Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a powerful tool that allows you to add and manage tags, or snippets of code, on your website without requiring access to the backend of your website’s code. This tool helps to simplify the process of adding various marketing and analytics tracking codes on your website. However, if you don’t set up tags correctly in Google Tag Manager, it can lead to inaccurate data and poor performance. In this article, we will discuss 5 common mistakes to avoid when setting up tags in Google Tag Manager.
Not Naming Your Tags Appropriately
One of the most common mistakes when setting up tags in Google Tag Manager is not giving them appropriate names. This can lead to confusion when you’re trying to find specific tags later on, especially when you have a lot of tags set up. It’s important to give your tags descriptive and unique names so that you can easily identify them later. Use a naming convention that makes sense to you and your team, and stick to it.
Not Using the Correct Tag Type
Google Tag Manager offers several different types of tags, including Google Analytics, AdWords Conversion Tracking, and Custom HTML tags. It’s important to select the correct tag type for each tag that you set up. For example, if you want to track user behavior on your website, you should use the Google Analytics tag type. If you’re using Google AdWords to advertise your business, you should use the AdWords Conversion Tracking tag type. If you use the wrong tag type, it can result in inaccurate data or not tracking any data at all.
Not Setting Up Triggers Correctly
Tags are triggered by certain actions that occur on your website, such as page views, clicks, or form submissions. Setting up triggers incorrectly can result in tags firing too often or not firing at all. It’s important to test your triggers thoroughly and ensure that they are set up correctly. If your triggers aren’t set up correctly, it can result in inaccurate data or missed opportunities to collect data.
Not Testing Your Tags
It’s essential to test your tags before you launch them on your website. Testing allows you to ensure that your tags are firing correctly and collecting accurate data. You can use the Preview and Debug mode in Google Tag Manager to test your tags before they go live. This mode allows you to see exactly which tags are firing on each page of your website and whether they are working correctly. If you don’t test your tags, it can result in inaccurate data or tags not firing at all.
Not Cleaning Up Unused Tags
Over time, you may set up tags that are no longer in use. It’s important to clean up any unused tags regularly to keep your Google Tag Manager account organized and easy to navigate. You can use the Tag Manager Cleanup Tool to identify and remove any unused tags. If you don’t clean up your unused tags, it can make it difficult to find the tags you need, and it can also slow down your website.
Conclusion
In conclusion, setting up tags in Google Tag Manager can be a complex process, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you to ensure accurate data collection and improve the performance of your website. Remember to name your tags appropriately, use the correct tag type, set up triggers correctly, test your tags, and clean up any unused tags. By following these best practices, you can get the most out of your Google Tag Manager implementation.
