If you're looking to streamline your website's tracking and marketing tags without constantly relying on a developer, Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a game-changer. GTM enables marketers, analysts, and website owners to manage tracking codes or "tags" efficiently from one central platform. This guide walks you through how to set up and install Google Tag Manager on your site.
Google Tag Manager is a free tool that simplifies the process of adding and managing tracking tags on your website. Instead of embedding code snippets directly into your site’s codebase, you can install and update tags through GTM’s user-friendly interface. This approach minimizes errors, simplifies troubleshooting, and helps keep your tracking setup organized and accurate.
We’ve created an instructional video that walks you through each step of setting up and installing Google Tag Manager. The video covers everything from account creation to publishing your tags.
Prefer Step-by-Step Written Instructions? Follow Along Below:
Sign in to your Google account, then go to Google Tag Manager.
Click Create Account and enter your Account Name (e.g., your company name).
Choose your Country and enter a Container Name (usually your website URL) to specify where GTM will be used.
Select the platform type (e.g., Web, iOS, Android), then click Create and accept the terms of service.
Once you’ve set up your account, GTM will provide two code snippets: one for the <head> and one for the <body> of your website.
Copy the <head> Code: Place this code in the <head> section of your website, ideally just before the closing </head> tag. This allows GTM to load as soon as the page starts loading.
Copy the <body> Code: Insert this snippet immediately after the opening <body> tag. It serves as a backup in case the <head> code fails to load.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, plugins such as “Google Tag Manager for WordPress” can help install these snippets easily without accessing your site’s core code.
Once installed, you’re ready to start adding tags. Here’s a quick overview of the key elements in GTM:
Tags: These are the tracking codes you want to add (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel).
Triggers: Triggers determine when and where tags should fire, such as on a page view or click.
Variables: Variables capture dynamic information, such as page URLs or event details, making tags more customizable and powerful.
Before going live, always use GTM’s Preview Mode to test your tags and make sure they’re firing correctly. This allows you to troubleshoot any issues and confirm that your tracking is set up properly.
Once you’re satisfied with the setup, click Submit in the GTM dashboard.
Add a version name and description for your changes, then Publish.
Setting up Google Tag Manager opens up new possibilities for tracking and customizing your website’s data collection. With GTM, you can manage all your tags in one place, making it easy to adapt to new marketing needs and tracking goals. Check out our video to get started, or follow along with these steps to bring your tracking capabilities to the next level!
We'll get back to you within a day to schedule a quick strategy call. We can also communicate over email if that's easier for you.
New York
1074 Broadway
Woodmere, NY
Philadelphia
1617 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Philadelphia, PA
Florida
333 Las Olas Way
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
info@adventureppc.com
(516) 218-3722
Over 300,000 marketers from around the world have leveled up their skillset with AdVenture premium and free resources. Whether you're a CMO or a new student of digital marketing, there's something here for you.
Named one of the most important advertising books of all time.
buy on amazonOver ten hours of lectures and workshops from our DOLAH Conference, themed: "Marketing Solutions for the AI Revolution"
check out dolahResources, guides, and courses for digital marketers, CMOs, and students. Brought to you by the agency chosen by Google to train Google's top Premier Partner Agencies.
Over 100 hours of video training and 60+ downloadable resources
view bundles →