If you’ve encountered a “Needs Attention” warning related to the purchase conversion action in your Google Ads account, please follow the steps below to troubleshoot the issue.

Step 1: Check Shopify Store Checkout Version

If you have upgraded to the one-page checkout or, are a Shopify Plus user using the checkout extensibility feature, ensure that the custom pixel is enabled via the Simprosys Google Shopping Feed app. Upgrading your checkout will interfere with tracking pixels, due to the restrictions imposed by Shopify for inserting any manual or automated tracking scripts on the checkout page or the order confirmation page. 

Refer to our detailed help doc on how to implement the custom pixel from our app.

Step 2: Confirm Tag Configuration

Make sure that both Google Analytics 4 and Google Ads conversion tracking tags are correctly configured. Misconfigured or missing tags can cause inaccurate tracking of conversions.

Steps to Verify:

Open Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 accounts:

• Log into both your Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) accounts where you manage tracking and advertising efforts.

Check Conversion Tracking Tags:

• In Google Ads, Select “Goals” from the navigation panel, then select Summary under the “Conversions” section.
• Ensure that the conversion action which is linked with our App (e.g., purchases) is being tracked correctly and that the conversion tracking tag is installed on your store.
• In Google Analytics 4, check under “Events” to ensure that the purchase event is being triggered correctly, reflecting the conversions made through your store.

Verify Installation and Activity:

• Confirm that the tracking tags for both Google Ads and GA4 are properly installed and active on your Shopify store’s relevant pages (checkout, order confirmation).

Track Purchase Events:

• Ensure that the purchase events are being tracked accurately in both Google Ads and Google Analytics 4. This includes verifying that all data (order value, transaction ID, product details) is being recorded correctly.

Step 3: Enable Advance Consent Mode (If applicable)

If you operate in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, it is essential to enable Advance Consent Mode to comply with privacy regulations.

Additionally, to ensure full compliance, you must display a properly configured cookie banner across your online store for all applicable regions. It can be done from Shopify’s customer privacy section. Both Advance Consent Mode and the cookie banner work together to manage user consent and adjust data collection based on the user’s preferences.

Advance Consent Mode allows Google tags to adjust their behaviour based on the user’s consent status. When consent is given, full tracking data is collected; if not, only non-identifiable, aggregate data is recorded. This ensures compliance while still enabling accurate reporting.

Using a Third-Party Cookie Consent Banner:

• If you’re using a third-party app for managing cookie consent and have enabled Advance Consent Mode through that app, there’s no need to enable it separately in the Simprosys app.

Step 4: Link Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 Tags

If you have merged or plan to merge your Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 tags, make sure the tags are properly linked and appear ACTIVE in both accounts.

Please refer to the Google help doc for Google Tag Management.

Only merge Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 tags if it’s necessary for your store’s specific needs. Merging integrates tracking and reporting, but if you unmerge later, you might encounter issues such as data inconsistencies, disrupted tracking, or broken configurations. The setup might not function as it did before, so carefully evaluate your requirements and potential impacts before proceeding.

Steps to Link and Verify Tags:

• Link your Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 Accounts
• In your Google Analytics 4 account, go to Admin and click on Google Ads Linking under the Property column.
• Select the Google Ads account you want to link and follow the instructions to complete the linking process.
• Ensure that the appropriate goals and conversion actions are imported from Google Analytics 4 to Google Ads.

Ensure Tags are Active

• After linking, check that the tags appear ACTIVE in both your Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 accounts.

Check Pixel ID Consistency

• Verify that the Pixel ID is the same for both the destination ID and Tag ID in Google Ads and Google Analytics 4. However, Google Ads and Google Analytics 4 both can have their unique Google Tag ID.

Post-Implementation:

Once the tags are implemented and active, you can track user behaviour, conversions, and ad performance more accurately across both platforms.

After following the steps outlined above, allow 1-2 weeks for the enhanced conversion data to be fully recorded in your Google Ads account.

By following this checklist, you can address the “Needs Attention” warning and ensure accurate tracking of your purchase conversions in Google Ads.

If you need any assistance or have further questions, feel free to contact us at support@simprosys.com