topic Re: Struggling with Offline Conversions from HubSpot to Google Ads in Ads

Struggling with Offline Conversions from HubSpot to Google Ads

CDeMares — Wed, 14 May 2025 12:44:44 GMT

Hi everyone!

I’ve been having ongoing issues syncing offline conversion events from HubSpot to Google Ads—and I’m hoping someone here can help clarify how to fix this properly.

Currently Google Ads is rejecting some conversion events with the following error:

“The imported event has a timestamp that precedes the click.”
(Error code: CONVERSION_PRECEDES_EVENT)

I found out this happens because Google only accepts offline conversions if the conversion_date_time is on or after the original ad click time. Even a one-second difference (where the event time is earlier than the click) causes a hard failure.

Have anyone experienced something similar and have recommendations to fix it? I tried in HubSpot directly through events and I can't seem to edit those.

Re: Struggling with Offline Conversions from HubSpot to Google Ads

Jaycee_Lewis — Thu, 15 May 2025 02:03:30 GMT

Hi, @CDeMares 👋 Thank yo very much for taking the time to post a detailed question. It sounds like you've worked on the troubleshooting basics already. Hey

@MrJustinGivens @TomM2 @Oscar1 do you have any additional suggestions for @CDeMares?

Thank you very much for taking a look! — Jaycee

Re: Struggling with Offline Conversions from HubSpot to Google Ads

SanjayKumar — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:02:04 GMT

Hi @CDeMares,
Google strictly requires that the conversion timestamp is equal to or after the ad click timestamp. If HubSpot logs the event (e.g., deal stage change) even slightly before the click, you’ll see the CONVERSION_PRECEDES_EVENT error.
Here’s how to fix it:

Capture GCLID + Timestamp on form submission using hidden fields and custom properties.
Delay the conversion trigger (via workflow) by a few minutes to ensure it happens after the click.
Consider sending conversions manually through Zapier or the Google Ads API, it gives you better control over the timestamp.
If eligible, explore Enhanced Conversions for Leads, it’s more forgiving than GCLID-only tracking.

Let me know if you want a Zapier example or setup guide.