Introduction
In the digital marketing world, tracking and analytics play an important role in business growth. If you want to measure your website’s performance, then Google Tag Manager (GTM) is best tool. In this guide, we’ll explain what Google Tag Manager is, how it works, and provide a step-by-step setup tutorial for both WordPress and custom-coded websites.
What is Google Tag Manager?
Google Tag Manager is a free tool by Google that helps you manage different marketing and analytics tags without having to edit your website code every time. With GTM, you can quickly deploy tracking codes like:
- Google Analytics
- Facebook Pixel
- Conversion Tracking Tags
- Remarketing Codes
- Heatmap & A/B testing tools
What is Google Tag Manager Used For?
Website owners and marketers use GTM for:
- Tracking website traffic and conversions
- Managing multiple tracking codes in one place
- Setting up event tracking (button clicks, form submissions, video plays, etc.)
- Improving marketing performance through data-driven insights
Where to Paste the Google Tag Manager Code?
When you create a GTM account, you’ll receive two pieces of code:
- Head Code: This must be pasted inside the <head> tag of your website.
- Body Code: This must be placed immediately after the opening <body> tag.
Correct placement is crucial for proper tracking.
Google Tag Manager Setup – Step by Step
If you want a detailed walkthrough, check out this Google Tag Manager setup guide. But here’s a quick overview:
Create a GTM Account
- Go to the Google Tag Manager website.
- Enter your website name, domain, and container type.
- Create your GTM container.
Install the GTM Code
- Copy the two GTM codes provided.
- Paste them into your website’s <head> and <body> sections.
Verify Installation
- Use GTM’s Preview mode or Google Tag Assistant to confirm the setup.
How to Add Google Tag Manager to WordPress
For WordPress websites, there are two ways:
Method 1: Using a Plugin
Install a plugin like Insert Headers and Footers or Header Footer Code Manager.
Paste the GTM code into the respective fields for the head and body sections.
Save and verify.
Method 2: Manual Installation
Edit your WordPress theme files.
Insert the GTM head code inside the <head> section of header.php.
Insert the body code after the opening <body> tag.
Save and update your theme.
(Plugin method is recommended for beginners since it’s safer and doesn’t require editing core files.)
How to Setup Google Tag Manager on a Custom-Coded Website
If your site isn’t built on WordPress (for example, a PHP, HTML, or Node.js website):
Open your website’s HTML file.
Paste the GTM head code inside the <head> section.
Paste the body code right after the opening <body> tag.
Save and upload the updated file.
Verify with Tag Assistant.
How to Install Google Tag Manager on WordPress – Quick Recap
Install a header/footer plugin.
Paste GTM codes in the correct sections.
Save and test with GTM Preview mode.
Conclusion
Google Tag Manager is a powerful and free tool that simplifies website tracking and tag management. Whether you’re a beginner or a marketing professional, GTM allows you to easily manage all your tags without needing a developer every time.
For a complete step-by-step explanation with screenshots and advanced tips, check out this guide:
Complete guide How to setup Google Tag Manager
With GTM, you’ll have full control of your website’s analytics and marketing tools—all from one place.
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