How to Use Container Export and Import Functionality in Google Tag Manager

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Google Tag Manager (GTM) provides the functionality to export and import containers, which can streamline the process of transferring tags, triggers, and variables between different GTM accounts or containers. This feature is particularly useful for migrating setups, sharing configurations, or creating backups. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use the container export and import functionality in Google Tag Manager.

 1. Understanding GTM Containers

  • A GTM container includes all your tags, triggers, and variables. When you export a container, you create a JSON file that contains all these configurations. Importing a container means you take such a JSON file and load its configurations into another GTM container.

 2. Exporting a Container

  1. Log into GTM:
  2. Select the Container:
    • Choose the container you want to export from the account and container list.
  3. Navigate to Admin Panel:
    • Click on the Admin tab located at the top of the GTM interface.
  4. Export Container:
    • Under the Container column, click on Export Container.
    • You will be prompted to select a specific version or the latest workspace. Choose the one that fits your needs and click Download.
    • A JSON file will be downloaded to your computer. This file contains all the tags, triggers, and variables from the selected container.

 3. Importing a Container

  1. Log into GTM:
    • Access your Google Tag Manager account and select the destination account and container where you want to import the settings.
  2. Navigate to Admin Panel:
    • Click on the Admin tab.
  3. Import Container:
    • Under the Container column, click on Import Container.
    • Click on Choose container file and select the JSON file you downloaded during the export process.
  4. Choose Import Options:
    • GTM will prompt you to choose an import option:
      • Overwrite: This replaces all existing tags, triggers, and variables in the current workspace with those from the imported container.
      • Merge: This combines the imported container’s contents with the existing tags, triggers, and variables. You will need to handle any conflicts manually.
    • Choose the appropriate option based on your needs.
  5. Confirm Changes:
    • Review the changes that will be made by the import process. GTM will show you a summary of new, modified, and unchanged tags, triggers, and variables.
    • Click Confirm to finalize the import.

 4. Handling Conflicts

When importing a container using the merge option, conflicts may arise if tags, triggers, or variables with the same name already exist. GTM will provide options to:

  1. Rename Imported Items:
    • Automatically rename items from the imported container to avoid conflicts.
  2. Overwrite Existing Items:
    • Replace the existing items in the current container with those from the imported container.

 5. Testing and Publishing

  1. Review Configuration:
    • After importing, carefully review the tags, triggers, and variables to ensure they are correctly configured and no crucial settings have been lost or altered.
  2. Preview and Debug:
    • Use GTM’s preview mode to test the imported configuration. Click on Preview in the GTM interface and navigate to your site to see the tags firing in real-time.
    • Resolve any issues identified during testing.
  3. Publish Container:
    • Once you have verified that everything is working correctly, publish the container by clicking on Submit and then following the prompts to create a new version and publish it.

Best Practices

  1. Backup Existing Containers:
    • Before importing a new container, export and save the current container as a backup. This way, you can revert if anything goes wrong.
  2. Version Control:
    • Use GTM’s version control to track changes. After importing a container, create a new version and provide a detailed description of the changes.
  3. Document Changes:
    • Maintain documentation of what is included in your containers, especially if you are working in a team. This helps in managing and troubleshooting configurations.
  4. Naming Conventions:
    • Use clear and consistent naming conventions for tags, triggers, and variables. This practice helps prevent conflicts and makes it easier to manage items after importing.

Example Scenario

Scenario: A marketing team wants to deploy a standardized set of tracking tags across multiple regional websites managed by different GTM accounts.

  1. Create a Master Container:
    • Set up a master container in GTM with all the required tags, triggers, and variables.
  2. Export Master Container:
    • Export the master container as a JSON file.
  3. Distribute and Import:
    • Distribute the JSON file to regional teams. Each team imports the container into their regional GTM account.
    • Teams choose the merge option and handle conflicts to integrate the master setup with any existing configurations.
  4. Verify and Publish:
    • Each regional team previews, tests, and then publishes the imported container, ensuring consistent tracking across all sites.

Using the container export and import functionality in Google Tag Manager efficiently manages and transfers configurations across different GTM accounts and containers. This process saves time, ensures consistency, and simplifies the deployment of complex tracking setups. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you can seamlessly export and import GTM containers to meet your tracking and monitoring .

Categories: Digital Marketing