Simulate Google Ads Clicks to Test Tracking Numbers

Before launching your Google Ads campaigns, test that your tracking numbers correctly capture keyword data and attribution. This guide shows you how to simulate Google Ads clicks without spending ad budget.

How It Works

Google Ads uses URL parameters (like gclid and keyword values) to pass attribution details when someone clicks an ad. For testing, you can manually open your website with those same parameters to simulate a Google Ads visit. This lets you confirm that:

• Dynamic number pools swap correctly for Google Ads traffic
• Keyword data is captured and displayed in Lead Manager
• Attribution data (source, medium, campaign) is accurate
• The tracking script is functioning properly

Simulate a Google Ads Click

To test your Google Ads tracking setup:

1. Open an incognito/private window or use the wc_clear=true UTM parameter to ensure clean cookies.
2. Enter your website URL with the following test parameters, replacing YOURWEBSITE.com with your actual domain:

   http://www.YOURWEBSITE.com/?gclid=test&utm_keyword=testkeyword

3. If you are not using an incognito/private window, then append &wc_clear=true to the end of the above URL:

   http://www.YOURWEBSITE.com/?gclid=test&utm_keyword=testkeyword&wc_clear=true

4. Call the tracking number that swaps onto the page.
5. In your WhatConverts account, navigate to Lead Manager.
6. Find the newest phone call lead and verify the following data appears:
   • Source: google
   • Medium: cpc
   • Keyword: testkeyword

Understand Test Parameters

The test URL includes these key parameters:

• gclid=test: Simulates the Google Click ID that Google Ads normally adds automatically
• utm_keyword=testkeyword: Passes a test keyword value. Find other UTMs for Google Ads here: Set Up Tracking with ValueTrack Parameters
• wc_clear=true: Clears any existing WhatConverts cookies to ensure a fresh session

Test Other Attribution Data

You can test additional attribution fields by adding more parameters to your test URL:

http://www.YOURWEBSITE.com/?gclid=test&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=testcampaign&utm_content=testad&utm_keyword=testkeyword&wc_clear=true

This extended test verifies that campaign, content, and other data points are captured correctly.

Troubleshoot Failed Tests

If your test doesn't show the expected data:

• Phone number doesn't swap: Check that your dynamic number pool is configured for "Google" and "Paid" traffic or “All Traffic”
• Attribution data is missing or lead is not tracked: Confirm the WhatConverts tracking script is installed on every page of your website

Related Topics

• What is the Google Ads Integration?
• Understand the Google Ads Integration
• Pass Keyword Data from Google Ads into WhatConverts