Whether you're running email marketing, social media ads, or affiliate promotions, tracking the performance of your campaigns is crucial. The Google URL Builder is a free and powerful tool that helps you create custom URLs with tracking parameters so you can easily monitor how users interact with your links in Google Analytics.
What Is Google URL Builder?
The Google URL Builder (also called Campaign URL Builder) allows you to add UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters to your URLs. These parameters send detailed information to Google Analytics about where your traffic is coming from, how users are engaging with your content, and which campaigns are driving results.
Why Use Google URL Builder?
Using the Google URL Builder gives you clear insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. With just a few added tags, you can track:
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✅ Source (e.g., Facebook, Google, newsletter)
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✅ Medium (e.g., email, social, CPC)
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✅ Campaign name (e.g., spring_sale, product_launch)
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✅ Content (to differentiate versions of the same ad)
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✅ Term (for paid keywords in PPC campaigns)
How to Use Google URL Builder
Follow these simple steps to create a tracked link:
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Go to the Google Campaign URL Builder
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Enter your destination URL (the page you want people to visit)
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Fill in the campaign parameters, such as source, medium, and name
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Copy the generated URL with the UTM tags
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Use this custom URL in your campaign (email, ad, etc.)
Once someone clicks your tagged link, the data flows into your Google Analytics account under “Acquisition” > “Campaigns.”
Example of a Tagged URL
Here’s what a tracked URL might look like:
This tells Google Analytics that the traffic came from Facebook (source), via a social post (medium), and is part of the "spring_sale" campaign.
Benefits of Using Google URL Builder
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???? Track Campaign Performance Accurately
Know exactly where your traffic is coming from. -
???? Make Smarter Marketing Decisions
Analyze what works and optimize your strategy. -
???? Differentiate Campaigns Easily
Even similar links in different channels can be tracked separately. -
???? Free and Easy to Use
No need for paid software—just plug in and go.
Tips for Using UTM Parameters
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✅ Keep your naming consistent across campaigns
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✅ Use lowercase letters for all UTM tags
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✅ Don’t use spaces—use underscores or dashes instead
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✅ Shorten long URLs using tools like Bit.ly
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✅ Avoid over-tagging; only track what you need
Conclusion
The Google URL Builder is a must-have tool for marketers who want to track performance with precision. It empowers you to see where your traffic is coming from, which campaigns are working, and how users are engaging with your content. With this information, you can refine your strategy and improve your ROI—all using a simple, free tool.