Troubleshooting Google Ads Reporting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

Accurate Google Ads reporting in The Pediatric Experience platform depends on proper account integration, correct UTM setup, and consistent campaign naming. Errors in these areas can cause missing data, duplicate reporting, or broken attribution. This guide walks through step-by-step troubleshooting to ensure your campaigns track and report correctly.

Step 1: Verify Google Ads Account Integration

Before troubleshooting, confirm that your Google Ads account is correctly integrated.

How to Check Integration:

• Navigate to Settings > Integrations in PXE.

• Verify the Gmail address connected matches the one used for your Google Ads account.

Permissions Required:

• The connected Gmail account must have Admin or User role permissions in Google Ads.

• Manager roles will not work for integration.

• ✅ Ensure the user has the maximum permission level for proper syncing and reporting.

Step 2: Review UTM Tracking Template Setup

UTM templates are critical for accurate attribution of leads, sales, and ROI.

Rules for UTM Setup:

• Place the UTM template in only one location: Account, Campaign, or Ad setup.

• If applied in multiple places, the hierarchy is: Account > Campaign > Ad.

• UTM parameters are case-sensitive – avoid capital letters or inconsistent formatting.

⚠️ Incorrect UTM setup will cause tracking errors and inconsistent reporting.

Step 3: Ensure Unique Campaign, Ad-Set, and Ad Names

Duplicate names across campaigns or ads can cause reporting errors.

Incorrect Setup Example:

• Campaign: Winter Shoes

• Ad Group: Sport Shoes 1

• Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1
  (Result: Duplicate ad name creates reporting overlap.)

Correct Setup Example:

• Campaign: Winter Shoes

• Ad Group: Sport Shoes 1 York

• Ad: Nike Sport Shoes 1.1 York Logo
  (Result: Each item uniquely named for accurate tracking.)

Naming Reminder:

• If you rename campaigns, ad-sets, or ads, existing UTM parameters will not update.

• Data will remain tied to the old UTM parameters.

• For clean reporting, create a new campaign/ad-set/ad instead of renaming.

Important Notes on Tracking

• Changing campaign names does not refresh UTM tracking. PXE may display the new names in list view, but reporting stays tied to the old parameters.

• Always plan campaign names and UTM structures before launch to avoid broken attribution.

FAQs

Q1: What should I do if my Google Ads integration isn’t connected to PXE?
A: Check Settings > Integrations, reconnect if needed, and confirm that the connected Gmail account has Admin or User role access in Google Ads.

Q2: Can I use multiple UTM templates in different places?
A: Technically yes, but not recommended. To avoid errors, place your UTM tracking template in only one location (Account, Campaign, or Ad).

Q3: Why do I see duplicate ads in my Google Ads reporting?
A: This happens when campaigns, ad-sets, or ads share the same names. Rename them uniquely to avoid duplicate reporting.

Q4: Can I change my campaign name after it’s been created?
A: Yes, but UTMs will continue reporting under the old name. For accurate reporting, create a new campaign instead of renaming.

Q5: How can I check if my UTM parameters are set up correctly?
A:

• Double-check case sensitivity (all lowercase recommended).

• Test links with your UTMs applied.

• Use Google’s Campaign URL Builder or manual checks to confirm proper formatting.