Is Your Ad Spend Working? How to Track ROI in Google Ads

Running Google Ads is one thing. Knowing whether it’s actually working is another. Many businesses waste budget on clicks that never convert because they haven’t set up the right systems to track ROI.

If you’re investing in paid media, here’s how to make sure you’re measuring the right things and getting the most value from your budget.
 

Start with Clear Goals

Before you launch a campaign, define what success looks like. Are you focused on lead generation? Online sales? Phone calls or form submissions? Clear goals help shape your campaign structure and determine what needs to be tracked.
 

Set up Conversion Tracking Correctly

Google Ads offers conversion tracking that lets you see which ads, keywords, and campaigns are driving real results. This might include purchases, form fills, or phone calls. Without it, you’re guessing. Make sure your tracking codes (or tags) are properly installed and working.
 

Understand the Metrics that Matter

Clicks and impressions tell part of the story, but they don’t show you the full picture. Watch for metrics like conversion rate, cost per conversion, and return on ad spend (ROAS). These show how well your ads are performing in terms of actual business outcomes.
 

Connect Google Ads with Google Analytics

Linking your Google Ads account to Google Analytics gives you deeper insights into what happens after someone clicks. You’ll see bounce rates, time on site, and user paths. This helps you understand which campaigns are driving quality traffic, not just volume.
 

Protect Your Performance Data

Make sure you own your Google Ads account and have full access to your data. If you’re working with an agency or vendor, they should be transparent and share regular performance reports. Losing access to data can slow you down and limit future optimization.
 

Partner with a team that values ROI

At Tree Ring Digital, we don’t just run ads, we build systems that track and improve them. We work with growing businesses to create paid media campaigns that align with their goals and prove their value.

Schedule a Consultation to find out if your ad spend is working as hard as it should be.