Imagine you’re a small business owner managing a tight budget. Every ad dollar matters, doesn’t it? Google’s Economic Impact Report claims an 8:1 ROI, $8 earned per $1 spent. But tracking conversions, especially for WhatsApp and calls, can feel elusive.
A 2024 WordStream study shows that 60% of marketers struggle to connect leads to campaigns. That’s where enhanced conversions for leads Google Ads and how to set up enhanced conversions Google Ads step in. They clarify your data and sharpen the results that matter to your business.
WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide. For many, it’s the preferred way to ask questions fast. Pair it with Google’s latest tools. This way you’ve got a winning combo. Enhanced conversions for leads in Google Ads provide a more accurate way to measure conversions, ensuring businesses make data-driven decisions.

WhatsApp Extension for Google Ads
Google introduced a handy feature: the WhatsApp extension, now called a message asset. It lets customers message you directly from your ad. Picture it as a quick, personal connection. But clicks don’t tell the whole story. Did they reach out? That’s where enhanced conversions for Google Ads come into play.
This goes beyond counting clicks. It’s about understanding who starts conversations. Google’s ‘conversation started’ action records when someone begins a WhatsApp chat. It’s a smarter way to gauge lead quality over basic metrics.
Google Responsive Search Ads Just Got More Flexible
Google has been fine-tuning Responsive Search Ads (RSAs). They now integrate it smoothly with WhatsApp message assets. You can combine dynamic ad variations with a WhatsApp link, making it simple for users to contact you. This ties into enhanced conversions for the web, tracking web interactions accurately.
RSAs already test different headline-description pairs. Add WhatsApp, and you’re not just experimenting, you’re measuring what resonates with real-time communication. It’s like sharpening your ads while keeping a close eye on performance.
How to track WhatsApp conversations as conversions in Google Ads?
Tracking WhatsApp chats used to be tricky. Google didn’t offer built-in solutions, so I relied on creative fixes. I’ve tested two methods that still hold value, even with Google adding WhatsApp ‘conversation started’ conversion action available.
First, by using third-party tools though, they cost over $100 monthly, but handle everything automatically. Ideal for high lead volumes.
Second, a manual approach. Add a unique code to WhatsApp links, log it when users message, and then tie it to your ad data. It’s not flawless, some remove the code, but it’s affordable and works for smaller scales. Now, enhanced conversions for leads in Google Tag Manager simplify things further.

WhatsApp in Google Ads
Message assets are Google’s latest addition. They’re just straightforward
Link a WhatsApp number to your Search or Performance Max campaign, and users can message you from the ad. You’ll need a WhatsApp Business account and beta access (it’s still rolling out). Setup Google Ads Enhanced Conversions (with Consent Mode) can be a make a good edge here, balancing privacy and tracking.
You get the chance of direct prospect contact and instant support options. And with the ‘conversation started’ action, you can measure its impact.
How to Turn On Enhanced Conversions Google Ads?
Log into Google Ads. Navigate to “Tools & Settings,” then “Conversions.” Select your conversion action, or ‘set up conversion’. Enable “Enhanced Conversions,” agree to the terms, and pick (GTM tag.
Then, adjust the setup per your needs. In GTM, adjust your conversion tag to capture user data like email or phone. Verify it with Google Tag Assistant. Well done. Going well so far 🙂
Later you can use Google’s tag assistant to verify data collection. Check Google Ads reports to see if conversions are being tracked with custom-added functionality.
Enhanced Conversions for Leads ads on Google
How can you track calls and offline interactions?
Enhanced conversions for leads Google Ads handles those too. It’s designed for actions outside your website, like WhatsApp replies or phone sales. After a user clicks your ad and messages, log that hashed data (e.g., phone number) and upload it as an offline conversion.
This feature and functionality are very handy for lead follow-ups. Imagine a WhatsApp chat leads to a sale later. Implementing Enhanced Conversions for Leads connects it to the original ad. No more vague guesses, your data’s clear and useful.
WhatsApp Click Tracking vs. Enhanced Conversions
Feature | Click Tracking (GTM) | Enhanced Conversions |
---|---|---|
Tracks WhatsApp button clicks | ✅ | ❌ |
Tracks actual conversations | ❌ | ✅ |
Requires additional setup | ✅ | ✅ |
Privacy-safe data handling | ❌ | ✅ |
Why Use WhatsApp Message Assets?
- You get an instant customer engagement interface where users can message businesses in real time.
- This can lead to higher conversion rates because many users prefer WhatsApp over filling out web forms.
- You get to capture enhanced lead quality with conversations that help filter high-quality leads.
Enhanced Conversions for Web vs Leads. Face to Face Comparison
You might think what’s the major difference in tracking enhanced conversion for web and WhatsApp? Well, both improve tracking and set up enhanced conversions for leads with Google Tag Manager Excels for WhatsApp and calls.
Feature | Web | Leads |
---|---|---|
Tracks | Online actions (e.g., forms) | Offline outcomes (e.g., calls) |
Data Source | Website tags | Uploaded CRM data |
Best For | E-commerce, sign-ups | Service biz, WhatsApp leads |
Setup Complexity | Moderate | Higher (needs uploads) |
FAQs on Enhanced Conversions
- How to set up enhanced conversions on Google Ads?
Visit “Conversions” in Google Ads, turn on the feature, and configure via GTM with hashed user data. - What are enhanced conversions for leads in Google Ads?
They track offline actions, like WhatsApp chats or calls by uploading hashed data to link ad clicks. - What is the difference between enhanced conversions for the web and for leads?
Web focuses on online events; leads target offline results, like phone or WhatsApp conversions. - Why might an advertiser use enhanced conversion for leads?
To measure offline value, refine bids, and enhance lead quality from WhatsApp or calls. - How to test enhanced conversions in Google Ads?
Use GTM’s Preview mode and Google Tag Assistant to ensure data triggers correctly.
Final Thought
In short, using enhanced conversions for leads in Google Ads can help you get a bit better position by helping businesses who have a good in-app conversion like WhatsApp and call button conversions. By implementing enhanced conversions, businesses can gain better insights into lead quality, improve targeting, and maximize their ad spend. Setting up enhanced conversions may require technical steps, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. Happy PPC!!!