Significant discrepancies GA4

[Mark_A]

Google Ads and Microsoft Ads say one thing as regards clicks generated, GA4 says something much much less.

I have been advised that only weeks or months of GA4 data should correlate, and GA4 isn't any good for yesterday etc. But now I have checked and the numbers for weeks and months don't correspond either.

Do I trust the Ads interfaces as that is what we are being charged for? or do I trust GA4 because that should pick up everyone who visits the website? On balance at the moment I don't trust GA4.

Anyone have any advice? Are you in the same situation perhaps? How did you deal with it?

[Mark_A]

Google Ads primarily counts clicks, and GA4 primarily counts sessions.
Still should be able to get a view in both that is the same no?

[engine]

I have never been confident with the GA4 "system" and, unfortunately, we're stuck with the crumbs from the table.

I guess i'm sceptical because i've relied on server stats: It's an eye opener, although not everyone has access.

[universenet]

Google Ads primarily counts clicks, and GA4 primarily counts sessions.
Still should be able to get a view in both that is the same no?

I think that Google Ads show more of real,
and GA4 show less of real
So both are wrong

[Mark_A]

Hope you all had a good weekend..

Hi engine, nothing stopping me getting server stats, would be a learning curve, but I would like to know the detail. Will look into it.

Hi universenet: The number of G Ads visitors who immediately leave, makes me wonder how best to evaluate the spend.