Five reasons you should use Google Tag Manager
What exactly is Google Tag Manager?
Before diving too deep, it’s important to know the basics about Google Tag Manager (GTM) and what the tool does. Think of the Google Tag Manager software as an operating board for your website. It allows you to add different kinds of code (tags) to your website such as Google Analytics tracking codes (UA & GA4), and Google Ads scripts to name a few. With tag manager, you’re able to use as little or as many of these features as you’d like. Oh and the best part about the software, it’s free!
Before GTM, GA tracking codes had to be manually coded onto each page, typically by a web developer or someone with experience writing or implementing code. That said, maintaining and updating what could sometimes turn into hundreds of events would be troublesome. However, Google Tag Manager fixes this issue because all of your tags are kept in a single location (your GTM account) and implemented with a few lines of code in the header and body of your website code.
#1 - All your tags are managed in one place
In the past, all tracking codes were written directly into the source code of the website. This made it very difficult to manage tracking codes across all website pages. In order to make a small modification, the website manager or developer had to: (1) locate all the relevant codes; and (2) update them.
This process is simplified by GTM because all tags are controlled in one location.
#2 - Event Tracking
Event tracking with Google Tag Manager makes tracking simpler than ever. Once you turn on specific triggers in Google Tag Manager, they’ll start listening to specific interactions on a website automatically. There is still some setup needed, but it’s not rocket science. These interactions can be used to activate tracking tags, such as the Google Analytics Event Tag.
Some fundamental events that GTM allows you to track (by default) are based on:
- Clicks
- Link clicks
- Form submissions
- Time spent on page
#3 - Security
Security and the potential for a website malfunction are oftentimes two major issues with website maintenance. And with good reason… your business could be seriously impacted if your user data is hacked or if a user is blocked due to errors. Rest assured, GTM won’t completely destroy your website or create any new openings for vulnerabilities in the future.
#4 - Flexibility
The versatility of Google Tag Manager is a game changer. Once installed, you should never need to work with a web developer to make changes to a tag (scripts on your pages). You’ll avoid a ton of headaches, time, and money by doing this. It’s easy to modify and more efficient when executing the activities you set out to do.
#5 - Modernize and future-proof your site
Ideally, you’re already utilizing GTM to monitor analytics on user behavior and site traffic. If you aren’t, it’s never a bad time to get started. The latest industry standard for site tracking (Google Analytics 4) is something you’ll want to upgrade too as soon as possible. The big switch over from Google Analytics (Universal Analytics) to GA4 will be going down in July of 2023.
With GA4 officially here, Tag Manager should be your go-to platform to manage analytics tracking an installation. If you’re interested in learning more about Google Tag Manager, This training resource should provide you with everything you need to know: Google Analytics Academy
Local SEO 101 – get your business found
Maine Local SEO - How can you get your business found?
As a small business in Maine, Local SEO optimization can play a huge role in generating quality leads and website traffic for your business. You want your potential customers to see that your business is legitimate, reputable and easy to contact. When done right, your local profiles and reputation management can serve as one of the most powerful tools in your digital toolbox.
What exactly does Local SEO do for you?
It makes it simple for desktop and (most importantly) mobile users to find your business. Whether that be through search engines, directories, or social media networks. The primary benefit of employing Maine local SEO is that it will target consumers in the vicinity of your business. A few of the things you can include are the services you offer, photographs and recent information about your company. All of this together helps provide your potential customers with a genuine feel for your business. Your sense of legitimacy can often times be the deal breaker.
Putting the methods into play
Local SEO might appear to be complicated at first, but can be easily done for any small business. The more challenging part is staying ahead of the competition in the race for Maine local SEO supremacy. The competition can be very tough across search engines and can appear even tougher when your company is attempting to improve its Google search ranks.
Here’s how you can get started and begin leveraging your Maine local SEO presence. 1. Target Local keywords, 2. optimize Google My Business profile, and 3. NAP (name, address, and phone) citations. Completing these steps can serve as the kickoff to a long fruitful relationship between your company and the search engines.
Google remains king
When paying closer attention to Google’s platform and how your Local SEO search presence appears there, it’s important to understand that it works a bit differently than standard google search. Here are some of the factors Google takes into consideration as you attempt to rank higher:
- Complete data
- Verified locations
- Accurate hours
- Manage & respond to reviews
- Adding photos
- Adding in-store products
- NAP citations
- Check-ins at the location
- Associated keywords
Per google, “Local results are based primarily on relevance, distance, and prominence. A combination of these factors helps us find the best match for your search.” Google also determines results on whether your business is geographically relevant to the user who made the local search though what they used for local keywords.
Start ranking for your business
The Maine Local SEO battle between your business and the competition is a long haul, making it ever more important for you to get started sooner than later. Contact us today to begin building your local presence.