AdWords phone tracking via Google's own system
Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2025 6:29 am
Google has been offering the option of tracking calls made via mobile phones using call extensions for some time now. Recently, it has also been possible to measure all calls regardless of the device using a forwarding number. You can select these options under the tab Ad Extensions > Call Extensions
campaign management
Call extension with forwarding number
If you choose the first phone tracking option, Google creates unique service phone numbers that are displayed in addition to the ad.
service phone number phone tracking
Display of the service number using the example of Aufgesang
This phone number is then redirected to the original phone number stored in the interface. Initial tests have shown that the voice quality seems to suffer somewhat as a result. The call after manually entering colombia phone number data this number costs at least $1. However, this max CPP can also be set manually. In addition, the telephone costs are shown at campaign and ad group level. Calls can then be traced back to campaign and ad group level. The number can be clicked on a mobile phone and you only pay the regular click price. More information on this at Google
forwarding numbers_2
Call extension for tracking mobile calls (click-to-call)
The other variants only allow the recording of mobile phone calls. Here you can decide whether the link to the website and the telephone number or just the telephone number should be displayed in the ad.
Disadvantage of phone numbers in AdWords ads
The problem with the phone numbers displayed for an ad is that they are also displayed when the phone is not busy, e.g. at weekends or at night. This is particularly painful for forwarding numbers with call costs starting at $1. One solution would be to create a separate campaign for use during business hours, including the phone number, and a campaign for use outside of business hours.
campaign management
Call extension with forwarding number
If you choose the first phone tracking option, Google creates unique service phone numbers that are displayed in addition to the ad.
service phone number phone tracking
Display of the service number using the example of Aufgesang
This phone number is then redirected to the original phone number stored in the interface. Initial tests have shown that the voice quality seems to suffer somewhat as a result. The call after manually entering colombia phone number data this number costs at least $1. However, this max CPP can also be set manually. In addition, the telephone costs are shown at campaign and ad group level. Calls can then be traced back to campaign and ad group level. The number can be clicked on a mobile phone and you only pay the regular click price. More information on this at Google
forwarding numbers_2
Call extension for tracking mobile calls (click-to-call)
The other variants only allow the recording of mobile phone calls. Here you can decide whether the link to the website and the telephone number or just the telephone number should be displayed in the ad.
Disadvantage of phone numbers in AdWords ads
The problem with the phone numbers displayed for an ad is that they are also displayed when the phone is not busy, e.g. at weekends or at night. This is particularly painful for forwarding numbers with call costs starting at $1. One solution would be to create a separate campaign for use during business hours, including the phone number, and a campaign for use outside of business hours.