How to Create UTM Parameters and Configure Dropdown Options?

Manually typing UTM parameters for every new link is not only time-consuming but also a primary source of tracking errors. Simple typos or variations in capitalization (facebook vs. Facebook) can split your data across multiple entries in your analytics platform, making it incredibly difficult to get an accurate view of your campaign performance. This inconsistent data can lead to flawed analysis and poor marketing decisions.

The solution is to create a centralized library of pre-approved UTM values within Terminus. By defining your standard Campaigns, Sources, and Mediums in advance, you configure the URL Builder to display these options in clean, simple dropdown menus. This eliminates manual entry, enforces consistency across your entire team, and ensures your tracking data is always clean and reliable.

1. Creating UTM Parameter Values

Creating a UTM parameter means adding a new, selectable value to the dropdown list for one of the five standard parameters. For example, when you "Create a new Campaign," you are adding an option like summer_sale to your utm_campaign list.

The process is the same for all five parameters (Campaigns, Sources, Mediums, etc.).

Method 1: Creating a Single Value

1. Navigate to Parameters and select the UTM parameter you want to add a value for (e.g., Campaigns).
2. Click the Create a new Campaign button.

3. Fill in the details:
   • Name: Enter the campaign name exactly as you want it to be tracked (e.g., 2025-09-webinar-promo).
   • Notes: Add a description for your team so they know the purpose of the campaign and when to use it.
4. The Active box is checked by default. Only uncheck this if you want to temporarily hide this option from the URL Builder dropdowns without deleting it.
5. Click Save. Your first campaign value is now saved.

Method 2: Creating Values in Bulk

1. Navigate to the relevant parameter section (e.g., Parameters > Campaigns).

2. Click the down arrow next to the Create a new Campaign button and select Create multiple campaigns.

3. Add as many campaign names and notes as you need, using the + Add another button for more entries. Click Save.

4. For more complex needs, you can use the advanced options to generate campaigns from combinations of values. This powerful feature allows you to automatically create dozens of structured campaign names at once. You can learn how to create multiple campaigns or other UTM values in bulk in our detailed help guide.

Method 3: Creating Values with a Convention

This advanced method allows your team to create new, permanent UTM values using a Naming Convention. It's the perfect way to grow your list of approved parameters organically while still enforcing a strict naming structure.

1. Navigate to the relevant parameter section (e.g., Parameters > Campaigns).
2. Click the Create a new Campaign button.

3. Find the Apply a convention option on the page and select your desired convention (e.g., Social Convention).

4. The input fields from the convention will be displayed. Fill in the values you want to use. For example, you might select weekly for the Interval and 2025/10/13 for the Send Date.

5. Review the selected values and click Save to generate the campaign. The system will automatically generate the final, formatted value based on your inputs (e.g., weekly-20251013).

You can follow the same methods above to add values for any other UTM parameter.

2. How Your Values Configure the URL Builder Dropdowns

By completing the steps above, you have successfully configured the dropdown options for the URL Builder.

Now, when you or anyone on your team navigates to the URL Builder and clicks on a parameter field like Campaign, you will see a dropdown menu populated with all the Active values you just created. This allows your team to select from a pre-approved list rather than typing values manually, which is the key to maintaining data consistency.

Best Practices

• Consistency is Key: A predefined list of values is your best defense against inconsistent data. It prevents typos and variations (e.g., linkedin vs. LinkedIn) that can split your data in analytics reports.
• Use the Notes Field: The Notes field is a great way to provide context. Use it to explain what a campaign is for or when to use a specific source.
• Keep Your Lists Clean: Periodically review your parameter values. If a campaign is over or a source is no longer used, simply uncheck the Active box to hide it from the dropdowns.
• Advanced Bulk Creation: For creating hundreds of values based on combinations (e.g., generating campaign names for every country and product), you can learn how to create UTM parameters in bulk using the advanced generator.

Creating a predefined list of UTM parameter values is a foundational step in building a scalable and reliable tracking system. By configuring your project's dropdown menus, you eliminate guesswork and data entry errors, empowering your team to track their campaigns accurately and consistently.