How to set up Google Tag Manager in 5 easy steps
Google Tag Manager is an easy way to manage your website tags. It has a simple interface and you don't have to rely on developers for every tag change or update.
- What is Google Tag Manager (GTM)
- Why should you use Google Tag Manager
- How to set up Google Tag Manager for your website
1. What is Google Tag Manager (GTM)
Google Tag Manager is a free service that allows you to manage your tags. It is for marketers and webmasters to create and update their tags without editing code on the site. With Google Tag Manager, adding new tags or updating existing ones takes a few clicks.
2. Why should you use Google Tag Manager
GTM makes your life easier, especially if you have different tags to add to your website. Some of the tags you might want to add to your website are the Facebook pixel, Google Analytics, Google Ads, to name a few. When you have GTM installed on your website, you don't need to add all those scripts to your website. You add them indirectly to your website via GTM.
As mentioned above, GTM is free and allows you to have your tags very well organised. No need to mess with the code on your website. All you need to do is to install one script (GTM) and you will install all other scripts in the GTM container. The tag management is much easier and you can also test your tags with GTM.
3. How to set up Google Tag Manager for your website
Depending on the website you have, there are different ways to add the GTM script. For example, some website platforms are already integrated with GTM. Some WordPress plugins are also integrated with GTM. If that is the case, all you need to do is add the GTM Id. For other websites, you need to add the whole script. But don't worry, it is quite easy to do. And some instructions will allow you to do it step by step.
We have covered the basics of what Google Tag Manager is and why you should use it. Now let’s get into the details for setting up your own Google Tag Manager account. To do this, follow these five steps below:
1. Create a GTM account. Try to use the same account you use for Google Analytics and Google Search Console if you can.
2. Give a name to your new container. This is what will hold all your tags. You can add your website name and choose Web as the target platform.
3. Copy the GTM snippet (the code) and add it to your website. Make sure you add both parts. One goes in the header of your website and the other one in the body.
4. Once you installed the code into your website, all you have to do is to start adding the tags you need on your website. The first one would be Google Analytics. Make sure you only have Google Analytics once. Either in your GTM container or directly on your website, but not in both places. I will create another post where I show you how I create tags and triggers in GTM, stay tuned for that.
5. Once you added your tags and triggers, you need to publish and hit preview to see if they are firing properly.
If you need help setting this up on your website, contact me below. I'd be happy to provide guidance through each step of the process.
I hope you found this post useful. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to book a complimentary call with me. I'd be happy to answer any questions related to GTM or your next digital marketing strategy.
