How to Set Up Google Ads Conversion Tracking on Shopify

If you run a Shopify store and spend money on Google Ads, you need to know what actually works. Clicks are nice, but sales are better. Google Ads conversion tracking for Shopify shows you exactly which ads bring in orders. Without it, you’re guessing where your money goes.

This guide walks you through the whole process. I’ll cover the simplest way first, then the manual options if you want more control. By the time you finish reading, your tracking will be live and pulling in real data.

Why You Should Bother with Conversion Tracking

Clicks tell you someone visited your site. Conversions tell you they bought something. That difference changes everything.

Here’s what proper tracking gives you:

• Clear proof of which keywords and ads make sales
• Confidence to increase budgets on campaigns that pay off
• Higher return on every dollar you spend
• Access to smart bidding options like Target ROAS
• Better remarketing lists because you know who actually converted

For most Shopify owners, the main goal is tracking completed purchases. You can also track smaller actions like adding items to the cart or signing up for emails if those matter to your business.

What You Need to Get Started

You don’t need coding skills, but have these things ready:

• A working Shopify store
• A Google Ads account that’s already running campaigns
• Admin access to both Shopify and Google Ads
• A live store that can take test orders

The fastest path uses Shopify’s official Google & YouTube app. It does almost everything for you.

The Fastest Method: Shopify’s Google & YouTube App

This is how most store owners set it up now. The app connects everything and tracks purchases without you touching any code.

Step 1: Add the App

1. Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
2. Click Apps on the left sidebar.
3. Search for “Google & YouTube” in the app store.
4. Choose the official app by Google and install it.
5. Grant the permissions it asks for.

Step 2: Link Your Google Ads Account

1. Open the app from your Apps page.
2. Find the Google Ads section and hit Connect.
3. Log in with the Google account tied to your ads.
4. Pick your Ads account and approve access.

Step 3: Turn On Conversion Tracking

1. Inside the app, look for the conversion tracking toggle and switch it on.
2. Choose Purchase as your main conversion.
3. The app creates a conversion action in your Google Ads account automatically.
4. Keep the value setting on “Use different values for each conversion,” so it records the real order total.

Done. The app places the tracking code on your checkout thank-you page for you.

Manual Setup If You Want Full Control

Some people prefer to do it themselves. This way works well if you want to track extra actions beyond purchases.

Step 1: Create the Conversion Action in Google Ads

1. Open Google Ads.
2. Go to Tools & settings, then Conversions.
3. Click the blue plus button.
4. Select Website.
5. Pick Purchase as the category.
6. Name it something clear, like “Shopify Purchase.”
7. Set the value to use different amounts for each conversion.
8. Save and continue.

Step 2: Grab the Tracking Code

Google gives you a global site tag and an event snippet. For purchases, the event code needs Shopify’s Liquid variables to pull the order details.

Step 3: Add Code to Your Store

The safest spot for purchase tracking is in Settings > Checkout > Additional scripts on the order status page.

Paste this (replace the ID and label with your own):

liquid

<script>

gtag(‘event’, ‘conversion’, {

    ‘send_to’: ‘AW-YOUR_ID/YOUR_LABEL’,

    ‘value’: {{ checkout.total_price | money_without_currency }},

    ‘currency’: ‘{{ shop.currency }}’,

    ‘transaction_id’: ‘{{ order.name }}’

});

</script>

This fires only after someone completes payment.

Step 4: Turn On Enhanced Conversions

Go back to your conversion action settings in Google Ads and enable enhanced conversions. It helps track work better with privacy rules and uses hashed customer data.

Use Google Tag Manager for Advanced Setups

If you already use GTM or plan to track many events, this is the cleanest option.

1. Create a Google Tag Manager account and container.
2. Add the GTM codes to your Shopify theme.
3. Build a Google Ads conversion tag in GTM.
4. Use triggers that fire on the thank-you page and pull data from Shopify’s data layer.

It takes more time upfront, but it stays organized as your store grows.

Test That Everything Works

Never skip testing.

1. Place a test order (use Shopify’s test payment gateway or buy something cheap).
2. Wait a couple of hours.
3. Check the Conversions section in Google Ads for the new entry.
4. Install the Google Tag Assistant browser extension and visit your thank-you page.
5. Look for a green “Tag fired” message.

If nothing appears after a day, go back and check IDs and placement.

Common Problems and Fixes

• No data showing up: Recheck the conversion ID and label. Make sure the code is on the thank-you page only.
• Duplicate orders counted: Change the counting setting to “One” per conversion.
• Wrong order values: Verify currency code and Liquid variables.
• Ad blockers messing with tests: Try incognito mode.
• iOS tracking issues: Enhanced conversions usually solve this.

Final Thoughts!

Getting Google Ads conversion tracking working on Shopify is one of the best things you can do for your ad spend. Start with the Google & YouTube app if you want it done fast. Switch to manual or GTM later if you need more options.

Test it properly once it’s live. That small effort pays off every time you log in and see real sales tied to real ads. Your budget will stretch further, and you’ll make decisions based on facts instead of hunches.

FAQs

• Does conversion tracking cost extra money?

No. It’s free. You still only pay for your regular ad clicks or impressions.

• Will adding the tracking code slow down my store?

Not really. The code is small and loads in the background.

• Can I track actions besides purchases?

Yes. Add-to-cart, checkout starts, email sign-ups, anything you want, with a bit of extra setup in GTM.

• What if I use a custom checkout domain?

The Google & YouTube app handles it. For manual code, add it to your custom checkout scripts.

• Should I still link Google Analytics?

You can, but Google Shopping Ads conversion tracking is separate and more accurate for ad attribution now.

• How soon do conversions appear in my Ads account?

Most show up in a few hours, but give it up to 48 hours for full processing.