Integrating Analytics: Google Tag Manager vs Gtag

Tracking metrics is a vital part of any technical SEO strategy. 

Only by tracking data can one understand how their site is performing. Data can provide so many useful insights into how clients engage with your site, and what might need to be changed as well. This is why it is so important to integrate Google Analytics into your site. Your Google Analytics account can also be integrated with your Google Ads profile as well. But, depending on your familiarity with the technical aspects of your site, this may be much easier said than done.

There are a few different ways you can go about connecting Google Analytics to your site, depending on the platform you are on. So, today we are going to discuss these options, and how to integrate them on some of the most common platforms we see therapists use. 

Connecting Google Analytics: What is A Gtag?

A Gtag is short for Global Site Tag. This is the snippet of code that allows Google Analytics to track events, conversions, and other important data that takes place on your site. In the past, Google made use of multiple tags to track different information on websites. But, this has since been simplified through the implementation of the Global Site Tag, which replaces all other Google tags under a single source. Installing a Gtag is the most basic way of connecting Google Analytics, and will provide all the same tracking benefits as using Google Tag Manager. 

Installing your Gtag on your site

This is available within your Google Analytics account and can be accessed through your Admin section. Once here, select Tracking Info, and then Tracking Code. Once you see the Global Tag, you will have the option to copy the exact code needed for your site. By doing so, you can then paste the code on the backend of your site. But, this must be done carefully. If you paste the code in the wrong section of your site, Google Analytics will be unable to correctly track data on your site.

 In order for Google Analytics to successfully track data, you must place this code after the <header> section of your site’s code on each page of your site. But, this will differ depending on the content management system your site is present on (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, etc.). If you use a site like WordPress, you should have the ability to add the code to an overarching section of your site that will automatically add the code to each page for you. Once added to your site, you should now be able to see data populated on your Google Analytics account. Once you confirm this, you’ve successfully integrated Google Analytics tracking to your site!

What is Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager is a more user-friendly management tool for installing tags on your site. It uses the same back-end code as Gtag but allows you to manage and update multiple tags from a single user interface. You will need to create an account in order to use this tool. But, once you have, you can more easily edit the different tags on your site from within the Google Tag Manager. 

Implementing Google Tag Manager

Installing Google Tag Manager comes with its own set of steps once you’ve created your account. This will involve providing your site’s URL, the type of data stream you wish to gather data from, and installing the Tag Manager container to the backend of your site. This will once again require you to install snippets of code to the backend of your site as instructed by the Tag Manager. Once connected, you will be able to then create and manage tags from within the manage instead of adding code to your site each time you wish to integrate a new tag. 

Which is the best for you?

When it comes to deciding if Google Tag Manager or a Gtag is best for you, it is best to ask yourself how many tag integrations you expect to make on your site. Both will require some level of technical know-how in order to add the code snippets in the correct location. But, you will only have to do this once if you install a Global Site Tag to your site. This will likely take less time on your part, and provide all the same tracking benefits of the Tag Manager. But, without having to take the extra steps to create and manage new tags.

Using this method will also allow you more control over the exact code that goes into your site, but will also require you to manually update the code if changes need to be made. Google Tag Manager offers a more user-friendly experience that can offer more support for websites that wish to implement tags to track data and conversions that may not already be included. 

Closing Thoughts

Regardless of your preferred method of integrating Google Analytics, doing so will offer many invaluable insights. You can better understand how your site is performing, how you can improve, and what needs to be done in order to do so. While this may take a certain level of technical expertise, the juice is worth the squeeze. 

Start Working with an SEO Specialist for Therapists 

Adding the correct code in the correct location of your site is much easier said than done. But, our team of SEO specialists would be happy to offer support to improve counselor SEO and make these integrations on your behalf. To start your SEO journey with Simplified SEO Consulting, please follow these simple steps:

1. Apply to schedule a consultation
2. Meet with an SEO specialist
3. Begin SEO services for therapists

Other Services Offered with Simplified SEO Consulting

There are so many aspects that go into a successful SEO strategy in addition to analytics. This is why we are happy to offer a number of services in support of your private practice. We are happy to offer support with our Done For You SEO Services and DIY Online SEO Courses. We also offer a 12-week Done With You Intensive SEO Program as well. Please visit our blog to read other informative posts today!

About the Author

Sterling Humburg-Cage graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in Psychology in 2020. He integrates what he learned in school into his work as an SEO Specialist with Simplified SEO Consulting. Sterling prides himself on helping current clients & alumni problems solve difficult SEO issues.  He’s great at giving clients multiple options about how to approach a situation. And, responding in a timely manner to client concerns.  Since he started, Sterling has met frequently with our alumni and provided them extra problem-solving support. He now provides additional support with a variety of local SEO services. He often goes the extra mile to do outside research. By doing so, he sure private practice owners have everything they need to rank well on search engines long term for the keywords their ideal clients are using!