Getting a Google certified domain is not easy.
Many advertisers try. Most fail.
In this case study, we want to show what actually worked for three real businesses that wanted their own Google certified click tracker, running on their own domain.
- They did not use shortcuts.
- They did not fake anything.
- They used a white label CPV Lab setup, a real business website, and followed Google’s rules step by step.
Out of five businesses that tried, three were approved by Google.
Here is what we learned.
Why Google Certified Domains Matter for Advertisers
If you run Google Ads seriously, you already know this:
- Google cares a lot about where clicks go
- Google wants clear ownership of domains
- Google wants to know who runs the tracking system
A Google certified click tracker helps with:
- Direct link campaigns
- Better trust from Google Ads
- Cleaner tracking and attribution
- Control over the final redirect
- Long-term account stability
But certification is only possible if the business behind the domain is real.
We know this from experience, as we went through the process when certified domains were introduced by Google and now both CPV Lab and CPV One are Google Certified click trackers.
The Problem Our Clients Came to Us With
Last year, several advertisers and agencies contacted us with the same question:
“Can you help us get a Google certified domain for tracking?”
They needed a click tracker that runs on their own domain, under their brand.
That is how we decided to prepare a package for them and help with the technical part, mostly because with CPV Lab self-hosted click tracker, this is something that can be done pretty straight-forward.
The Solution: CPV Lab White Label Setup
We offered a white label CPV Lab setup, individually configured for each business.
This included:
- Their own tracking domain
- Their own logo and branding
- Tracker hosted on their own server
- A setup that closely matches their business website.
CPV Lab is a very flexible and powerful self‑hosted click tracker, so this was possible without workarounds.
What We Helped With (And What We Did Not)
We did not submit forms in their name.
We did not bypass Google rules.
What we did:
- Provided a white label CPV Lab and customize it for their needs
- Explained the technical requirements
- Helped them understand what Google checks
- Reviewed their setup before submission
- Made sure the tracker and domain were clean and that they followed Google guidelines
Google’s official requirements can be found here
And the domain and advertiser guidelines here
The Approval Results
Out of 5 businesses that applied last year:
| Business Type | Website History | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Agency (3+ years) | Strong | Approved |
| E-commerce brand (1,5 years) | Medium | Approved |
| Affiliate agency (4 years) | Strong | Approved |
| New agency (3 months) | Weak | Rejected |
| New brand (7 months) – agency | Weak | Rejected |
3 out of 5 were approved.
The difference was not the tracker or the documentation submitted. That was similar for all of them.
The difference was the business behind it and the history of that business.
What Google Actually Cares About
Based on this process, Google checks:
- Is this a real business?
- Does the website have history that can be verified online?
- Are contact details clear and consistent?
- Does the tracking domain match the business?
- Is data collection transparent?
- Does the redirect URL works without problems and with transparent redirects?
A domain created two months ago with no business proof is a red flag. Even if the tracking setup is correct and working 100% based on their requirements.
Why CPV Lab White Label Helped
CPV Lab worked well in this process because:
- It is self‑hosted
- It runs on your own server
- It supports custom domains
- It can be fully white labeled
- It gives full control over tracking behavior
This makes it suitable for businesses that want to be compliant and stable. And in this case, 3 businesses got their own Google Certified Domain.
What a Google Certified Click Tracker Enables
Once approved, these businesses could:
- Run direct link Google Ads campaigns
- Track clicks and conversions correctly
- Continue to use their CPV Lab white label version to track campaign performance
- Use server‑to‑server postback tracking
- Keep full ownership of their data
For agencies, this also meant offering tracking as part of their service.
CPV Lab for Agencies, Advertisers, and Brands
If you are:
- An agency running Google Ads
- A brand advertising at scale on multiple traffic sources (native, Google Ads, TikTok Ads, Meta Ads, etc)
- A business that needs full control over tracking
A white label click tracker is not a nice extra.
It is part of your infrastructure.
CPV Lab can be configured to match your business needs.
There is a cost, but it is predictable and reasonable.
Important Note About Expectations
Getting a Google certified domain is not easy or guaranteed.
CPV Lab does not “get you approved.”
What it does is remove technical blockers and ensures that your tracking links are following Google requirements.
Approval still depends on:
- Your business
- Your website
- Your history
- Your compliance.
This case study proves that real businesses can get approved.
When Should You Apply for a Google Certified Domain?
Google does not accept certified click tracker applications all year long. To keep the process fair and consistent, Google limits when it will review new applications.
According to Google’s official guidelines, starting in 2024 and going forward, Google opens the application window each year from September 1 until November 30. During this period, applications for new certified click tracking domains are processed.
This means that if you want the best chance to have your own Google certified click tracker domain approved, you should start preparing well before September 1. Getting your business website ready, completing your white label tracker setup, and gathering the technical information ahead of time will give you the time you need to submit a strong application during the open window.
Planning ahead is key. Waiting until the last minute can mean missing the window and having to wait until the next year to get approved.
Here is a time table to make things easier to remember when should you apply:
| Month | Status |
|---|---|
| January–August | ❌ Application window closed |
| September | ✅ Application window OPENS |
| October | 🕐 Application reviews ongoing |
| November | 📩 Last chance to submit |
| December | ❌ Application window CLOSED |
Maintaining Your Certified Status
Once your domain is approved as a Google Certified Click Tracker, it doesn’t mean it’s approved forever. Keep in mind that Google continues to check how you use that domain, especially in your ad campaigns.
If you use your certified domain to run non-compliant ads, misleading promotions, or violate Google Ads policies, your certification can be revoked.
So while CPV Lab helps you get set up properly, keeping the certification is 100% your responsibility. Always follow the Google Ads click tracker rules. You can review the full list of allowed practices and restrictions here:
👉 Google Click Tracker Policy
Summary: What This Case Study Shows
- Getting your own Google certified domain is possible
- White label tracking is a strong foundation
- Business legitimacy and verifiable history matter most
- CPV Lab fits well in compliant setups
- Shortcuts do not work
- Keeping the certified tracking domain is your responsibility
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for:
- how to get a Google certified domain
- Google certified click tracker
- click tracker for Google Ads
- white label tracking for agencies
- self hosted ad tracking solution
This case study shows one clear path.
A real business.
A real website.
A white label click tracker you control, setup to match your business.
In conclusion: CPV Lab makes the technical part simple, so you can focus on building a business Google trusts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I get a Google certified domain for tracking?
You need a domain that matches your real business, a working website, and a clean click tracker. CPV Lab’s white label setup lets you host your own tracker on your own domain.
What is a Google certified click tracker?
It’s a tracker running on a domain that passed Google’s certification process. Google checks who owns the domain, what it’s used for, and whether the setup follows their rules. A white label tracker like CPV Lab makes this possible.
Is CPV Lab approved by Google?
Yes, CPV Lab is a certified click tracker by Google. However, CPV Lab is not sharing its certified domain and you need to apply to get your own certified domain. It is a self-hosted tool that you run on your own server and domain. This gives you full control and allows you to build a compliant setup that meets Google’s standards and get your own certified domain.
Can anyone get a certified tracking domain?
No. Google only approves domains that belong to real, active businesses with proper websites. If you’re just starting out or your site is empty, your chances are low, no matter what tracker you use.
Does CPV Lab help with the application process?
Yes. But we don’t guarantee approvals. We offer guidance, technical setup help, and a proven white label system that fits Google’s expectations for certified click trackers.
Author: Julia Draghici
Julia is the CEO of CPV Lab and CPV One ad trackers. She has 15+ years experience in the software industry, from development to management. For more than 7 years she is helping marketers get the best out of their marketing campaigns by using a performant ad tracker. Passionate about entrepreneurship, business and performance marketing, Julia loves helping people!
