Getting started with Google Tag Manager
Google Tag Manager is provided by default for website measurement and tracking on SiteNow. This page walks you through the basics.
Understanding the default
All SiteNow websites are automatically tracked by the University's Google Analytics account along with other trackers through the campus-wide GTM container. To see the data collected by these trackers related to your website, you must go through a formal request process.
A website can request an exception to turn off this tracking, but rationale must be included with the request to be considered. To request an exception, contact us.
Adding website specific Google Analytics
We recommend setting up Google Analytics for your website to track unique metrics. Create an account at Google Analytics, obtain your tracking ID, then follow the steps below to add it to your website.
Google Tag Manager (Advanced)
For advanced tracking scenarios, you can use Google Tag Manager to add custom scripts and measurement tools without developer involvement. A similar tracking ID can be obtained once a property has been established.
Disclaimer: Adding scripts to your website can be a security risk or affect the visitor accessibility. You are responsible for the scripts that you add, so use caution. Read about the current accessibility expectations. Also, there are many regulations being put into place around data privacy. You should understand what data you are collecting and how you are using that data. You may need to publish that privacy information at some point in order to maintain compliance. Please contact the Information Security and Policy Office or refer to the University privacy information for guidance.
Create a Measurement Container
A measurement container holds the configuration for one or more tracking IDs.
- Navigate to Admin > Configuration > Web services > Google Tag
- Click Add measurement container
- Fill Google Tag ID: The tracking ID from either Google service.
- Click Save
The new container is immediately active and will begin collecting data.
View and Manage Your Containers
All your measurement containers appear on the Google Tag Manager Containers page.
- Go to Admin > Configuration > Web services > Google Tag
- You'll see a list of enabled and disabled containers
From this view, you can:
- Edit a container to view/update its settings.
- Enable/disable a container to pause tracking temporarily. Once disabled, no new tracking data will be collected. Historical data upstream remains intact.