How to create a unique identifier for tracking?

Will using both Google Adwords auto-tagging and manual tagging with UTM variables create any tracking problems in Google Analytics?

• I want to use Auto-Tagging in Adwords because it passes a lot more data automatically to Analytics. The problem is that I need to also use utm_source, utm_campaign, etc. and some of them with ValueTrack so when a lead signs up I can $GET that data from the URL and append it to the lead/client record. So my URLs end up looking like this: www.domain.com/page&utm_source=adwords&utm_campaign=[camp-name]&utm_content=[something]&utm_term=[keyword]&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CNfm29qkpb0CFewRMwodXEIAFg As you may notice, the URL has utm parameters AND gclid. Will this create any tracking problems in Analytics? I know I could use another variable names instead of utm_source, utm_content, etc. for adwords, but then when the traffic comes from let's say "facebook" or "bing"... I do want that tagged and passed to my lead and the form logic + having a double standard for URL becomes complex. Thanks so much for your help!

• Answer:

  In my experience, yes, you can have problems using both, and also Google suggest to use only one method. "If you unintentionally mix manual and auto-tagging, you’re likely to encounter data discrepancies" Source: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1033981?hl=en But, in the same article there is another paragraph that can be helpful for you case. --- You need to use auto-tagging for non-Analytics purposes If you need to (1) turn on auto-tagging in your AdWords account for purposes other than Analytics tracking and (2) wish to use manual tagging for Analytics, then you must enable the following setting to avoid data discrepancies: Log in to Analytics. Click Admin in the upper right to open the administrative interface. Choose the relevant account and property. Click Property Settings. Click Advanced Settings. Select the Allow manual tagging (UTM values) to override auto-tagging (GCLID values) checkbox. Click Apply. Note: if you have https://support.google.com/ds/answer/2815980 to your Analytics account, you should NOT enable this setting. Doing so will break the account linkage. --- Hope this solution can solve your problem. - Mattia Soragni - Founder of MagnetProfile.com http://www.magnetprofile.com/