
    5. Still having issues?
    6. Summary

If you’re already using another tool that adds UTM parameters to the tracking template field in Google Ads, you’ll need to adjust the setup slightly before adding ClickPatrol. This ensures that both tools can work side by side without breaking URL structures or overwriting each other.

Step 1: Identify the existing UTM structure

Most third-party marketing tools (like Hubspot, Qooqie, TripleWhale, or internal BI solutions) use the tracking template to append UTM or analytics parameters.

A typical UTM setup might look like this:

{lpurl}?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={campaignid}&utm_term={keyword}

You can find this in Google Ads:

  1. Open Settings at the account, campaign, ad group, and ad level
  2. Look for the Tracking template field
  3. If it starts with {lpurl}?, that means UTM parameters are placed directly in the template

Step 2: Move the UTM parameters to the Final URL Suffix

To use ClickPatrol, the tracking template field must be reserved for ClickPatrol’s redirect URL. This means the UTM portion needs to be moved.

How to do it:

  1. Remove {lpurl}? and copy everything after it
  2. Paste that into the Final URL Suffix field Example: 
    utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign={campaignid}&utm_term={keyword}
  3. Remove the entire tracking template field after transferring

This keeps your existing analytics intact while making space for ClickPatrol.

Step 3: Add ClickPatrol’s tracking template at the account level

Once the Final URL Suffix is correctly configured, you can now add the ClickPatrol tracking template.

ClickPatrol’s standard template:

https://trck-001.clckptrl.com/?uid=xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx&adp={adposition}&lpm={loc_physical_ms}&lim={loc_interest_ms}&adi={adgroupid}&k={keyword}&n={network}&ci={campaignid}&d={device}&p={placement}&u={lpurl}&ma={matchtype}&ta={target}&cr={creative}

Replace the uid= value with your personal ClickPatrol user ID. Apply this template only at the account level.

Google Ads uses this priority:

  • Ad > Ad group > Campaign > Account

If a template still exists at any lower level, ClickPatrol will not function properly.

Step 4: Use our template checker script

To ensure a smooth setup, especially for large accounts, use our tracking template checker script. This tool:

  • Scans all account levels
  • Flags where tracking templates are still filled in

Still having issues?

Sometimes other tools automatically reinsert their tracking templates. If that happens, check your integration settings in the platform that manages your UTM tagging. Disable automated syncs where possible.

For further troubleshooting.

Summary

Element Where it should go
Existing UTM Final URL Suffix
ClickPatrol URL Account-level tracking template

Still need help? Reach out via the Support button in your ClickPatrol dashboard. We’re happy to assist.

Abisola

Meet Abisola! As the content manager at ClickPatrol, she’s the go-to expert on all things fake traffic. From bot clicks to ad fraud, Abisola knows how to spot, stop, and educate others about the sneaky tactics that inflate numbers but don’t bring real results.

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