How do you set up Google Tag Manager for your website?

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Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a powerful tool that allows you to easily manage various tracking codes (also known as 'tags') on your website. Whether you want to set up Google Analytics, measure conversions or add remarketing tags, GTM makes it all easier. In this tutorial, we explain step by step how to set up Google Tag Manager for your website and manage your marketing and analytics tools more efficiently.

(Read more below.)

How do you set up Google Tag Manager for your website?

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What is Google Tag Manager?

Before we get started, it is important to understand exactly what Google Tag Manager does. It is a tag management system that allows you to add and update JavaScript and HTML tags without having to dive directly into your website's code. This means you can implement new tracking code quickly, without depending on a developer. GTM thus helps you save time and effort, while keeping control over the analysis and optimisation of your website.

Step 1: Create a Google Tag Manager account

The first thing you need is a Google Tag Manager account. Follow these simple steps to create one:

Go to the Google Tag Manager website.
Log in with your Google account or create one if you don't already have one.
Click Create Account and enter the name of your company or website.
Next, enter the name of your container. A container is simply the place where all your tags are kept.
Usually, you give this the same name as your website.
Choose Web as the platform for which you want to set up GTM (other options include apps).
Click Create and agree to the terms of use.

Now your account and container have been created, and you can proceed with adding GTM to your website.

Step 2: adding Google Tag Manager to your website

To use Google Tag Manager, you need to place the GTM code on your website. To do so, follow these steps:

Once you have created your container, you will see two pieces of code: one that you put in the <head> of your website should be posted, and another one just after the opening of the <body> should be added.
Copy both codes and paste them in the right place in your website's HTML. This can be done manually via your website's code editor, or via your content management system (CMS) such as WordPress.

Don't have experience editing HTML? No worries. Most CMSs have plug-ins or modules to easily add GTM, such as Google Tag Manager for WordPress.

Step 3: Adding tags in Google Tag Manager

Now that GTM is on your website, you can start adding tags. A tag is a piece of code that activates, for example, Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel or other tools. Here's how to add a tag:

Log in to your Google Tag Manager account.
Click Tags in the menu on the left.
Click New tag to add a new tag.
Give your tag a name and click Tag configuration.
Choose one of the many built-in templates, such as Google Analytics: Universal Analytics, or choose Custom HTML if you want to add a different tracking code.
Configure the tag by choosing the appropriate settings, for example the tracking ID from Google Analytics.

Then click Triggering and select when you want the tag to be triggered, such as All pages if you want to load the tag on every page of your website.
Then click Save, and your first tag is set!

Step 4: Setting triggers

Triggers determine when a tag is activated. This could be when a user visits a particular page, fills in a form or clicks a button, for example. To set a trigger:

Go to Triggers in the left menu of Google Tag Manager.
Click New trigger.
Give your trigger a name and choose a trigger type, such as Page Visit, Click or Form Fills.

Set the conditions when this trigger should be activated, e.g. when a certain URL is visited.
Click Save to complete your trigger.

Your trigger is now ready to be attached to a tag. Triggers help you track specific user actions and further refine your analytics.

Step 5: Testing your settings with preview mode

Before you put your changes live, it is important to test them first. GTM has a handy preview mode that lets you check if your tags and triggers are working correctly. Follow these steps:

Click the Preview button at the top right of your Google Tag Manager dashboard. You will now be taken to your website, where you can see in preview mode which tags are activated and when.

Check that the right tags and triggers are loaded at the desired times. If something is wrong, you can adjust the settings before publishing.

Step 6: Publishing your container

Once you are happy with your settings and everything works well, it's time to put your changes live.

Click the Submit button at the top right of the Google Tag Manager dashboard.
Name your publication and describe what you have changed, if any.
Click Publish.

Your Google Tag Manager settings are now live, and the tags and triggers you created are now activated on your website.

Step 7: Managing and updating tags

One of the biggest advantages of Google Tag Manager is that you can easily add new tags or update existing ones without having to dive into your website's code every time. For each new tracking tool or campaign, all you have to do is create a new tag and publish it via GTM.

Conclusion

Google Tag Manager is an indispensable tool for any website owner who wants control over their tracking codes without the help of a developer. It allows you to manage and test tags quickly and easily, which can greatly streamline your marketing and analytics processes. By following the steps in this tutorial, you will have GTM up and running within minutes and be ready to accurately measure and optimise your website performance.

With Google Tag Manager, you are better equipped to gather valuable insights and refine your online strategy-and that without any hassle!

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