# Create path and custom-event goals

> Define important website actions as path or custom-event goals before building funnels or connecting revenue.

Canonical page: [https://attribiq.com/guides/create-goals](https://attribiq.com/guides/create-goals)

Category: Goals & Funnels

Last updated: 2026-09-08

Topics: goals, custom events, path goals, conversion

## Summary

Use a path goal when reaching a URL is the outcome. Use a custom-event goal when the action happens without a unique page. Name goals around the user action.

## What this guide covers

- Choose path or event matching
- Name goals clearly
- Verify goal activity
- Use goals in funnels

A goal marks an action that matters to the site.

Examples include viewing a signup-complete page, submitting a form, starting checkout, downloading a resource, or activating a product feature.

## Path goals

Use a path goal when the outcome has a unique tracked URL, such as:

```txt
/signup/success
```

Path goals are simple to verify because the matching pageview appears in the page and session history.

Avoid broad matches that also include unrelated pages.

## Custom-event goals

Use a custom-event goal when the action occurs without a unique page. Your site sends a named event, and the goal matches that event name.

Examples:

- `signup_started`
- `demo_requested`
- `checkout_opened`
- `report_exported`

Use stable names and document when the event fires. Do not include raw personal data in event names or properties.

## Name the outcome

Name goals around what the visitor completed, not the implementation detail.

Prefer “Signup completed” over “Button click 4.” A clear name remains understandable in a funnel and when the UI changes.

## Verify the goal

After creating a goal:

1. Complete the action once.
2. Check the incoming pageview or custom event in Realtime.
3. Confirm the goal count in the selected period.
4. Check that retries or repeated route handling do not double count it.

## Next steps

Combine goals and tracked steps in [a funnel](https://attribiq.com/guides/build-and-read-funnels), or learn [what conversion rate means](https://attribiq.com/guides/what-is-conversion-rate).

## Frequently asked questions

### Should a button click be a path goal?

Use a path goal only if the click reliably leads to a unique tracked URL. Otherwise send a custom event and use an event goal.

### Does a goal require revenue?

No. Goals measure website actions independently. Revenue adds payment outcomes when connected.