Google Tag Support in Tag Manager
By advertience | September 11, 2023 | Google Tag Manager
Explore the latest updates in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and the transformative Google tag. Read now and elevate your analytics.
This exciting development is now live on new GTM containers and is set to go live in older Google Tag Manager (GTM) containers soon. This update brings with it a range of benefits that will transform the way businesses track and analyze user behavior on their websites.
Seamless Transition for GA4 Configuration Tag Users
The Google tag will replace the GA4 configuration tag. For those who are already utilizing GA4 configuration tags, the transition to the Google tag will be smooth and hassle-free. GA4 configuration tags will be automatically upgraded to the Google tag without any loss of measurement accuracy or functionality. This means that your measurement processes and capabilities will remain consistent, requiring no immediate action from your end.
Simplified Integration with Multiple Google Products
One of the standout features of the Google tag is its seamless integration with various Google products. This dynamic tag can now effortlessly send data to multiple Google destinations, providing marketers with a comprehensive overview of user interactions. For instance, Google Ads users will now have the power to configure their Google tag to transmit conversions through Tag Manager. This integration streamlines the process, making it easier than ever to optimize ad campaigns and understand user journeys.
Revolutionizing Parameter Management with Settings Variables
The Google tag’s introduction also brings an approach to parameter management through the use of settings variables, which will be familiar to those who have experience with GA Universal. These variables are designed to enhance efficiency and reusability in configuring both the Google tag and GA4 Event tags.
- Configuration Settings Variable: This empowers users to define parameters that load when the Google tag is initiated. For example, if your website caters to a multilingual audience and you wish to segment visitors based on language preferences, a configuration variable can be created. This eliminates the need to manually update individual tags, offering a more streamlined and organized approach.
- Event Settings Variable: With this, users can set additional parameters specific to each event. Imagine you’re running a sale on your e-commerce platform and want to track the usage of a discount code. Instead of tediously adding the discount parameter to every tag, you can simply reuse the parameter using an event settings variable.
Deeper Dive into Tag Changes
The Google tag introduces some visual and structural changes that enhance its usability:
- Tag ID vs. Measurement ID: The Google tag will employ Tag IDs instead of Measurement IDs, allowing you to use a single tag across your website for various Google products and services. This eliminates the need for multiple tags for different Google accounts, streamlining your analytics efforts.
- Event Tag Distinction: GA4 Event tags will still utilize Measurement IDs and will exclusively direct events to the designated GA4 data stream.
- Configuration Settings Enhancement: The “Send a page view event when this configuration loads” and “Send to server container” functionalities will be migrated to the Configuration settings variable, maintaining their existing configurations.
- Replacement of Fields to Set: The Google tag replaces “Fields to Set” with two new settings variables – a configuration-level settings variable for tag loading parameters and an event-level settings variable for additional parameters accompanying GA4 events.
- User Properties Refinement: User properties will now be nested within the Event settings variable, retaining all existing settings and ensuring a smooth transition.
With its enhanced integration, efficient parameter management, and seamless transition for existing users, this development is poised to redefine website analytics and empower businesses with unparalleled insights into user behavior. Stay tuned for further updates and unlock the potential of the Google tag within Google Tag Manager.
As the digital landscape evolves, so does the complexity of understanding user behavior and website performance. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has proven to be a game-changer in this domain, offering deeper insights and more tailored analytics. Advertience stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering specialized GA4 audit and consulting services. Our team of experts delves deep into the nuances of GA4, ensuring that businesses not only understand their metrics but also leverage them for growth. Whether you are transitioning from Universal Analytics to GA4 or are new to the world of analytics, Advertience ensures that your organization maximizes the potential of these powerful tools. With the recent updates to the Google tag within Google Tag Manager, having a knowledgeable partner like Advertience by your side becomes all the more crucial. We are committed to ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve, making informed decisions that drive results.
