UTM Parameters
What are UTM Parameters?
UTM parameters are tags added to the end of a URL to track the performance of digital marketing campaigns and identify where website traffic is coming from.
Synonyms: URL tracking parameters, Campaign tracking tags, Marketing URL parameters, Google Analytics URL parameters

How UTM Parameters Work
UTM parameters are simple code snippets added to the end of a URL. They typically include information about the source, medium, and campaign name. When a user clicks on a link with UTM parameters, this data is sent to your analytics tool, allowing you to track the effectiveness of your marketing efforts.
Why UTM Parameters are Important for Growth Hacking
UTM parameters are crucial for growth hackers because they provide detailed insights into which marketing channels and campaigns are driving the most traffic and conversions. This data allows you to:
- Measure ROI of different marketing channels
- Optimize your marketing budget allocation
- Refine your growth strategies based on real data
- Identify high-performing content and campaigns
Examples of UTM Parameters
Here are some common UTM parameters and how they might look in a URL:
- Source: utm_source=facebook
- Medium: utm_medium=social
- Campaign: utm_campaign=summer_sale
- Content: utm_content=banner_ad
A full URL with UTM parameters might look like this:
https://www.example.com/page?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer_sale&utm_content=banner_ad
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does UTM stand for?: UTM stands for Urchin Tracking Module, named after Urchin Software Corporation, which was acquired by Google and became the foundation for Google Analytics.
- How many UTM parameters can I use?: You can use up to five UTM parameters: source, medium, campaign, term, and content.
- Do UTM parameters affect SEO?: UTM parameters do not directly impact SEO, but they can help you understand which SEO efforts are most effective.
- Can I use UTM parameters for email marketing?: Yes, UTM parameters are excellent for tracking the performance of email marketing campaigns.