how to setup google tag manager in WordPress

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Google Tag Manager in WordPress

Understanding Google Tag Manager
Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a free tool that allows you to manage and deploy marketing tags (snippets of code or tracking pixels) on your website without having to modify the code. It’s particularly useful for marketers wanting to track conversions, site analytics, and more, without relying on developers.

Why Use GTM With WordPress?
Integrating GTM with WordPress can significantly improve your ability to track user interactions, manage SEO campaigns, and understand visitor behaviors without slowing down your site.

Step 1: Create Your Google Tag Manager Account

1. Visit the GTM website: Go to the Google Tag Manager website and click on the ‘Sign up for free’ button.
2. Enter account and container details: Fill in your account name (usually your company’s name). For the container, put your website name and select ‘Web’ as the target platform.
3. Accept Terms: Agree to the Google Tag Manager Terms of Service to proceed.

Step 2: Install GTM on WordPress
After creating your account, you will receive a GTM code. There are several methods to add this to your WordPress site:

Option A: Using a Plugin

1. Install and activate a plugin: Install a plugin like ‘Insert Headers and Footers’ or ‘DuracellTomi’s Google Tag Manager for WordPress’.
2. Configure plugin settings: Navigate to the plugin’s setting page in your WP dashboard. Paste your GTM code in the headers section or follow the specific instructions provided by your chosen plugin.

Option B: Editing the Theme’s Header File

1. Access your theme header file: Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in WordPress and locate your theme’s header.php file.
2. Insert GTM Code: Paste the GTM code snippet right after the tag.
3. Update the file: Save your changes to apply the GTM tag site-wide.

Step 3: Adding and Managing Tags in GTM

1. Add a new tag: In the GTM dashboard, click on ‘Add a new tag’ to start setting up tracking tags.
2. Configure tag settings: Choose a tag type (e.g., Google Analytics: Universal Analytics) and configure any triggering rules (e.g., All Pages, Clicks, Form Submissions).
3. Test your tag: Use the ‘Preview’ mode to test if your tags fire correctly on your site. Review the real-time reports to ensure accurate data collection.
4. Publish changes: Once verified, publish the modifications to make the tags active.

Step 4: Verify Installation
After setting up tags:

1. Use Google Tag Assistant: A Chrome extension, Google Tag Assistant, can help verify whether GTM is installed correctly. Click the extension and navigate your site to check if any tags fire.
2. Check in GTM interface: The ‘Workspace Changes’ area in GTM shows if tags are firing as expected when users perform specific actions on your site.

Best Practices in Managing GTM for WordPress

1. Keep it organized: Name your tags, triggers, and variables in a clear, descriptive manner.
2. Use version control: GTM allows you to create versions every time you publish changes. Use this feature to rollback if an error ever occurs.
3. Leverage built-in tags and templates: Use GTM’s built-in tag templates to simplify configuration.
4. Regular audits: Periodically review your tag configuration to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Enhancing Site Performance
Integrating GTM correctly maintains optimum site performance. GTM loads asynchronously, meaning your site won’t be held up waiting for tags to load. Moreover, managing multiple analytics and marketing scripts through GTM reduces errors and overlap in code implementation.

Final Thoughts
Setting up Google Tag Manager on your WordPress site is straightforward following the steps outlined. With GTM, you enhance your ability to implement and optimize SEO and marketing strategies effectively, helping to boost your site’s potential and your overall online presence.