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. 

Note: If you haven't set up your GMB integration yet, you can follow the steps in this article to do so.

1. Within an active GMB integration, go to the Assign a tracking number section.
   
   
2. Under Ad Location Extension Number, click the dropdown menu to select an existing tracking number for use or create a new one.
   
   
3. After a number is chosen, remember to click 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, click Create Number to create a new number, or click 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 I’ll use it online.
   
   
4. Select Somewhere else since this number will display in your ad and not your website.
   
   
5. Select Yes, in an ad extension to use this number in your Google Ads call extension.
   
   
6. Select On desktop and mobile devices since your location extension may be displayed on both desktop and mobile devices.
   
   
7. Name your tracking number for your reports, and enter the forwarding number where your calls should route. Then, click Select a Phone Number.
   
   
8. Choose your tracking phone number from the list of available numbers. If you want your number to have a different area code, click Numbers in a specific country or area code and enter your preferred area code. Then, click Number Features.
   
   
9. Configure your whisper message and call recording. When you're finished, click 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. Click on 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 click Save.
   
   

Create a location extension

Lastly, 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. Click on Ads & assets in the left menu.
   
   
3. Click Assets.
   
   
4.  Click 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.