Implement Google Tag Manager for Mobile Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of juggling multiple tracking codes and tags in your mobile app? Google Tag Manager offers a single, centralized platform to manage them all, making it easier to track user behavior and gain valuable insights. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of implementing GTM in mobile apps, from account setup to testing and debugging.

Key Takeaways

• What is Google Tag Manager?
• Implementing GTM in Mobile Apps
• Configuring variables in Tag Manager
• Types of Event in Android Container
• Testing and Debugging Google Tag Manager

What is Google Tag Manager?

Benefits of using Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager (GTM) provides several benefits for managing and deploying tags on your mobile app. With GTM, you can:

• Simplify tag management: GTM allows you to manage all your tags in one central location, making it easier to add, edit, and remove tags without the need for code changes.
• Increase agility: GTM enables you to make changes to your tags without having to wait for app updates or releases. This flexibility allows you to quickly respond to marketing or analytics requirements.
• Improve collaboration: GTM provides a user-friendly interface that allows marketers, developers, and other team members to collaborate effectively.

Implementing GTM in Mobile Apps

Integrating GTM in mobile apps is a effective step in implementing effective tracking and analytics. By integrating GTM in mobile apps, you can easily manage and update your tracking codes without the need for updates.

To integrate GTM in mobile apps, follow these steps:

Step 1: In your Android Studio, module gradle file (i.e., app/build.gradle), add the following dependency for the Tag Manager Library.

dependencies {
// …
compile ‘com.google.android.gms:play-services-tagmanager:18.0.4’
}

Step 2: Open you Google Tag Manager account, and select your (Mobile) container.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Versions’ in the top navigation bar.

Step 4: Click the container version which you want to use.

Step 5: Click on three dots -> click on Export -> Export the container file.

Step 6: The downloaded file, you have to put it into the your Android folders. Copy paste that downloaded container file into the app/src/main/assets/containers

Configuring variables in Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager allows you to configure variables to access the values of event parameters and user properties.

For examples, you can add the following custom event in your app:

Bundle params = new Bundle();
params.putString(“my_event”, name);
params.putString(“my_text”, text);
mFirebaseAnalytics.logEvent(“my_button_event”, params);

Then configure the event parameter into the Variable section, and click on event parameter and enter the event parameter key:

• Variable Name: MyEvent
• Variable Type: Event Parameter
• Event Parameter Key Name: my_event

and

• Variable Name: MyText
• Variable Type: Event Parameter
• Event Parameter Key Name: my_text

Types of Event: GTM in Android Apps Container

There are three types of events available at GTM in Mobile Apps container, and they are mentioned below:

• Modify Event
• Add Event
• Block Event

Modify Event and Block Event

With Google Tag Manager, you can manage events sent by the Google Analytics for Firebase SDK before they are recorded. This includes:

• Modifying events: Add, remove, or change event parameter values or even adjust event names – all without updating your app.
• Blocking events: Prevent specific events from being logged entirely.

Note:

• The Firebase SDK automatically collects some data and sends it as events and user properties. While you can utilize this information in Tag Manager, blocking these automatic events is not possible.

Testing and Debugging GTM in Mobile Apps

Using the Google Tag Manager Preview mode

When using the Google Tag Manager Preview mode, you can test and validate your tags before deploying them to your live app. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Use the Preview mode to ensure that your tags are firing correctly and capturing the desired data.
• Verify that the correct triggers are being triggered and that the tags are firing in the expected order.

Troubleshooting common issues

When implementing Google Tag Manager, you may encounter some common issues that can hinder the proper functioning of your tags and triggers. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve these issues:

1. Tag not firing: If a tag is not firing as expected, double-check the trigger configuration. Ensure that the trigger conditions are correctly set up and that they match the desired user actions.
2. Incorrect data layer variable: If you are experiencing issues with data layer variables, make sure that the variable names are spelled correctly and that they are properly defined in your mobile app’s code.
3. Container versioning: If you have made changes to your container but they are not reflected in your app, check if you have published the latest version of the container.

Conclusion

In conclusion, implementing GTM in Mobile Apps Container can greatly enhance your tracking and analytics capabilities. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can easily integrate GTM into your mobile app and start collecting valuable data. With GTM, you can track user interactions, measure app performance, and make data-driven decisions to improve your app’s user experience. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to leverage the power of Google Tag Manager for your mobile app!