Saving UTM parameters and gclid in forms: so no campaign gets lost
A visitor arrives from an ad, clicks through three pages and then submits the form. By then, the UTM parameters have long gone from the address. This is how they are kept.
Where the source gets lost
UTM parameters are only in the address of the first page. Once the visitor clicks on, they are gone. The form on the contact page no longer knows that the visit started with an ad, and the inquiry arrives without a campaign.
What the campaign keeper does
- Keeps UTM parameters and click IDs from Google, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and LinkedIn
- Stores landing page and source, even without parameters, for example an entry from search
- Keeps first and last touch separately
- Direct visits and internal clicks overwrite nothing
- Fills hidden form fields automatically
→ Cookie banner with Consent Mode v2: compliant, with no monthly license
First and last touch
Many customers visit several times before they get in touch: first from an ad, weeks later from search. The campaign keeper records both: first_utm_source for the first, utm_source for the last. So you can see which campaign started the contact and which one closed it.
Data protection
The campaign keeper only stores anything after marketing consent. Without consent, these form fields stay empty. The cookie banner then lists Trackum as a provider.
→ Setting up Google Consent Mode v2 correctly: no warning in Tag Assistant
Cost
The campaign keeper costs a one-off 49 euros.
Frequently asked questions
Why not just add UTM parameters to internal links?
Because in Google Analytics that starts a new session with the wrong source on every click. The campaign keeper stores the values in a cookie instead.
How long are the values kept?
90 days, which is also how long a gclid is valid in Google Ads.
Which fields do I need to add?
Hidden fields named utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign and gclid, for example. The campaign keeper fills them automatically. With the CRM handover, you do not need any fields at all.
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