Why ClickPatrol’s click count may differ from Google Ads

You might notice that ClickPatrol reports a different number of clicks than what you see in your Google Ads dashboard. This can go both ways; sometimes we record more clicks, sometimes fewer. Here’s why:

1. Tracking method differences

ClickPatrol uses Google Ads’ parallel tracking and click beacon. These methods are less likely to be blocked by fraud filters, but they may record more than one click for the same Google Click ID (GCLID).

When a user copies and pastes the ad URL, duplicate GCLIDs can be generated.

We validate each GCLID and flag repetitions as potential fraud. This may lead to more clicks recorded in ClickPatrol than in Google Ads.

2. Fake GCLIDs from bots

In rare cases, bots can generate fake but valid-looking GCLIDs.

When ClickPatrol sees unknown or suspicious GCLIDs, we flag them.

This might increase the click count on our end if Google doesn’t register them.

3. Clicks missing from ClickPatrol

There are also cases where Google Ads shows more clicks than ClickPatrol:

  • Some Google Ads partners don’t support tracking templates.
  • Clicks from these sources don’t activate our tracking system, leading to slight undercounting.

This accounts for a 4–8% difference in some accounts.

4. Google Ads extensions

ClickPatrol does not track certain extensions like call extensions. These clicks won’t be counted in your ClickPatrol dashboard.

However, Google Ads will still show them.

ClickPatrol focuses on protecting your spend from fake or wasteful clicks.

While click totals may not always match exactly, our system ensures you get a clearer picture of real, valid traffic.

 

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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