Setting up Google Tag Manager (GTM) on your website might sound complicated, but with this simple guide, you’ll be able to do it yourself, even if you’re not a tech expert. Let’s walk through the process step by step.
Step 1: Sign Up for Google Tag Manager
- Go to Google Tag Manager: Start by visiting Google Tag Manager official website.
- Create Your Account:
- Click on “Create Account.”
- Type in your account name (usually your business name).
- Enter your website’s URL as the container name.
- Choose “Web” as the platform.
- Click “Create.”
- Agree to the Terms:
- Read the terms of service, and click “Yes” to continue.
Step 2: Add Google Tag Manager to Your Website
- Get Your Unique Code: Once your account is set up, you’ll see two pieces of code. You’ll need to add these to your website.
- Place the First Code in the
<head>: Copy the first code and paste it near the top of your website’s HTML, right after the opening<head>tag. This code should be on every page of your site. - Place the Second Code in the
<body>: Copy the second code and paste it immediately after the opening<body>tag. This ensures everything runs smoothly, even if there are issues with the first code.
Step 3: Set Up Your First Tag in Google Tag Manager
- Create a New Tag:
- In your GTM dashboard, click on “Tags” and then “New.”
- Choose what kind of tag you want to create (like Google Analytics).
- Set Triggers:
- Decide when the tag should activate (e.g., on all pages or just specific ones).
- Save your settings.
Before doing setup of tag understand what a “tag” is. In the context of websites, a tag is a small piece of code that helps track and collect data about user interactions on your site. For example, a tag might track when someone visits a page, clicks a button, or completes a purchase. Tags are essential for tools like Google Analytics, remarketing ads, and other tracking services.
Step 4: Test and Publish Your Changes
- Preview Before Going Live: Click “Preview” in GTM to see how your tags will work before you make them public.
- Make It Live: Once you’re happy with everything, click “Submit” and then “Publish” to activate the changes on your website.
Step 5: Check If It’s Working
- Use Google Tag Assistant: Download the Google Tag Assistant extension for Chrome to check if everything is set up correctly.
- Monitor in Google Analytics: If you’ve set up Google Analytics through GTM, you can check the Real-Time reports to ensure data is being tracked.
Troubleshooting Tips
Double-Check Your Code Placement: Make sure the GTM code is in the right places on your website.
Clear Your Cache: If things don’t seem to be working, clear your browser’s cache or try in incognito mode.
Use GTM Preview: The Preview mode in GTM helps you see if tags are working correctly.
Conclusion
By following above steps, you’ll have Google Tag Manager up and running on your website, giving you the power to manage tags easily without needing to touch your site’s code again. Understanding what a tag is and how it works is key to effectively tracking your website’s performance and making informed decisions based on the data you collect.
Need help or want to ensure everything is set up correctly? Contact our team of experts today, and we’ll make sure your Google Tag Manager is optimized for success!
