Why Can’t I See the "Get Directions" Goal in Google Ads?

Why Can’t I See the "Get Directions" Goal in Google Ads? Here’s the Fix!

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Yikes Marketing Team

If you’ve been wondering why the "Get Directions" goal isn’t showing up in your Google Ads account, you’re not alone. It’s a feature that can feel elusive, especially for businesses eager to drive foot traffic to their physical locations. At Yikes Marketing, we’ve helped plenty of clients troubleshoot this, so let’s break it down and get you on track—because more customers through the door is always the goal, right?

What’s the Deal with "Get Directions"?

First things first: "Get Directions" isn’t a standard conversion goal you can manually create in Google Ads. It falls under "Local Actions" conversions, which track interactions like direction requests, phone calls, or website visits tied to your physical location (think Google Maps or location extensions). The catch? It’s not always immediately visible in your account. Here’s why—and how to find it.

Why It Might Be Missing

Before you start pulling your hair out, here are the common reasons it’s not showing:

1. It’s Google-Hosted: "Get Directions" is part of "Local Actions," automatically tracked by Google—but only if your account qualifies. You can’t set it up yourself; it’s predefined.
2. Eligibility Requirements: This goal is available only for businesses with physical locations and active location extensions. If you’re in a sensitive category (like healthcare or religion), it might not be an option.
3. Setup Gaps: No location extensions or Google My Business link? Then "Get Directions" won’t appear.

Where to Find It

Let’s dig into your Google Ads dashboard to locate it. Here’s how, based on the setup as of March 2025:

• Step 1: Click the Goals icon (the target symbol) in your Google Ads account.
• Step 2: Navigate to Conversions > Summary.
• Step 3: Check "Conversion Actions" or click "View all conversion actions" at the top-right. Look for "Local Actions - Directions." It might show a lock icon or "Google-hosted" label—that’s what you’re after.
• Step 4: If it’s still not there, go to the Campaigns tab, add the "All Conversions" column, and segment by "Conversion Action." If it’s tracking quietly, it’ll pop up here.

How to Get It Working

If it’s missing, here’s how to make it appear:

• Link Location Extensions: Head to Ads & Assets > Assets > Location, and connect your Google My Business account. This signals to Google that you’ve got a physical location worth promoting.
• Check Your Goals: In Goals > Conversions > Summary, look under "Custom Goals." If "Local Actions - Directions" is listed, select it to include in your campaign tracking.
• Campaign Compatibility: Ensure you’re using a campaign type that supports local goals, like Search or Performance Max.

Still not seeing it? It might be bundled into "All Conversions" without a dedicated label. Google often tracks these silently. If it’s not showing up at all, double-check your location assets.

DIY Alternative for Website Clicks

If you want to track "Get Directions" clicks from your website (not Google Maps), set up a custom conversion. Use a Google Ads tag or Google Tag Manager to monitor clicks on your "Get Directions" button. It’s straightforward and gives you full control.

Why It Matters for Your Business

For businesses with a physical presence—whether a café, trade service, or retail shop—tracking "Get Directions" shows how your ads translate into real-world visits. It’s a powerful way to measure success and optimise your campaigns for foot traffic.

Need a Hand?

Still struggling to find it? The Yikes Marketing team is here to help. We’ll sort your location extensions, refine your goals, and get those conversions firing. Contact us today, and let’s drive more customers to your door.

Happy marketing!

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