Tracking outbound link clicks in GA4 requires enhanced measurement and event configuration, as GA4 doesn’t automatically track users leaving your website. As of early 2026, the most effective method involves utilising Google Tag Manager (GTM) to capture these clicks as custom events.
- Enhanced Measurement Limitations: While GA4’s enhanced measurement now features automatic tracking of site searches and video engagement, outbound link clicks aren’t included.
- Google Tag Manager (GTM): GTM allows you to create a trigger that fires when a user clicks a link pointing to an external domain.
- Event Creation: Within GTM, you define a custom event (e.g., ‘outbound_link_click’) and configure it to send relevant data to GA4, such as the link URL.
- Consent Mode Integration: Current systems include robust consent mode integration, vital for Australian privacy regulations (like the Privacy Act 2022) – ensuring data collection respects user preferences.
In 2026, Australian businesses need to be particularly mindful of data privacy. Correctly implementing outbound link tracking, alongside consent management, demonstrates a commitment to responsible data handling and builds trust with your customers. Failing to do so can lead to compliance issues and reputational damage.
Instead of navigating the complexities of GTM, event creation, and ensuring compliance with Australian privacy laws, let ROI.com.au handle the technical details. We can take care of all this for you.
