What is a Google tag?
The Google tag is a central, reusable code that will make it easier for site owners to adopt new features and improve data collection without having to install more code. This upgrade from the global site tag will help Google keep pace with the latest web technologies while providing an easy solution for users.
Why is Google tag replacing the global site tag?
The global site tag was released as a way to quickly add analytics to websites without having to install multiple tags. The Google tag is an evolution of this previous solution and builds on its capabilities. The Google tag provides a more streamlined experience for customers and will enable businesses of all sizes to more effectively manage tags and easily leverage privacy-safe measurement solutions.
Is there a deprecation date for the global site tag?
The global site tag will continue to work and exist as-is. If you have the global site tag installed on your website, your implementation will not change. The global site tag will have new capabilities if you want to adjust settings or create new accounts. We recommend that all users upgrade to the new site tag because it offers more features and benefits than the global site tag. However, you are not required to upgrade and can continue to use the global site tag. The global site tag should be used if you want more control over your implementation or if you need to support older browsers that do not support the new site tag. The global site tag also offers an option to customize your tracking code, which can be useful if you have special tracking requirements.
What do I need to do if I’m using the global site tag?
If you are currently using the global site tag, you do not need to make any changes. The global site tag branding will be sunset, but tag implementations do not change, and existing tag implementations will continue to work just as they always have. You will now have new capabilities available to you should you need to adjust tag settings, create new accounts within existing products, or begin using new products.
What are the benefits of using the Google tag?
The Google tag provides a more streamlined experience for customers and will enable businesses of all sizes to more effectively manage tags and easily leverage privacy-safe measurement solutions. With the Google tag, you will have new capabilities available to you should you need to adjust tag settings, create new accounts within existing products, or begin using new products.
What are the New Codeless Features?
The new site tag will have more codeless features such as analyzing events, managing the tags from one central screen, and using a single line of code to enable more products, accounts, and features from the interface. There will also be more privacy-safe measurement capabilities, better data quality, and increased ease of use. Codeless features will make it easier for site owners to adopt new Google products and improve data collection without having to install more code. This upgrade from the global site tag will help Google keep pace with the latest web technologies while providing an easy solution for users.
What Products Will Have the New Google Tag?
The new Google tag will be available in most Google products, including:
-Google Ads
-Google Analytics
-Campaign Manager
-Display & Video 360
-Search Ads 360
The codeless tagging capabilities of the Google tag will initially be available in Google Ads and Google Analytics and will expand to other products over time.
Why does it Matter?
The release of a new tag may cause some confusion for advertisers. It is vague whether advertisers who are using the global site tag should leave theirs installed, or replace it with the new Google tag. It’s also uncertain what happens if users decide not to install the new Google tag. If the global site tag will attribute the new capabilities, what reason do advertisers have to use the new one? However, the new Google tag seems more intuitive and simpler to manage. If Google can make the transition smooth and straightforward, then it could be a huge win.
How Do I Upgrade?
If you want to upgrade to the new Google tag, simply replace the existing global site tag code on your website with the new Google tag code. There is no need to add any new code or make any changes to your current implementation. The new Google tag code is available now and can
The Bottom Line
The Google tag is a central, reusable code that will make it easier for site owners to adopt new features and improve data collection without having to install more code. This upgrade from the global site tag will help Google keep pace with the latest web technologies while providing an easy solution for users. The global site tag will continue to work and exist as-is, but we recommend that all users upgrade to the new site tag because it offers more features and benefits. Simply go to your Google Tag Manager account and upgrade your container snippet to the new site tag.
