Track Google Call-Only Ads and Call Extensions

Call-Only Ads and Call Extensions allow customers to call your business directly from Google search results without visiting your website. To track these calls in WhatConverts, you need to set up a dedicated tracking number with static attribution.

How It Works

Unlike dynamic number pools that swap numbers based on visitor source, Call Extensions and Call-Only Ads require static tracking numbers. When you add your WhatConverts tracking number to these ad types and enable Call Reporting (in Google Ads), Google replaces it with their own forwarding number once your ad group reaches a click threshold. Calls are directed to Google's number, which forwards to your WhatConverts tracking number, and then to your destination number. This setup allows both WhatConverts and Google to record the same calls and timestamps.

Set Up Call Extension Tracking

To track calls from Google Call-Only Ads and Call Extensions, follow the complete setup guide:

Add a Phone Number to Track Google Ads Extension Calls

This guide walks you through:

Creating a tracking number in WhatConverts for Call Extensions
Configuring the number with proper attribution
Adding the number to your Google Ads Call Extensions

Understand Call Extension Thresholds

Call extensions are deployed at the ad group level, even when set up at the campaign level. Each ad group must reach a click threshold before the call-forwarding number is deployed and substitutes the static number in your extension.

The threshold is approximately 20 to 50 clicks per month to start showing the forwarding number, followed by 10-20 clicks per month to maintain that threshold. Google hasn't explicitly stated the minimum threshold, but that seems to be the general consensus among advertisers.

Verify Your Tracking Number

Google sometimes disapproves tracking numbers because they're unable to verify the tracking number for the corresponding website of the campaign. To verify your tracking number:

Verify domain ownership: You can verify your phone number by proving ownership of your ad's display URL domain. Do this by linking your Google Search Console and Ads accounts or by adding your unique Ads conversion tracking tag or remarketing tag to your website.

As long as Google Search Console is linked to your Google Ads account or an Ads Conversion Tag or Remarketing Tag is found on the site, your call extension should be approved by Google.

Troubleshooting

Number Not Swapping: If Google is not replacing your number with one of their own, verify that:

Call Reporting is enabled in Account Settings
Your ad group has reached the required click threshold (20-50 clicks per month)
The number has been approved by Google

Number Disapproved: If your tracking number is disapproved, follow the domain verification steps above or check Google's Destination Requirements for more information.

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