Implementing Google Tag Manager on your website
Implement Google Tag Manager (GTM) on your website for an optimal overview. With this free tool from Google you can easily manage all the tracking codes on your website, without technical knowledge. Tags are pieces of code you use to collect data about visitor behaviour, such as clicks, form submissions and page visits. Whether you want to track your visitors' click behaviour or find out how often a form is completed, GTM makes it all a lot easier. Discover how to make your website smarter with Google Tag Manager.
Why use GTM:
- You can add or adjust tags without the help of a developer.
- All tracking codes are managed from one central place.
- With GTM you can connect multiple tools, such as Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel and LinkedIn Insight Tag.
How does Google Tag Manager work?
GTM works with three basic components:
- Tags: These are the tracking codes you want to apply, such as Google Analytics or conversion tracking.
- Triggers: These are the conditions under which a tag is activated, such as a page visit or a click on a button.
- Variables: These contain additional information that the tags and triggers need, such as URLs or specific click types.
By setting up these components smartly, you can analyse visitor behaviour in detail and respond better to their needs.
Implementing Google Tag Manager on your website
- Create a Google Tag Manager account Go to Google Tag Manager and click “Create account”. Enter the name of your account (for example your company name). Create a container and choose “Web” as the platform.
- Add the GTM container code to your website After creating the container, Google gives you two pieces of code: one for the <head> and one directly after the opening of the <body> of your website. Add this code via your CMS (for example in WordPress with a plugin) or ask your web developer to do it.
- Set up a Google Analytics tag In GTM, go to “Tags” and click “New tag”. Choose “Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration” as the tag type. Enter your GA4 measurement ID (for example G-XXXXXXXXXX). Set up a trigger: Choose “All Pages” so the tag is activated on every page of your site.
- Test your setup with preview mode In GTM, click “Preview” and enter the URL of your website. Visit your site and check in preview mode whether the configured tags are activated correctly.
- Publish your container Once you're sure everything works, click “Submit” in GTM to make your changes live.
Tips to get more out of Google Tag Manager
- For example, measure click behaviour on buttons or file downloads.
- Give tags, triggers and variables clear names, so that you can easily later Add tags for remarketing or A/B testing via platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Hotjar.
Google Tag Manager offers an efficient way to manage tracking and analytics on your website. It makes it easier to collect and optimise data, without constantly having to work in the website code. With the steps and tips in this article you can get started yourself and immediately benefit from more insight into your visitors' behaviour. Would you rather leave it to our experts? Get in touch with us, no obligation.