Best first path
Keep the campaign readable, then layer in ValueTrack tokens only if the extra detail is worth the reporting complexity.
Search guide
Google ValueTrack Examples
Use these starter examples to keep Google Ads links readable while still capturing campaign, ad group, keyword, match type, and device context.
What usually breaks
Campaign type differences and token support differences can make a generic template fail in the live account.
Success signal
The URL stays transparent, the tokens expand correctly, and GA4 can still read the visit cleanly.
Readable example
https://example.com/products/sample-product?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=running_shoes_launch&utm_content={creative}&campaignid={campaignid}&adgroupid={adgroupid}&keyword={keyword}&matchtype={matchtype}&device={device}
The readable version works best when you need a human to inspect the URL and understand it quickly.
Lean example
https://example.com/products/sample-product?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=running_shoes_launch&utm_content={creative}
The lean version is better when you only need a simple campaign label and do not want to overload the URL.
What to keep in mind
- Use the exact token format your account accepts.
- Do not assume every campaign type behaves the same.
- Keep the readable campaign label stable.
- Test the final link before budget goes live.
Use one Google template, then test the click path
Search traffic is easier to manage when the naming logic stays boring and stable.