How to Setup Google Tag Manager (GTM)

A Step-by-Step Guide to GTM for any Website

Step 1: Create a Google Tag Manager Account

Visit tagmanager.google.com
Click "Create Account"
Enter the following details:
- Account Name (typically your business name)
- Country
- Container Name (usually your website URL)
- Choose "Web" as the target platform
Click "Create" and accept the Terms of Service

Step 2: Get Your GTM Installation Code

After account setup, GTM will generate two code snippets:
- One for the <head>
- One for the <body>
Copy both snippets. These will be inserted into your website's code.

Step 3: Install GTM Code on Your Website

For a Standard HTML Website

Paste the <head> code immediately after the opening <head> tag
Paste the <body> code immediately after the opening <body> tag

For WordPress (Without a Plugin)

Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor
Open the header.php file
Paste:
- The <head> code before the closing </head> tag
- The <body> code directly after the opening <body> tag

For WordPress (With a Plugin)

Install a plugin like "Insert Headers and Footers"
Go to Settings > Insert Headers and Footers
Paste:
- The <head> code in the Scripts in Header section
- The <body> code in the Scripts in Body section
Save changes

For Shopify

Go to Online Store > Themes > Edit Code
Under Layout, open theme.liquid
Paste:
- The <head> code before the </head> tag
- The <body> code after the opening <body> tag

For Wix

Wix doesn't allow manual code insertion into <body>, but you can still integrate GTM via settings.

Go to Settings > Custom Code
Add a new custom code and paste the <head> snippet
Apply to All Pages and position it in the Head
Save and publish

Step 4: Verify Installation

Open Google Tag Assistant
Enter your website URL and start a test session
Look for a confirmation that Google Tag Manager is active

Step 5: Start Using GTM to Add Tags

Once GTM is installed, you can manage all your tracking tags from the dashboard.

To add a tag:

Go to Workspace > Tags > New
Choose a Tag Type (e.g. Google Analytics: GA4, Facebook Pixel)
Configure your tag and set a Trigger (e.g. All Pages, Button Clicks)
Save and Submit the tag to publish it

USEFUL TIP:

Use Preview Mode to Test Before Publishing

Use GTM’s built-in Preview feature to test your tag configurations before going live.

Need more help with Google Tag Manager?

Talk to an expert at Ranking Australia, we don’t just install Google Tag Manager — we transform it into a powerhouse for your business insights. From conversion tracking to remarketing integrations, we ensure that your digital performance is fully measurable and aligned with your goals.

Need help with implementation? Our team of Google Experts can install, test, and optimise GTM for your site.

Your success is our success.