What is a UTM parameter?
A UTM parameter is a tag added to the end of a URL that tells analytics tools where traffic came from. Google Analytics and similar platforms read these tags to attribute visits, conversions, and revenue to specific campaigns, channels, or ads.
What are the 5 UTM parameters?
The five UTM parameters are utm_source (the referrer, like google or newsletter), utm_medium (the marketing channel, like cpc or email), utm_campaign (the campaign name, like spring_sale), utm_term (paid keywords), and utm_content (used to differentiate ads or links pointing to the same URL).
Are UTM parameters case-sensitive?
Yes. Google Analytics treats Google and google as separate sources, which fragments your reports. Always use lowercase, and stick to a consistent naming convention across every campaign.
Do UTM parameters affect SEO?
UTM parameters do not directly hurt SEO, but they can create duplicate URLs that compete with your canonical pages. Use a rel=canonical tag on the destination page and avoid adding UTMs to internal links to keep your analytics clean and your SEO unaffected.
What is the difference between utm_source and utm_medium?
utm_source identifies the specific referrer (newsletter, google, twitter), while utm_medium identifies the marketing channel category (email, cpc, social). Together they explain where the traffic originated and how it got to you.