There are essential steps in dealing with Google Analytics that you cannot overlook. The Preview Mode is one such essential tool that can help you verify the functionality of your tags, triggers, and variables before implementing them actively in your analytics environment. In this guide, you will learn how to use the preview mode optimally to ensure that all trackers work as intended and you receive the correct data.
Key Takeaways
- The preview mode is an indispensable tool before changes are published.
- It allows you to verify the functionality of your tags in real-time.
- Even small errors in the setup can result in no data being captured.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Accessing the Preview Mode
To use the preview mode, you must first ensure that you have already implemented your tags, triggers, and variables. Then navigate to the Google Tag Manager interface and click on the "Preview Mode" option.
2. Connecting to the Website
Once in the preview mode, you will see a window where you can enter your container data. Make sure you have correctly entered the URL of your website with the corresponding protocol (https://).
3. Confirming the Connection
Click on "Connect" and wait while the Tag Manager attempts to connect to your website. Once the connection is successful, you will see the confirmation that your container is connected.
4. Identifying Tags and Triggers
In the left window, you will see the tag assistant, while your website is loaded in the right window. Here you can view the different tags, such as the Universal Analytics Tracking Tag, that are already active or the tags that have not been fired yet.
5. Testing Interactions
To ensure that your tags are working perfectly, you need to access your website in preview mode and perform specific actions, such as clicking on links. Check to see if the tags are triggered as expected.
6. Reviewing Tags and Events
In the "Summary" section, you will see which tags and triggers have been activated and how many times they have been executed. Pay special attention to new events generated when clicked to ensure everything is being recorded correctly.
7. Analyzing Variables
In the Variables tab, you can check the values and types of variables captured during your test. This information is crucial to ensure that your tracking events are accurately recorded.
8. Searching for Error Messages
If there are issues or errors triggering your tags, you can view error messages here. Error-free operation is essential for the clean execution of your tracking implementations.
9. Finalizing Tags and Publishing
Once you have gone through all tests and verified the functionality of your tags, you can close the test mode and finalize your changes. Provide a meaningful name and description before clicking on "Publish."
Summary
By utilizing the preview mode in Google Analytics, you can ensure that your tags and triggers function as intended. Before publishing changes, thoroughly check everything in the preview window to minimize the risk of collecting incorrect data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the preview mode in Google Analytics?The preview mode is a testing tool to check the functions of tags, triggers, and variables before their publication.
Why is the preview mode important?It allows you to see in real-time whether your tags are triggered correctly, helping to avoid data errors.
How do I properly handle error messages?Pay attention to error messages in the preview mode to quickly identify and resolve issues before saving your changes.
