Early configuration of Google Tag Manager with the Tag Manager Injector

The Tag Manager Injector, as a Chrome browser plugin, allows for easy setup of the Google Tag Manager within Google Chrome. Without long waiting times, we can start servicing our clients and are not forced to wait. Meanwhile, the client's IT can take its time integrating the Tag Manager code into the website's source code.

At the beginning of our collaboration, we work closely with our clients to create tailored tracking concepts. At this point, it is often not yet clear what exactly needs to be tracked and which metrics provide value to the client.

Once the tracking concept is finalized and approved by the client, we begin implementing it. First, the Google Tag Manager code needs to be embedded into the site's source code. However, this can typically take several days, as the client's IT may not be able to implement it immediately. To start configuring in the meantime, we use the Chrome browser plugin Tag Manager Injector. This makes us much more independent from the client's IT and allows us to work faster.

Requirements for Using the Tag Manager Injector

To use the Tag Manager Injector, a Google Tag Manager account must first be created. Within this account, a container must be created. The Google Tag Manager then provides the code for the container, which the IT must integrate. At this point, we can already start using the Tag Manager Injector to configure the newly created container. In this context, the unique container ID, which identifies this particular container, is important.

Fig. 1: The container created in Google Tag Manager with the container ID

Using the Tag Manager Injector

After this process is completed, you go into the newly created container and create the first tags, triggers, and variables. At this point, the container can already be configured as it is intended to be used later. There are no limitations here, as third-party tags and scripts can be used.

After setting up the initial tags, Google Tag Manager's preview mode should be activated. This way, you can check whether the tags have been configured correctly.

The next step is to install the plugin. Once the plugin is active, it can be used. To do this, click on the plugin itself and you will see a simple input screen where you enter the container ID of the previously created container. Next, under the point “Include Domain(s)”, enter the domain where the Google Tag Manager container should be used. Then, just click the “Start” button. Once the Tag Manager Injector is active, the area at the GTM container ID turns green.

Fig. 2: The configured and usable Tag Manager Injector

By activating preview mode in the container, the regular Google Tag Manager preview window opens on the website in the browser. It's now easy to see which tags fire, what variable values are displayed, and what the data layer looks like. If you want to push specific values to the data layer, the Tag Manager Injector offers a clearly visible input field “Push to the data Layer”. You just need to enter the respective information there, and the data will be transmitted.

Fig. 3: The Google Tag Manager preview window in the browser

In the real-time report of Google Analytics, initial accesses can now be seen, showing that Google Analytics tracking is working.

How Can We Help You?

Would you like to implement web analytics on your page according to a defined tracking concept but are unsure how to do this exactly? Do you want to measure and increase conversions more effectively but have problems implementing additional tracking? Contact us and we will gladly help you improve your web analytics.