Create and use a tracking number as a location extension

Location extensions are a type of ad extension that display on your Google ads.  In this article, you'll learn how to create and use a tracking number as a location extension.

If you'd like to learn more about Google Ads location extensions, you can use this support article instead.

Using CallRail's Google My Business integration to set a tracking number as a location extension

CallRail's Google My Business (GMB) integration can be used to designate a tracking number for use as a location extension, or even create a new one pre-configured for this specific task. 

Please note: If you haven't set up your GMB integration yet, you can follow the steps in this article.

1. Within an active GMB integration, go to the Assign a tracking number section.
2. Under Ad Location Extension Number, use the dropdown menu to select an existing tracking number or create a new one.
3. After a number is chosen, remember to select Activate to save changes (or Update if you are adjusting an existing integration).
4. You will now need to add your number in GMB itself. Use the instructions in the following section pertaining to GMB navigation to add or modify a tracking number for use as a location extension.

How to manually create and use a tracking number as a location extension

While our native GMB integration is the easiest way to implement location extensions, a more manual method may be necessary. This is especially applicable if you're managing multiple businesses and aren't using separate company sub-accounts in CallRail to give them their own integration.

Creating a number

1. Log in to your CallRail account, and from the homepage, select Create Number to create a new number, or use the Create (+) icon in the left navigation bar and select Phone Number.
2. Choose the company with which you'd like to use your new tracking number.
3. The new number wizard will appear on your screen. The first question asks, "Where do you want to use this tracking number?" Select Somewhere else since this number will display in your ad, not your website.
4. Select Other to use this number in your Google Ads call extension.
5. Choose your tracking phone number from the list of available numbers. If you want your number to have a different area code, select Numbers in a specific country or area code and enter your preferred area code. Then, select Number Routing.
6. Name your tracking number for your reports, and enter the forwarding number where your calls should route.  You can also configure your whisper message and call recording.
7. When you're finished, select Activate Tracking Number.

Adding your tracking number to a GMB account

Once you've created your new tracking number in CallRail, add the tracking number to your GMB account. 

1. Log into your GMB account.
2. Select the menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Choose Business Profile settings.
   
4. Choose Advanced settings.
   
5. Under Google Ads phone number, enter the CallRail tracking number you created and select Save.
   

Create a location extension

The last step is to create a location extension (now called assets) in Google Ads.

1. Sign in to Google Ads and select the account you’d like to edit.
2. Select Ads & assets in the left menu.
3. Select Assets.
4.  Select the + icon, and then choose Location asset.
5. Search for a GMB account or link to an account associated with your Google Ads account.
6. Configure your location extension.