If you already have a Google Account, setting up Google Tag Manager (GTM) has never been easier.
In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create your own Google Tag Manager Account, enabling you to add tags to your website, APP or AMP pages in a matter of minutes.
*Note if you want to find out more about Google Tag Manager and what it is, check out my previous post here.
So, what are we waiting for, let’s learn how to set up Google Tag Manager!
Step 1: Visit The Google Tag Manager Account Page
Click on The GTM Account link: https://www.google.co.uk/analytics/tag-manager/
If you’ve already got a Google Account proceed to the next step. If you don’t have a Google Account, you’ll need to create one here: https://accounts.google.com/signup.
Step 2: Sign In With Your Google Account
Click ‘SIGN IN’ to create a GTM Account with your Google Account
Step 3. Create Your GTM Account
After you’ve signed in you should be on the GTM Account creation page.
Add your company name and click CONTINUE.
Step 4: Setup Your GTM Container
The Container is where you’ll manage all your tags.
- Label the Container name with the name of your site (don’t use https:// or https://).
- Select where the container will be used, Web, iOS, Android or AMP.
- Click ‘CREATE’.
Step 5: Agree to the GTM Terms of Service
Click ‘YES’ – it’s the only option which will allow you to make further progress J.
Step 6: Open Your GTM Container
Click on your Container Name
Step 7: Click on your GTM Tracking code ID
Click on the GTM Tracking ID
Step 8: Install GTM
IMPORTANT!
Before you go ahead with following the next steps, make sure you audit the current tags installed in the code of your website, app or AMP pages and create an analytics migration plan before you begin.
For example, if you have Universal Google Analytics installed on every page already, and you deploy Universal Analytics using Google Tag Manager, you will end up with two identical Universal Analytics codes on the page. This will result in double counting of pageviews and inaccurate bounce rate metrics.
Some CMS systems e.g. WordPress and Magento allow users to add tracking tags using plugins. Taking stock of what’s already installed on your site before adding tags to GTM is a sensible precaution to safeguard your data.
Not all vendor tags are currently supported by GTM, and for those which aren’t, you’ll want to check in with the vendor’s technical support to ensure their tracking code will work with GTM. Here’s the list of supported tags: https://support.google.com/tagmanager/answer/6106924?hl=en
It’s also why you need to run a GTM Tracking Coverage Report whenever you make major analytics changes or upgrades.
Once you’ve documented your current tracking set up and worked out any compatibility issues, follow the instructions in the GTM pop window to add the code to your website (See the screenshot in Step 5.) You may need your developer to help you with this:
More information
https://developers.google.com/tag-manager/quickstart
Step 9: Check GTM Container Tracking Code Coverage
You’ll want to ensure a tracking coverage report is run to test GTM is on every page. There are lots of tools that can help you keep track of which tags you have on all pages across your site. One of these is gachecker.com which is free and will analyse small sites (less than 10,000 pages). See https://www.gachecker.com/.
Step 10: Add Your Tags and Test
Good work, you’ve got GTM Installed. In future posts, we’ll show you how to install Google Analytics and test and publish it in GTM. Stay tuned! Subscribe to our Newsletter to be notified when we publish this post.
How Do I Install GTM on WordPress?
We’d recommend using this excellent plugin which includes additional GTM tracking options and makes installing Google Tag Manager a breeze: https://en-gb.wordpress.org/plugins/duracelltomi-google-tag-manager/
Next Steps
Congrats on reaching the end of this post. At this stage, you should have set up a GTM Account, created and installed your GTM Container and checked it’s on every page. You’ll be ready to add your very first tag.
Thanks for reading our guide to setting up Google Tag Manager, we hope you found it useful! Don’t hesitate to add a comment or send me a mail if you have questions, or need some support with GTM.
Our Other Google Tag Manager Resources
- 3 Event Tracking Methods for Google Analytics Via Google Tag Manager
- How to Track to Multiple Google Analytics Properties via Google Tag Manager
- How to Test Google Analytics Event & Goal Tracking Using Google Tag Assistant
If you need help with Google Tag Manager or any part of your Analytics, feel free to get in touch by calling us on 01273 733 433 or contacting us using the form below: