Brighton Summary - October 2024

GA4 Debugging - Survive and Thrive

Key Takeaways

  1. Understanding Google Tags:

    • Google Tags can send data to multiple destinations
    • Different tag IDs: GT-XXXXXXXXX, G-XXXXXXXXX, AW-XXXXXXXXX

  2. Google Tag Checks:

    • Review Data Streams > Web Stream Details > Configure Tag Settings
    • Pay attention to Google Tag IDs
    • Check tag details for "ignore duplicates" setting
    • Review Google Tag settings for potential conflicts

  3. Snippet Checks:

    • Ensure correct placement of Google Tag snippet in HTML head
    • Check for proper GTM snippet placement (head and body)
    • Use Screaming Frog to check tag presence on every page
    • Use Little Warden to detect snippet changes

  4. Chrome Debugging Setup:

    • Set up a Chrome property for auditing
    • Add the Tag Assistant Companion Chrome extension

  5. Debugging 101: Using Tag Assistant:

    • Navigate to Tag Assistant site and connect to debug
    • Use Summary to see WHERE tags are firing
    • Inspect WHEN tags fired using the timeline
    • Check WHAT is being sent in individual tags

  6. Debugging 201: GTM Preview Mode:

    • Use GTM preview mode to debug tags, triggers, and variables
    • Triggers show WHY tags fire
    • Variables show WHAT is being sent
    • Use debug_mode parameter to check WHAT and WHEN

  7. Debugging 301: Using Chrome Dev Tools:

    • Use Network tab for detailed debugging
    • Filter requests to focus on GA, gtag, or GTM
    • Inspect Payload and Initiator tabs for deeper insights
    • Use wildcards to filter Google-related requests
    • Block specific requests to troubleshoot issues

Action Items

  1. Set Up Debugging Environment:

    • Create a Chrome property for auditing
    • Install Tag Assistant Companion Chrome extension

  2. Perform Regular Tag Checks:

    • Review Google Tag settings in GA4 interface
    • Check for correct snippet placement across your site

  3. Implement Bulk Checking Tools:

    • Set up Screaming Frog for site-wide tag checks
    • Configure Little Warden for snippet change detection

  4. Master Tag Assistant Debugging:

    • Practice using Tag Assistant for basic debugging
    • Familiarize yourself with Summary, Timeline, and individual tag inspection

  5. Utilize GTM Preview Mode:

    • Use GTM preview mode to debug complex setups
    • Pay special attention to triggers and variables

  6. Advanced Debugging with Chrome Dev Tools:

    • Set up Network tab for detailed debugging
    • Practice filtering techniques to isolate specific requests
    • Learn to inspect Payload and Initiator information

  7. Troubleshoot Common Issues:

    • Check for duplicate events firing
    • Identify and fix broken user journeys
    • Use debug_mode parameter for detailed event tracking

  8. Stay Updated:

    • Regularly check for updates to GA4 and debugging tools
    • Follow best practices for tag management and debugging

Remember: Effective GA4 debugging requires a combination of tools and techniques. Regular practice and staying updated with the latest features will help you survive and thrive in the world of analytics debugging.

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