How to create and configure your first container in Google Tag Manager

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Creating and configuring your first container in Google Tag Manager (GTM) is an essential step in managing tags for your website or mobile app. A container holds all the tags, triggers, and variables for a specific site or app, making it easy to manage tracking and analytics without directly altering the code. Here’s a detailed guide on how to create and configure your first container in Google Tag Manager.

1. Understanding Google Tag Manager Containers

A container is a collection of tags and associated configurations that you can deploy across your site or app. By creating a container, you can manage all your tracking codes from a single interface, simplifying the process of adding, updating, and maintaining tags.

2. Creating a Google Tag Manager Account

Before creating a container, you need to have a Google Tag Manager account. If you already have one, you can skip to the next section.

Step 1: Sign In to Google Tag Manager

  1. Go to the Google Tag Manager website.
  2. Click on the “Sign Up for Free” button.
  3. If prompted, sign in with your Google account.

Step 2: Create Your GTM Account

  1. After signing in, you’ll see the option to create a new account.
  2. Enter an account name (this is often your business name).
  3. Choose your country from the drop-down menu.

3. Creating Your First Container

Step 1: Set Up the Container

  1. After creating your account, you’ll be prompted to set up a new container.
  2. Enter a name for your container (usually the name of your website or app).
  3. Choose where to use the container. Options include:
    • Web: For websites.
    • iOS: For iOS mobile applications.
    • Android: For Android mobile applications.
    • AMP: For Accelerated Mobile Pages.
  4. Click on the “Create” button to proceed.

Step 2: Accept the Terms of Service

  1. Review the Google Tag Manager Terms of Service.
  2. If you agree to the terms, click “Yes” to accept and proceed.

4. Installing the GTM Code Snippet

After creating your container, GTM will provide you with two code snippets that you need to install on your website.

Step 1: Copy the GTM Code

  1. You will see the GTM code snippets displayed on the screen. The snippets are structured as follows:
    • First Snippet (Head): This code should be placed in the <head> section of your HTML.
    • Second Snippet (Body): This code should be placed immediately after the opening <body> tag.

Step 2: Add the Code to Your Website

  • For HTML Websites:
    • Open your website’s HTML files in a text editor.
    • Paste the first code snippet into the <head> section of your HTML file.
    • Paste the second code snippet immediately after the opening <body> tag.
  • For CMS Platforms (like WordPress):
    • You can add the GTM code manually through the theme editor or by using a plugin like “Insert Headers and Footers” to input the code snippets.

5. Configuring Your GTM Container

Once you have installed the GTM code on your website, you can begin configuring your container to include tags, triggers, and variables.

Step 1: Understanding Key Components

  • Tags: Snippets of code that track specific actions (e.g., Google Analytics, AdWords tracking).
  • Triggers: Conditions that determine when and where tags are executed (e.g., page views, clicks).
  • Variables: Pieces of information used to configure tags and triggers (e.g., page URL, user-defined values).

Step 2: Creating Your First Tag

  1. In your GTM workspace, click on “Tags” in the left sidebar.
  2. Click on the “New” button to create a new tag.
  3. Name your tag (e.g., “Google Analytics Tag”).
  4. Click on “Tag Configuration” to select the type of tag you want to create. For example, to set up Google Analytics:
    • Select “Google Analytics: Universal Analytics.”
    • Choose the “Track Type” (e.g., “Page View”).
    • Enter your Google Analytics Tracking ID (which you can find in your Google Analytics account).

Step 3: Setting Up a Trigger for Your Tag

  1. After configuring your tag, click on “Triggering” to add a trigger.
  2. Click on the “+” button to create a new trigger.
  3. Choose a trigger type (e.g., “Page View” to fire the tag on all pages).
  4. Configure the trigger settings (for a page view trigger, you usually don’t need to change anything) and click “Save.”

6. Saving and Publishing Your Changes

After creating your tag and trigger, you need to save and publish your changes to make them live on your site.

Step 1: Save Your Tag

  1. After setting up the trigger, click “Save” to save the tag you just created.

Step 2: Submit Your Container Version

  1. To publish your changes, click the “Submit” button in the upper right corner of the GTM interface.
  2. Provide a version name and description of the changes you made (this helps keep track of your updates).
  3. Click “Publish” to make your tags live.

7. Testing Your Container

Before fully relying on your setup, it’s crucial to test the tags to ensure they are firing correctly.

Step 1: Use Preview Mode

  1. In your GTM workspace, click on the “Preview” button.
  2. Enter the URL of your website and click “Connect.”
  3. This will open a new tab showing your website with the GTM debugger at the bottom.

Step 2: Verify Tag Firing

  • As you navigate through your site, the debugger will indicate which tags are firing. Ensure your tags are executed as expected.

8. Monitoring and Debugging

To ensure your tags continue to function correctly, you should monitor their performance regularly.

Step 1: Google Tag Assistant

Step 2: Validate Your Tags

  • Use the Tag Assistant to check that your tags are set up correctly and firing as intended.

9. Best Practices

  • Organize Tags and Triggers: Use clear naming conventions for easy identification.
  • Regularly Update Your Container: Whenever you make significant changes, create a new version of your container.
  • Document Changes: Keep a log of what changes were made and why, which can be useful for future reference.

Conclusion

Creating and configuring your first container in Google Tag Manager is a powerful way to manage your website’s tracking and analytics without needing to edit the code directly. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to set up your GTM account and container, add your first tags, and monitor their performance effectively. GTM not only streamlines the process of managing tags but also enhances your ability to track user behavior and optimize your marketing efforts. Remember to test your setup thoroughly to ensure accurate data collection.

Categories: Digital Marketing