Should I Set Up Conversion Tracking for Google Ads?

If you’re running Google Ads or thinking about it, you’ve probably come across the term “conversion tracking.”

It might sound technical, but here’s the truth:

If you don’t have conversion tracking set up, you’re flying blind.

In this post, we’ll break down what conversion tracking is, why it matters, and whether you actually need it.

I’ve worked with dozens of businesses that were spending hundreds (sometimes thousands) on ads — with no idea whether the clicks were turning into leads or sales. Once we set up tracking, everything changed. Suddenly they knew exactly what was working and what wasn’t.

Let’s break down what conversion tracking is, why it matters, and how to get it working for your business.

What Is Conversion Tracking?

Conversion tracking shows when someone takes action after clicking your ad — like calling your business or filling out your contact form.

Without it, you’re only seeing part of the picture: clicks.

With it, you’re tracking results — the things that actually grow your business.

Why Conversion Tracking Matters

1. You’ll Know What’s Actually Working

You might be getting clicks, but are they turning into calls or leads? I’ve seen businesses waste months thinking their ads were “working” — only to find out they weren’t driving any enquiries at all.

Tracking tells you:

• Which keywords bring real leads

• What your cost per lead is

• Whether your ads are worth the spend

2. Google Can Optimise Your Ads

Smart bidding strategies like Maximize Conversions or Target CPA need data. Conversion data.

Once that’s in place, Google can help bring in more qualified traffic for less.

3. You Can Make Confident Decisions

If you’re spending $500 and getting 15 leads, that’s a cost per lead of about $33.You can work with that. You can scale it. You can improve it.

But if you don’t know what’s converting, it’s just guesswork.

How to Set It Up

There are a few options:

• Google Tag Manager (great for modern websites)

• Installing a simple code snippet (if you're not using GTM)

• Google Analytics 4 integration

• Call tracking for mobile click-to-call buttons

Most setups take less than an hour with a bit of help.

Real Example

A local physio I worked with was getting over 100 clicks a month — but barely any bookings. Once we added conversion tracking, we found most leads were coming from mobile and only 1 ad group was working well. We paused the rest and doubled their bookings — without increasing their budget.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about results from Google Ads, conversion tracking isn’t optional.

It gives you clarity, improves performance, and saves you money.Even just one extra lead per week can make a big difference — and conversion tracking helps make that happen.

If you're unsure whether your setup is working properly, I offer a free audit. No strings attached — just help you can use.

By Lachlan Martin – Google Ads Specialist

I run high-performing Google Ads campaigns for local service businesses in Australia. From solo tradies to health clinics, I help clients get more leads without wasting ad spend. If you’re not sure whether your Google Ads are working — I’m here to help.

Learn More About Ads Consultation At www.lachlanmartin.au