Guide for UTM-tagging URLs

[Alexander Lau]

Ok, so I understand your philosophical issues with using this document. That opinion is clear and recognized here. For the sake of clarity, let’s even stipulate that your opinion is the only valid one in this conversation. Help me understand why I can’t/shouldn’t use this doc. Is it only because of who and how it was collected? Is there some inaccuracy or bad direction in there? If all dealers and all referring vendors were using this as a standard, at least as a framework, where does it create problems?

1. It was created for them to understand it best, enabling them to get a competitive advantage. Their competition has to catch up with it.
2. Who's to say their competition will accept it? You'll have competing tools out there. If a dealer jumps from their system to another (for whatever reason), they'll have a hard time comparing historical data (again, promotes their tool).
3. Is this accepted by the greater automotive digital community? Doubt it...
4. Who the hell was on this standardization committee?

I'm not arguing against the clarity of it. It's formulaic and smart, just the things I mentioned above. You're totally right, it is just my opinion, plus standards are a tough sell. They're also trying to get ADF 2.0 rolling, when STAR is a far better option. I don't give a crap who's on their board.

 

[pschnell]

1. It was created for them to understand it best, enabling them to get a competitive advantage. Their competition has to catch up with it.
2. Who's to say their competition will accept it? You'll have competing tools out there. If a dealer jumps from their system to another (for whatever reason), they'll have a hard time comparing historical data (again, promotes their tool).
3. Is this accepted by the greater automotive digital community? Doubt it...
4. Who the hell was on this standardization committee?

I'm not arguing against the clarity of it. It's formulaic and smart, just the things I mentioned above. You're totally right, it is just my opinion, plus standards are a tough sell. They're also trying to get ADF 2.0 rolling, when STAR is a far better option. I don't give a crap who's on their board.

Opinions are what forums are for man. Thanks.

 

[ahmadmohee]

The 5 core UTM parameters:

• utm_source (Required) – Identifies the traffic source (e.g., google, facebook, newsletter)
• utm_medium (Required) – Campaign medium (e.g., cpc, email, social)
• utm_campaign (Required) – Campaign name (e.g., summer_sale_2024)
• utm_term (Optional) – Paid keywords (e.g., cheap+flights)
• utm_content (Optional) – Ad variation (e.g., banner_ad or text_link)

Example URL:

أرخص حجز تذاكر الطيران | موقع حجوزات طيران رخيص دولي و داخلي

احجز أرخص تذاكر الطيران ارخص موقع حجز طيران رخيص يقدم عروض حجز طيران دولي و داخلي

www.flightarabia.com

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2. How to Implement ​

Method 1: Manual UTM Links (For Ads & Emails)​

Add UTM tags directly to URLs in:

• Google Ads
• Facebook/Instagram ads
• Email campaigns (Mailchimp, Sendinblue)

Example for a Facebook Ad:

https://www.flightarabia.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=winter_getaway

Method 2: Google Analytics Module​

1. Go to Modules > Analytics > Google Analytics
2. Enable "Enable UTM Tagging"
3. Add your Google Analytics Tracking ID
4. UTM data will auto-track in GA4

Method 3: UTM Builder Tools​

Use free tools like:

• Google Campaign URL Builder
• Bitly (for shortened UTM links)

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3. Best Practices​

✅ Use lowercase letters (e.g., utm_source=facebook, not utm_source=Facebook)
✅ Be consistent (Use the same naming for the same campaign)
✅ Avoid spaces (Use + or - instead, e.g., summer+sale)
✅ Track in Google Analytics (Check Acquisition > Campaigns)

Example for Email Campaign:

https://www.flightarabia.com/?utm_s...ampaign=june_discounts&utm_content=cta_button

To see UTM performance:

1. Google Analytics → Acquisition > Campaigns
2. PrestaShop Stats → Statistics > Traffic & Referrers

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5. Common Mistakes to Avoid​

❌ Missing UTM tags (Leads to "Direct / Untracked" traffic)
❌ Typos in parameters (e.g., utm_soruce instead of utm_source)
❌ Overcomplicating names (Keep it simple: utm_campaign=ramadan_2024)