How to Setup Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Using Google Tag Manager (GTM)

Why Use Google Tag Manager with GA4?

Google Analytics 4 offers powerful analytics capabilities, while Google Tag Manager (GTM) simplifies tag deployment without requiring changes to your website code.

Using GA4 together with GTM makes tracking easier, more flexible, and easier to maintain as your website grows.

Step 1: Create a GA4 Property and Tracking Code

The first step is creating a Google Analytics 4 property and obtaining your Measurement ID.

• Sign in to Google Analytics.
• Open Admin.
• Click Create Property.
• Enter the property name, time zone, and currency.
• Provide your business information.
• Create a Web, Android, or iOS data stream.
• Copy the Measurement ID from the Web Stream Details page.

Step 2: Set Up a Google Tag Manager Container

If you don't already have a GTM container, create one before configuring Google Analytics 4.

• Sign in to Google Tag Manager.
• Open Admin.
• Create a new Container.
• Select Web as the target platform.
• Accept the Terms of Service.
• Install the GTM container code on your website.

Step 3: Configure GA4 Tags and Triggers

After creating both the GA4 property and GTM container, configure a GA4 Configuration Tag.

• Open the Tags section.
• Create a New Tag.
• Choose the Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration tag type.
• Enter your GA4 Measurement ID.
• Create or select an appropriate Trigger.
• Save the tag configuration.

Step 4: Publish and Test

Once your configuration is complete, publish your GTM container and verify that GA4 is receiving data correctly.

• Open the Workspace.
• Click Submit.
• Provide a version name and description.
• Publish the container.
• Verify tracking using GTM Preview Mode and GA4 DebugView.

Benefits of Using GA4 with GTM

Using Google Tag Manager alongside Google Analytics 4 provides a flexible and scalable analytics implementation.

• Deploy tracking without editing website code.
• Manage multiple tags from one interface.
• Improve conversion tracking.
• Simplify analytics maintenance.
• Implement new tracking faster.

Final Thoughts

Integrating Google Analytics 4 with Google Tag Manager provides one of the most efficient ways to collect website data accurately.

Following these steps allows businesses to build a scalable analytics implementation while taking advantage of GA4's advanced reporting capabilities.