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Google Tag Manager Set Up and Installation [Instructional Video]

October 30, 2024
Google Tag Manager Set Up and Installation [Instructional Video]

Getting Started with Google Tag Manager: Step-by-Step Guide to Setup and Installation

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.

What is Google Tag Manager?

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.

Step-by-Step Instructional Video

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:

Step 1: Create a Google Tag Manager Account

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.

Step 2: Install the Google Tag Manager Code Snippets

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.

Step 3: Start Adding Tags and Triggers

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.

Step 4: Preview and Publish

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!

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