Free UTM Builder - Create Campaign URLs for Google Analytics
Generate trackable URLs with UTM parameters to measure campaign performance in Google Analytics. Quick presets, QR code generation, and campaign history.
What Are UTM Parameters?
UTM (Urchin Tracking Module) parameters are tags added to URLs that help Google Analytics track where your traffic comes from:
| Parameter | Required | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| utm_source | Yes | Traffic source | google, facebook |
| utm_medium | Yes | Marketing medium | cpc, email |
| utm_campaign | Yes | Campaign name | spring_sale |
| utm_term | No | Paid keywords | running+shoes |
| utm_content | No | Ad/link variation | banner_a |
How to Use the UTM Builder
- Enter your website URL
- Fill in required parameters:
- Source (where traffic comes from)
- Medium (marketing channel type)
- Campaign (campaign identifier)
- Add optional parameters if needed
- Copy the generated URL
- Track results in Google Analytics
UTM Parameter Best Practices
Naming Conventions
DO:
- Use lowercase letters
- Use underscores or hyphens (not spaces)
- Be consistent across campaigns
- Keep names descriptive but concise
DON'T:
- Use spaces (breaks URLs)
- Mix cases (GA is case-sensitive)
- Use inconsistent naming
- Make names too long
Examples by Platform
Social Media Campaigns
?utm_source=facebook
&utm_medium=social
&utm_campaign=summer_sale_2024
&utm_content=carousel_ad
Email Marketing
?utm_source=newsletter
&utm_medium=email
&utm_campaign=weekly_digest
&utm_content=hero_cta
Google Ads
?utm_source=google
&utm_medium=cpc
&utm_campaign=brand_keywords
&utm_term={keyword}
Influencer Marketing
?utm_source=instagram
&utm_medium=influencer
&utm_campaign=product_launch
&utm_content=story_swipeup
Common UTM Sources
| Source | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Google Ads, organic search | |
| Facebook/Meta ads, posts | |
| Instagram posts, stories | |
| Twitter/X campaigns | |
| LinkedIn content, ads | |
| newsletter | Email newsletters |
| youtube | YouTube descriptions |
| tiktok | TikTok campaigns |
Common UTM Mediums
| Medium | What It Means |
|---|---|
| cpc | Cost-per-click ads |
| ppc | Pay-per-click (same as CPC) |
| organic | Unpaid/natural traffic |
| social | Social media posts |
| Email campaigns | |
| referral | Partner/affiliate links |
| display | Display/banner ads |
| video | Video advertising |
Viewing UTM Data in Google Analytics
GA4 (Google Analytics 4)
- Go to Reports > Acquisition
- Select Traffic acquisition
- View data by Source/Medium
- Or view by Campaign for campaign-level data
Custom Reports
Create custom explorations with:
- Session source/medium
- Session campaign
- Landing page + UTM parameters
UTM URL Length Considerations
- Keep URLs under 2,000 characters (browser limits)
- Short is better for sharing
- Consider URL shorteners for social media
- QR codes work with any URL length
FAQs About UTM Parameters
Do UTM parameters affect SEO?
No, UTM parameters don't directly affect SEO. Google ignores them when indexing. However, use canonical tags to prevent duplicate content issues.
Are UTM parameters case-sensitive?
Yes! In Google Analytics, Facebook and facebook are tracked separately. Always use lowercase for consistency.
Can I use spaces in UTM parameters?
No. Use underscores (_) or hyphens (-) instead. Spaces break URLs.
How many parameters can I add?
You can use all 5 UTM parameters, but only source, medium, and campaign are required.
Do UTM parameters work with Google Ads auto-tagging?
Yes, but auto-tagging (gclid) takes precedence. UTM is useful for organic/social tracking.
Will UTM parameters still work after a redirect?
Depends on redirect type. 301/302 redirects usually preserve parameters.
Can visitors see UTM parameters?
Yes, UTM parameters are visible in the URL. Don't include sensitive information.
Advanced UTM Strategies
A/B Testing
Use utm_content to test different ads:
utm_content=blue_button
utm_content=red_button
Multi-Touch Attribution
Track the full customer journey:
- First touch source
- Last touch source
- Assisted conversions
Dynamic Parameters
Use platform-specific variables:
utm_term={keyword} // Google Ads
Why Use Our UTM Builder?
- Quick suggestions — Common sources/mediums
- URL validation — Catch formatting errors
- QR code generation — For print materials
- Campaign history — Remember recent URLs
- One-click copy — Fast workflow
- No signup — Start immediately
- 100% free — No limits
Related Marketing Tools
- Google Analytics
- Google Tag Manager
- Campaign URL Builder (official Google tool)
- URL shorteners (Bitly, TinyURL)