Steps to create a UTM
Creating a UTM-coded link may sound technical, but it’s actually quite simple—especially with the right tools. This quick guide will walk you through building a UTM in five straightforward steps. For a more comprehensive understanding of why UTM codes matter, check out our UTM Codes 101 guide. For a visual overview, you can also refer to Google Analytics’ official Campaign URL Builder.
Step 1: Enter Your Base URL
Grab the URL of the page you want to promote. Make sure it’s the final, canonical URL:
Example: https://yourwebsite.com/product-page
Learn more about canonicalization guidelines from Google Developers.
Step 2: Specify the Medium
Define how you’re sending traffic. Common mediums include:
- email (newsletters, drip campaigns)
- social (organic or paid social campaigns)
- cpc (cost-per-click, commonly used for paid search)
- display (banner ads, retargeting campaigns)
Step 3: Choose the Source
Identify where the traffic originates. Examples:
- Newsletter
- Custom Source (like a specific partner website)
Further reading: For social media-specific tracking, see our complete social media UTM checklist.
Step 4: Name Your Campaign
Your utm_campaign parameter labels the overall campaign. Make it specific:
- spring_sale_2025
- black_friday_sale
- event_signup_oct
- product_launch_april
For best practices on campaign naming, check our UTM Naming Conventions guide.
Step 5: (Optional) Add UTM Content
If you’re running multiple ad variations or A/B testing:
Use utm_content to differentiate the version of the ad, email, or link.
Generate and Copy
Now that you’ve filled in each parameter:
- Generate your UTM-coded link using our free UTM generator.
- Copy the new URL.
- Test it by pasting it into your browser to ensure it leads to the correct page.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Inconsistent Parameter Names: Keep it all lowercase and use underscores _ or dashes – for multi-word terms. Too Many Variations: If you have too many naming conventions, analyzing data becomes confusing. Forgetting the Base URL: Always start with the final URL, not a redirect or short link.
Conclusion
Creating UTMs is a breeze when you have a structured approach. These five steps ensure consistency, clarity, and maximum insight in your analytics. For a hassle-free experience, try our UTM generator and start measuring your campaigns accurately today.
