Integrate with Google Ads

This article explains how to integrate Google Ads with Scanova QR Codes to build retargeting audiences from QR Code scans. This is useful for running targeted ad campaigns and improving conversion opportunities.

Introduction

The Google Ads integration in Scanova allows users to connect their QR Codes with Google Ads for retargeting. By adding a Google Ads Conversion ID to a QR Code, Scanova embeds the Google Ads tracking pixel during the QR Code redirection process.

When someone scans the QR Code from offline media such as posters, flyers, or brochures, the Google Ads tracking pixel executes when the QR Code redirect page loads in the user’s browser. This helps Google Ads record the scanner as part of a custom audience, enabling brands to reconnect with interested users through targeted ad campaigns.

A. Prerequisites

Before setting up the Google Ads integration, ensure the following:

• Scanova Pro or Enterprise plan with admin privileges
• An active Google Ads account connected to your website
• At least one published QR Code in Scanova

B. How to get conversion ID from Google Ads

Follow these steps to find your Google Ads Conversion ID:

1. Log in to your Google Ads account
2. From the left navigation, click Goals
3. Go to Summary
4. Under Conversions, click the conversion action you want to use
   
5. Scroll to Tag setup
6. Expand Tag setup and choose one of the following methods
   

Option A: Install the tag yourself

• Click Install the tag yourself
• Look for the script containing AW-XXXXXXXXXX
• Copy only the number after AW-

Option B: Email the tag

• Click Email the tag
• Enter your email address and send
• Open the email and locate the script
• Copy the number after AW-

Option C: Use Google Tag Manager

• Click Use Google Tag Manager
• Copy the Conversion ID shown

C. Set up Google Ads integration

To configure the integration in Scanova:

1. Log in to the Scanova dashboard
2. Go to Integrations
   
3. Locate Google Ads Integration
4. Enter the Google Ads Conversion ID
   • Example: 123456789
     
5. Choose where to apply the tracking:
   • All QR Codes
   • Selected QR Codes (choose from the dropdown list)
     
6. Click Save

The Google Ads Conversion ID will now be linked to the selected QR Codes.

D. Create the QR Code audience in Google Ads

After scans start occurring, create a retargeting audience in Google Ads:

1. Log in to Google Ads
2. Click Tools (wrench icon)
3. Open Audience Manager under Shared library
4. Click the + (Create) icon and select Website visitors
5. Enter a name under Segment name
6. Under Segment members, select Visitors of web pages
7. In Action, ensure Web page visit is selected
8. Set the retention period (for example, 60 days)
9. Click Refine action
10. In Page URL contains, enter the short URL of your QR Code
    • Example: https://scnv.io/wxyz
11. Click Create segment
    

E. Use a custom domain for reliable tracking

Scanova recommends using a custom domain for accurate Google Ads tracking.

• Cookies are stored at the domain level
• Using the default domain (scnv.io) may cause audience overlap across campaigns
• A custom domain ensures cleaner data and better audience segmentation

For setup instructions, see: Set up a custom domain in Scanova

F. Redirection delay for tracking accuracy

For QR Codes in redirection categories such as Website URL, Maps, and App Store, Scanova briefly shows an intermediate page for 2–3 seconds before redirecting to the final URL.

This delay ensures the Google Ads tracking pixel executes correctly and improves the chances of capturing conversion events.

Notes

• The audience does not populate instantly and may take 48–72 hours
• The QR Code must be live and receive unique scans
• Very low scan volume may result in a small or empty audience initially
  

If you still have questions or need help with Google Ads integration, contact the Customer Relations Team at support@scanova.io.