How to Install Google Analytics 4 on Google Tag Manager

Introduction

Google's transition from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), with Universal Analytics ceasing data measurement after July 1st, 2023, necessitates a migration for all website owners. While eDirectory versions 13.2 and later offer direct, seamless GA4 configuration (as detailed in our guide: How to Configure Google Analytics), older eDirectory versions (13.1 and earlier) do not natively support GA4's format (displaying the older Universal Analytics format like UA-XXXXXXXXX-X).

For users on these earlier eDirectory versions, Google Tag Manager (GTM) provides a robust solution for installing and deploying Google Analytics 4. This article offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to setting up GA4 on your older eDirectory site using Google Tag Manager.

Steps to Configure Google Analytics 4 with Google Tag Manager:

1. Ensure Google Tag Manager is Configured on Your Site:

Before proceeding, verify that Google Tag Manager is already set up on your eDirectory website. If you haven't configured GTM yet, please follow the initial steps (up to Step 4) outlined in our dedicated guide: How to Configure Google Tag Manager.

2. Create a Google Analytics 4 Property and Obtain Your Measurement ID:

You will need a Google Analytics 4 property and its associated Measurement ID (e.g., G-XXXXXXXXXX). If you haven't created a GA4 property yet, follow the instructions provided in our guide: How to Configure Google Analytics. Complete the steps in that article up to Step 8 to obtain your Measurement ID.

3. Log in to Google Tag Manager and Create a New Tag:

1. Access your Google Tag Manager account.
2. In the GTM workspace for your website, navigate to the left-hand menu and click on Tags.
3. Click the New button to create a new tag.

4. Configure the Tag:

1. In the "Untitled Tag" section, click on Tag Configuration.
2. In the "Choose tag type..." panel, search for and select Google Tag.

5. Add Your GA4 Measurement ID:

1. In the "Tag Configuration" settings for the Google Tag, you will see a field labeled "Tag ID" or "Measurement ID".

2. Enter the Measurement ID (starting with "G-") that you copied in Step 2 into this designated field.

6. Set Up the Triggering Rules:

1. Below the "Tag Configuration" section, click on Triggering.
2. In the "Choose a trigger..." panel, select the All Pages trigger. This ensures that Google Analytics 4 will track activity on every page of your eDirectory website.
3. Click Save in the "Choose Trigger" panel to confirm your triggering settings.

7. Submit the Changes:

After configuring your GA4 tag and its trigger, you need to submit these changes to make them active on your website.

1. Click the Submit button located in the top-right corner of your Google Tag Manager interface.

8. Publish the Tag:

1. In the "Submit Changes" window, add a descriptive Name for this version (e.g., "GA4 Configuration") and a brief Description of the changes you made (e.g., "Implemented Google Analytics 4 tracking").
2. Click the Publish button to finalize the deployment of your GA4 tag to your eDirectory website.

9. Confirm the Tag is Live:

After successfully publishing your GTM container, you should see a confirmation message indicating that the GA4 tag is now live and tracking data on your website. You can also use the Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension to verify that the GA4 tag is firing correctly on your site.

Conclusion

For users of older eDirectory versions (13.1 and earlier), configuring Google Analytics 4 through Google Tag Manager provides an effective and reliable method for upgrading your website analytics to the latest GA4 platform. By meticulously following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully implement GA4 tracking and begin analyzing valuable user interactions on your eDirectory website.

Should you encounter any challenges or require further assistance during this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team. We are here to help you ensure a smooth transition to Google Analytics 4. Happy tracking!