How to set up Google Tag Manager for Shopify

Author:

As an online business owner, you’re likely already aware of the importance of tracking your website’s performance and understanding your customers’ behavior. Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a powerful tool that allows you to do just that. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up GTM for your Shopify store.

Why Set up Google Tag Manager for Shopify?

Before we dive into the setup process, let’s briefly discuss why you should set up Google Tag Manager for your Shopify store:

  1. Easier tracking: GTM allows you to manage all your tags (Google Analytics, AdWords, Facebook pixels, etc.) in one place, making it easier to track your website’s performance.
  2. Customization: With GTM, you can create custom tags to track specific events, such as form submissions, button clicks, or scroll depth.
  3. Real-time data: GTM provides real-time data on your website’s performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.
  4. Automation: GTM automates the process of deploying and updating tags, reducing the need for manual coding and minimizing errors.

Prerequisites

Before setting up GTM for your Shopify store, make sure you have the following:

  1. A Shopify store with an active domain
  2. A Google Analytics account
  3. A Google Tag Manager account (create one if you don’t already have one)

 1. Create a New Property in Google Tag Manager

  1.  Log in to your Google Tag Manager account.
  2.  Click on “Admin” in the top navigation menu.
  3. Click on “Create” and select “New Property.”
  4.  Enter your property name and URL (your Shopify store URL).
  5. Select “Web” as the property type.
  6.  Click “Create.”

 2. Set up the Shopify Integration

  1.  Log in to your Shopify admin dashboard.
  2. Go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Apps.”
  3.  Search for “Google Tag Manager” in the app store.
  4. Click “Install App.”
  5. Authorize Google Tag Manager to access your Shopify store.
  6. Click “Save.”

 3. Install the Google Tag Manager Container

  1. Log in to your Google Tag Manager account.
  2. Click on “Admin” in the top navigation menu.
  3. Click on “Install” and select “Container.”
  4.  Select “Shopify” as the platform.
  5.  Enter your Shopify store URL and click “Install.”

 4. Configure the Container

  1.  In the container settings, click on “Configure” next to “Tracking Information.”
  2. Enter your Google Analytics tracking ID (UA-XXXXX-X).
  3. Click “Save.”

 5. Add a Trigger

Triggers are events that trigger tags to fire when specific actions occur on your website. For example, a trigger could be set up to fire when a user scrolls to a certain point on the page.

  1.  Click on “Triggers” in the left-hand navigation menu.
  2.  Click “New Trigger.”
  3.  Select “Just Links” as the trigger type.
  4.  Configure the trigger by specifying the event you want to track (e.g., clicks on specific links).
  5. Click “Save.”

 6. Add a Variable

Variables are used to store data that can be used across multiple tags and triggers.

  1. Click on “Variables” in the left-hand navigation menu.
  2.  Click “New Variable.”
  3.  Select “Constant” as the variable type.
  4. Enter a name for your variable (e.g., “Page URL”).
  5. . Set the value for your variable (e.g., {{Page URL}}).
  6. Click “Save.”

 7. Add a Tag

Tags are used to track specific events or behaviors on your website.

  1. Click on “Tags” in the left-hand navigation menu.
  2. Click “New Tag.”
  3. Select a tag type (e.g., Google Analytics).
  4. Configure the tag settings (e.g., set up a tracking event).
  5. Add triggers and variables as needed.
  6.  Click “Save.”

 8. Publish Your Container

Once you’ve set up your triggers, variables, and tags, it’s time to publish your container.

  1.  Click on “Publish” in the top navigation menu.
  2.  Review any changes before publishing.
  3. Click “Publish” to deploy your container.

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Make sure you’ve installed the correct version of Google Tag Manager for Shopify.
  2.  Verify that your container is properly configured and published.
  3.  Check for any errors or warnings in the container’s settings or tags.

Setting up Google Tag Manager for Shopify is a straightforward process that allows you to gain valuable insights into your website’s performance and customer behavior. By following these steps, you’ll be able to track important events, customize tags, and automate reporting in no time.Remember to regularly review and update your GTM container to ensure it remains accurate and effective in tracking your website’s performance.

 

Categories: Digital Marketing