When I first implemented the conversion tracking code, I added the code to the main members area page that all new members start on. But the numbers looked way too high - so I assumed that previous visitors we received from Google who signed up as members prior to us implementing the tracking were also being counted as conversions.
So then I added an intermediary thank you page, that just says "your account has been created, please stand by". It loads the tracking code, sites there for 5 seconds, and then redirects to the main members page.
However, now the conversion numbers are much too low. My assumption now is that the 5 seconds they sit there on the thank you page before getting redirected is sometimes not enough time for G to log the conversion?
So now I want to move the tracking code back to the main members page, because the average new member usually sits there for a few minutes reading stuff.
So I have 2 questions:
1. Is G's tracking smart enough to only count each person as 1 conversion? If I have the tracking code on the members page and they return every other day it won't count a new conversion each time will it?
2. Is G's tracking smart enough to only count conversions from searchers who signed up at our site after we activated the tracking? Or will people who found us via Google two weeks ago and registered for our service be counted as a conversion when they visit our members page?
Basically I'm just trying to figure out the best way to implement the tracking code without skewing the numbers. Or maybe I should just add it to the members page, and wait a month before I really try to analyze the numbers? Since G only tracks conversions for 30 days, after the tracking has been implemented for 30 days I guess #2 is a non-issue?
If you want to test it, click on $0.05 ad of yours so you place the cookie on your computer. Then view the source (or see if the 'stats by google' loads) before the page refreshes.
A return converter won't count as a new conversion, but will count as another transaction (you can only see transaction stats in reports).
"Currently, Google can report only conversions for ads shown on Google and some Google Network sites or products. This means that not all conversions originating from your AdWords ads will be reported."
I've been trying to figure out why their conversion data is always under my own by 20-30% and I guess this is why.
Thanks for the reply.
