Discrepancies between Facebook Ads and Google Analytics: Causes and Solutions

In PPC, where every click and every conversion counts, discrepancies between Meta Ads and Google Analytics (GA) metrics can cause misunderstandings or even errors. Let’s examine their causes and solutions.

1. Different conversion tracking principles

The main reason for the discrepancy is the different approaches to conversion tracking. GA focuses on user actions and behavior on your website, while Meta takes into account each ad click as a separate event, regardless of the user’s interaction with your website.

2. Attribution window

Meta and GA differ in how they define the attribution window. Meta focuses on the time zone of your account and uses a 7-day window for click-throughs and a 24-hour window for view-throughs. This means that conversions made during these periods will be counted. Google Analytics records conversions on the day they are made and in the user’s time zone.

3. Problems loading GA tracking code

Incorrectly installed Google Analytics tracking code can result in the loss of session data, especially if users close the page before it loads. This is another issue that causes data discrepancies between Meta and GA.

4. Multiple conversions per user session

Meta counts each user click, and sometimes conversions from one person are duplicated. This results in higher performance metrics for advertising campaigns. In contrast, Google Analytics usually combines all user actions per session and counts them as one.

How to minimize the impact

• Use UTM settings to increase data consistency across platforms.
• Include click and session metrics in your reports to get an insight into how users interact with your ads.
• Evaluate each step of the sales funnel to better understand how your ad campaigns affect user behavior.

And just keep in mind that data discrepancies are a fact. Yet, the proper approach to analysis and appropriate tools can help reduce their impact on your marketing strategies.