What Is Google Tag Manager (GTM)?

Understanding and keeping a track record of user behavior is essential to excel in the arena of digital marketing to improve tactics and produce for driving successful campaigns online. To track particular actions, websites or applications frequently need to have added tracking codes, also called tags. This is made simpler and easier to execute by Google Tag Manager (GTM), which lets developers and marketers handle these tags without the technical know-how of codes.

Without changing the codes in the website or app, Google Tag Manager being a free tag management system, helps developers and marketers in implementing, updating, and managing tags. Tags are tiny bits of code that collect data and transmit it to advertising companies, such as Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics, and other third-party services.
With GTM, all you have to do is add the GTM container code to your app or website once. The GTM interface can then be used for better management and administration of tags, without the need of any developer.

Also Read: What is E-mail Marketing? Why is it Important?

Google Tag Manager: How Does It Operate?

Container Code: During the first setup, a container snippet is added to the website or application. This serves as the base for managing tags.
Tags: These are the bits of code (like Facebook Pixel or Google Analytics) that you wish to use.
Triggers: These specify the situations when tags should activate, such as when a button is pressed or a page loads.
Variables: Used by triggers and tags, these take the input of the continuously changing and updating data like user inputs or URLs.

Perks Comes With Google Tag Manager (GTM)

User-Friendly platform: GTM’s adaptive and responsive interface makes it easy for marketers to add, edit, or remove tags without the need for any technical expertise.
Templates used for pre-built tags: GTM makes setup simple and easy to run by providing a library of pre-built tags for well-known platforms like Twitter Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag, and Google Analytics.
Customised HTML Tags: GTM helps users add unique HTML or JavaScript tags for special needs and more complex requirements.
Eliminating The Bugs in Real Time: Before deploying tags, you can test them in the Preview and Debug mode to make sure they work properly and collect reliable data.
Control Versions: Every time GTM is modified, a new version emerges, enabling users to revert to earlier setups if necessary.
Cross-Platform Assistance: GTM functions smoothly and easily for websites, mobile apps, and AMP pages.

Advantages Of Google Tag Manager

Usability: Marketers can handle tags without technical knowledge thanks to GTM. For instance, you may add a Google Ads conversion tag within GTM without requiring a developer to make changes to the website’s code.
Quicker Execution: Using GTM to add or update tags is faster than writing them into a website directly. For example, an e-commerce business can quickly set up Google Analytics in GTM to track product purchases.
Better Performance of Websites: Even when several tags are active, GTM doesn’t slow down your site because it loads tags asynchronously. As a result of this, a better user experience is ensured.
Error Reduction: By making sure that all tags and triggers are checked before running it, the Debug and Preview mode reduces the chance of any mistakes.
Economical: GTM is a great option for companies irrespective of their size because it is free. It does away with the requirement for costly tag management programs or the involvement of ongoing developers.
Adaptability and Expandability: GTM is capable of managing all of your remarketing, conversion, and user interaction tracking needs.

Also Read: What is Google Search Console and How Does It Work?

How To Set Up Google Tag Manager?

Step First: First, Register For A GTM Account.

Create a new container for your website or app and register for tag manager with your Google account.

Step Second: Add The GTM Code.

The GTM-provided container snippet should be copied and pasted into the header and body section of your website’s code.

Step 3: Establish Tags

Include the tags you wish to use, such as Facebook Pixel, Hotjar, or Google Analytics.

Step Four: Configure Triggers

To specify where and when your tags should fire, set up triggers. For instance, a tag might activate when a user clicks a button or when a certain page loads.

Step Five: Test Tags

Make sure the tags are correct by using the Preview and Debug mode working as intended.

Step Six: Publish Changes

Once everything is tested and working, publish your container to make the tags live.

Also Read: What is Google Analytics And What Is Its Usage?

Google Tag Manager’s Practical Uses

Tracking Actions on the Website: An online learning platform, for example, can use GTM to track when users download materials, play videos, or perform any other particular tasks.
Boost The Advertising Campaigns: For instance, a clothes company that uses Facebook ads can utilize GTM to create a Facebook Pixel that keeps records of the items people have looked for and shows them ads that are relevant to them in the near future, on the basis of their past interaction across the website.
Tracking Conversions: For instance, a SaaS provider can install tags to monitor when customers sign up for a subscription plan or a free trial.
Event Tracking Example: To get a better understanding of customer behavior, an online retailer can utilize GTM to track “Add to Cart” or “Remove from Cart” activities.

Obstacle In Google Tag Manager

Learning Elements: At first, it could be difficult for beginners to understand the tags and variables. Online available documentation and tutorials, ease the learning process.
Wrong setups: Inaccurate collection of data may result from improperly configured tags or triggers. Debugging and testing are important to prevent this problem.
Complex Situations Call for Knowledge: More complex implementations, like event monitoring or cross-domain tracking, can call for developer support or some coding expertise.

Best Ways To Use Google Tag Manager

Arrangement for Tracking: Decide Upon what you want to track and describe the tags before you start using tag manager.
Use Speficif And Direct Naming: To maintain an organized setup with clarity, give variables, triggers, and tags meaningful names.
Conduct Tests Before Publication: Before going live, always verify your tags in the Preview and Debug mode, to make sure no error came forward during the running process.
Audit Your Tags Frequently: Review your GTM configuration on a regular basis to get rid of old tags and improve efficiency.
Record Your Configuration: Keep track of your GTM configuration documents so that team members may quickly understand the setup and make changes in the future.

Also Read: How to Setup Google Analytics? Step By Step Guide

Conclusion

For companies trying to improve their marketing strategy, get meaningful information, and streamline tracking procedures, Google Tag Manager is a game-changer. It is essential for contemporary marketers due to its versatility, ease of use, and compatibility with other technologies.
GTM helps you to handle tags effectively with efficiently, regardless of your size—whether you’re a huge,well-established company tracking intricate user interactions or a small business looking to maximize your ad budget.
To maximize the potential of your website and advance your marketing tactics, start utilizing Google Tag Manager right now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What Is Google Tag Manager All About?

A tool called Google Tag Manager makes it easier to manage website tracking codes, or tags, without having to change the website’s code.

Does Using Google Tag Manager Need Me To Know How To Code?

No, even though advanced features could require codes, GTM is easy to use and made for non-technical people.

With Google Tag Manager, What Can I Track?

For the purpose of marketing and analytics, you can monitor user behavior, button clicks, form submissions, and website visits.

How Will My Website Benefit From Google Tag Manager?

Keeping tags in one location increases efficiency and makes sure of accurate data gathering and quicker updates.

Is It Free To Use Google Tag Manager?

Indeed, GTM is totally free for both individual and commercial use.

Does Google Tag Manager Slow Down My Website?

No, GTM loads asynchronously, meaning it doesn’t affect your website’s loading speed.

Can Google Tag Manager Work With Other Tools?

Yes, GTM integrates with tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, and other third-party platforms.

Why Should I Use Google Tag Manager Instead Of Coding Directly?

It simplifies tag management, reduces errors, and allows quick updates without relying on developers.