You can use both the Google Tag Manager (GTM) and Google Analytics (GA) to track website traffic.
From the Herald CMS, click 1) Website then 2) Settings. You'll see a Google Analytics box (highlighted below in blue) and a Google Tag Manager box (highlighted below in red).
What is a Google Analytics Tag (GA)?
The Google Analytics tag (also known as the GA tracking code) can be added to your website under Website > Settings > Google Analytics. Its purpose is to collect data (e.g., page views, user behavior, conversions) and send it to Google Analytics for analysis. Once you enter your code in the screen above, it will automatically output into your website and report data to Google Analytics within a few hours.
What is Google Tag Manager (GTM)?
Google Tag Manager is a tag management system that allows you to manage and deploy various tracking tags (like Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, etc.) on your website without manually editing the code each time. It can be added to your website under Website > Settings > Google Tag Manager. Instead of adding multiple tags directly to your site, you add the GTM container snippet, and then configure tags, triggers, and variables within the GTM interface. Once you enter your code in the screen above, it will automatically output into your website and report data to the Google Tag Manager within a few hours.
Does the GTM Tag Include the GA Tag?
No, the GTM tag itself (the container snippet you add to your website) does not automatically "include" the GA tag. However, you can set up GTM to include and manage the GA tag.
In other words, GTM acts as a container that can hold and deploy the GA tag (and other tags) based on rules you define.
How They Work Together
When you use GTM, you typically remove the standalone GA tag from your website and instead use GTM to manage it. Here's the process:
- You add the GTM container snippet as seen in the screen above.
- In the GTM interface, you create a new tag for Google Analytics, configure it (e.g., specify your GA tracking ID), and set up triggers (e.g., "Fire this tag on all pages").
- When someone visits your site, GTM loads and fires the GA tag (and any other tags) according to your configurations.
Key Points to Remember
- The best practice is to let GTM handle all tagging, including GA.
- GTM itself doesn’t inherently "include" GA—it’s a separate tool. But once configured, GTM can deploy the GA tag seamlessly.
Verification
If you're unsure whether your GTM setup includes the GA tag, you can check the GTM interface:
- Log in to your GTM account.
- Select your container.
- Go to the "Tags" section and look for any tags labeled as "Google Analytics" or "GA4 Configuration."
- Once done, remove the GA tag from the Herald CMS at Website > Settings > Google Analytics and ensure your GTM tag is entered at Website > Settings > Google Tag Manager.
- Traffic will begin tracking within a few hours.