Connect Google Tag Manager to Your Wix Site
TL;DR:
- Add Google Tag Manager (GTM) to Wix through the Custom Code settings in your dashboard
- Paste your GTM container code into the head section
- Publish your site to activate the changes
- Use GTM's preview mode to check everything's working properly
- This setup makes managing tracking codes much easier without touching your site code
Google Tag Manager simplifies how you handle tracking codes and marketing tags on your Wix site. Instead of manually adding each piece of code, you can manage everything from one central dashboard.
Why Use Google Tag Manager with Wix
Managing multiple tracking codes directly in your site can get messy fast. Google Tag Manager acts like a control centre for all your tags. You add the GTM code once to your Wix site, then manage everything else through the GTM interface.
This approach keeps your site cleaner and makes updates much simpler. Plus, you can test changes before they go live, which prevents broken tracking from reaching your visitors.
Setting Up Google Tag Manager on Wix
First, you'll need a Google Tag Manager account and container. If you don't have one yet, head to Google Tag Manager and create your account. Google will give you a container ID that looks like "GTM-XXXXXXX".
Adding the Container Code
- Log into your Wix dashboard
- Go to Settings, then click Custom Code
- Click "Add Custom Code"
- Paste your GTM container code into the code box
- Set the code to load in the "Head" section
- Name it something clear like "Google Tag Manager"
- Apply it to all pages
- Click Save
Make sure you're using the correct container code from your GTM account. The code should start with a <script> tag and include your specific container ID.
Publishing and Testing
After adding the code, publish your site to make the changes live. This step is crucial – the code won't work until you publish.
Once published, use GTM's preview mode to verify the installation. In your GTM dashboard, click "Preview" then visit your site. You should see the Tag Assistant tab at the bottom of your browser, confirming GTM is active.
Common Setup Issues
The most frequent problem is forgetting to publish after adding the code. Wix won't activate custom code changes until you hit publish.
Another issue is placing the code in the wrong section. GTM needs to be in the head section to work properly. Double-check this in your Custom Code settings.
If GTM isn't showing up in preview mode, clear your browser cache and try again. Sometimes cached versions of your site interfere with new code.
Managing Tags After Setup
Once GTM is connected, you can add tracking codes through the GTM interface instead of going back to Wix. This includes Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, conversion tracking, and other marketing tools.
Create tags in GTM, set up triggers for when they should fire, then publish your changes in GTM. Your Wix site will automatically pick up the new tracking without any additional code changes.
TL;DR:
Can I use Google Tag Manager with any Wix plan?
Yes, GTM works with all Wix plans. You just need access to the Custom Code feature, which is available on most paid plans.
Do I need to add tracking codes to both Wix and GTM?
No, once GTM is set up, add new tracking codes only through GTM. Adding them in both places can cause duplicate tracking.
Will GTM slow down my Wix site?
GTM can actually improve loading times by managing when and how tags load. It's designed to be lightweight and efficient.
What happens if I remove the GTM code from Wix?
All tracking managed through GTM will stop working immediately. Only remove it if you're switching to a different tag management system.
Can I see what tags are active on my site?
Yes, use GTM's preview mode or browser extensions like Google Tag Assistant to see which tags are firing on each page.
Jargon Buster
Container Code: The snippet of JavaScript that connects your website to your GTM account. Each GTM account has a unique container code.
Tag: A piece of code that collects data or performs a function on your website, like Google Analytics tracking or Facebook Pixel.
Trigger: Rules that determine when a tag should fire, such as on page views, button clicks, or form submissions.
Preview Mode: A testing feature in GTM that shows you which tags are firing without affecting your live tracking data.
Head Section: The part of your webpage code that loads before the visible content. Critical scripts like GTM need to go here to work properly.
Wrap-up
Google Tag Manager transforms how you handle tracking codes on your Wix site. Instead of juggling multiple code snippets, you get one clean setup that handles everything from a single dashboard. The initial setup takes just a few minutes, but it saves hours of work down the line when you need to add or modify tracking codes.
Ready to level up your website skills? Join the Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth tutorials and expert guidance on all things web design and digital marketing.