AdWords Conversion Tracking Tool

[Bernard]

I got an e-mail from Google that included the following:New: Free conversion tracking tool

Conversion tracking is the latest addition to our suite of Google AdWords reporting tools. This feature allows you to track how many ad clicks convert to purchases, sign-ups, page views, and leads - for free.

You'll get AdWords conversion data right down to the keyword level in your reports, information that can help you better measure your return on investment (ROI) and make smarter online advertising decisions.

For detailed information about this new AdWords feature, please read our FAQ (https://adwords.google.com/select/faq/conversions.html). Or, you can start tracking today - simply select the 'Conversion Tracking' link at the top of the 'Campaign Summary' page in your account.

Why would anyone want Google to have access to their conversion data? There are inexpensive conversion tracking options available on the net.

[polarmate]

Whether Google or a third-party on the net, someone else still has your conversion data. So that's kind of a non-issue.

If the conversion tracking tool from Google is free, everything is in one place - but just for Google ads. It makes sense for the small advertiser who uses only Google AdWords. However, I would still need to track my other PPC ads separately. That's the only downside I see with this. I use my affiliate tracking system to track PPC ads and while we may consider signing up for Google's conversion tool, as a quick guide, there's no way we will be ditching the system we have in place today.

It's a great tool for them cos they see get to see a $$ figure for the sales they help generate on the Internet. Helps strengthen the foundation for IPO, hmmm? ;)

[Bernard]

I've got a CGI script to track conversions for my site. I'm the only one with access to the data. You do not have to use a web service for this.

[polarmate]

Absolutely! But not everyone's hosting services allows them to run cgi scripts :) mine does not :rolleyes:

[gregone]

Does Google have access to the Adwords you're using? I mean would Google's advertising team have access to your Adwords list? If they did, wouldn't they be using them for clients where they handle the Adwords premium accounts for? If they had access to data on your conversions and which keywords etc., wouldn't they then just copy what you're doing for the client they're running the program for? I'm curious to know if they let people who handle Google premium accounts access Adword keyword lists of other adwords advertisers.