All you need to know about Google Tag Manager

Everything you need to know to get started with Google Tag Manager

In 2012, Google released to the world a tool that influenced the internet world immeasurably, Google Tag Manager; since then, our lives have changed. Thanks to Google Tag Manager, it is no longer necessary to chase the programmer of a site in order to embed codes, tags or pixels. All you have to do today is log in to Google Tag Manager and get started.

What is Google Tag Manager?

Google Tag Manager is a free tool that helps you manage and control scripts on your site without having to deal with HTML or Java code writing and programming. With these tags, you can actually track and measure all kinds of factors and actions that surfers perform on your site.

The purpose of software such as Google Tag Manager (which is professionally called Tag Management System, or TMS) is to make changes to the entire site using the platform, without the need for the services of a programmer to make changes or implement tags. This way, one can actually track and manage all data collected by the various analytics tools in a convenient way for the user.

Why should I use Google Tag Manager?

In principle, there are a lot of reasons why using Google Tag Manager is beneficial. For starters, it is highly convenient and enables accurate measurement of parameters and metrics on the site. But here, we will focus on a few other reasons:

• Quick implementation of codes:
  In the past, in order to embed codes, we would have to get an ‘embed code’ from the software one wants to use and ask the programmer to embed the code on the site. The programmer, usually busy with countless things, is likely to postpone the activity for a significant period of time till he is available; with the passing of a week or so, a new code would be required to implement, and thus, the waiting saga could continue indefinitely.
  
  
• All codes in one place:
  Before, in order to see the results of the embedded tags, one would have to log in to each site individually and get results from the tags. Today, everything is in one place, arranged in a convenient way to browse. This limits the possibility of human errors, and a tag or measurement is unlikely to be forgotten.
  
  
• Convenient and easy technical inspection:
  The Google Tag Manager platform allows you to check the tags and measurements in a convenient and easy way, in a manner where the correction of arising problems is a convenient and simple process that does not require a complete understanding of coding.
  
  
• Simple and easy tracking:
  The purpose of the tags, as we noted, is to track measurements of the behaviour of surfers on the site. After a relatively simple assimilation process (please refer to the video we have prepared for you), you will be given the option to put pre-made tags to use. This will most certainly make your life easier.

Will you find it easier to understand the steps with a video tutorial? We have for you a complete and comprehensive video to help you use Google Tag Manager. The video was made by Metric Mogul

Google Tag Manager Principles - How It Works

There are three main elements you need to know before you approach working with Google Tag Manager: Tag, Trigger, and Variables.

• Tag
  The tag is a piece of code that goes into action when the surfer performs a certain action. In fact, when you define a tag, you tell Google what action to take in response to the surfer's action. This could be, for example, counting the click that the surfer made and sending the information to Google Analytics.

• Trigger
  The trigger is actually the particular action that the surfer is performing. For example, you can set triggers around completing the contact form, viewing pages on the site, and more.

• Variables
  The last part of the Holy Trinity, a ‘variable’ refers to the element we are following. This can be part of the ‘thank you’ page URL, how much money the customer has spent in the online store, and a range of other variables.

Tips for optimal use of Google Tag Manager

• Use names you understand. After a few months of use, you will see that the number of tags increases, and in order to keep track of as much as is possible, it helps to give names in advance that explain the action of the tag.
• When granting access to other users, do so with discretion. Make sure to use the various sharing options correctly, such as publishing, editing, reading, etc.
• Consult a programmer before entering any codes you find online. The internet is a great place to find predefined codes and tags, but before you put them into the heart of your site, take the help of a programmer to ensure that the code has spun.
• Do not set all tags to be activated at once - it will only slow down the site, and as a result, Google will penalize your site ranking.

List of sources of information about Google Tag Manager

In order to master this wonderful tool, you will need to learn a little about it; but most importantly, we recommend playing with it and starting to feel comfortable using it. This is actually the most important tip because no matter how much you read until you start practising it you probably will not fully understand. It is imperative that you start using the tool to get accustomed to it.

• In this article, you will find detailed explanations about triggers and variables.
• Want to know more about measurements of surfers' behaviour? Enter this article and you will learn full
• Stuck and finding that no one is available to help? You may find solutions in the active and supportive Facebook group of Google Tag Manager

If this article was a little too much for you and you are afraid to implement and use Google Tag Manager yourself, then know that you are not alone! Feel free to contact us - we are committed to taking care of every step of the process for you.

Author of the article - Assaf Shimoni

CEO of Alt_ Digital Marketing LTD