Why use UTMs and what are they for?
UTM parameters are short tags you add to the end of a URL. They don't change how the link works, but they carry extra information into your analytics tools. This makes it possible to track the exact origin of traffic and measure how different campaigns perform.
UTMs turn generic website visits into clear, trackable data, so you know exactly where your customers are coming from and which marketing efforts bring results.
Valid UTM Parameter Names with Descriptions
- utm_source
- Identifies the source of the traffic, meaning the platform, website, or publisher that sent the visitor to your page.Use this field to know who delivered the traffic.
Examples:facebook
,google
,newsletter
,partner-site
. - utm_medium
- Defines the marketing channel through which the traffic arrived.This helps classify traffic by type of campaign or medium.
Examples:cpc
(paid search ads),email
,social
,display
,affiliate
. - utm_campaign
- Labels the specific marketing campaign, promotion, or initiative that the traffic belongs to.This makes it possible to measure performance at the campaign level.
Examples:promo_sale_2025
,black_friday
,product_launch
,newsletter_march
. - utm_term
- Used to capture the keyword or targeting term that triggered an ad click.Primarily used for paid search advertising, but can also store custom targeting labels.
Examples:blue+shoes
,life+insurance
,seo+services
. - utm_content
- Distinguishes between different ads, creatives, or links that point to the same URL.Useful for A/B testing, tracking buttons vs. banners, or multiple links within one email.
Examples:cta_btn_a
,image_ad2
,sidebar_link
,top_banner
.
Without UTMs, visits from ads, emails, or social media often appear in analytics as just “direct” or “referral” traffic, which hides important details. With UTMs, you can answer key questions such as: Which platform or partner sent this visitor?
Through which channel (ads, email, social, affiliate) did they arrive?
Which campaign, keyword, or creative generated the conversion?
By using UTMs consistently you can:
- - Compare performance between marketing channels.
- - Understand which campaigns drive sales and which don't.
- - Run A/B tests on creatives, messages, or placements.
- - Improve budget allocation by focusing on high-performing traffic sources.