Google Tag Manager & Google Ads: Major Changes Arriving in April - What You Need To Know

Google is changing how Google Tag Manager (GTM) talks to Google Ads. The change is coming this April. If you don't get ready, your ads might not work as well. A big update is coming that will change how you track sales, find your audience again, and see how well your ads are doing.

Think of your Google Ads. You worked hard to make them great. Now, imagine they stop tracking things. You lose important info and you don't know what's working. That could happen if you don't know about the GTM and Google Ads changes.

This article tells you what's changing. It also tells you what to do. This way, you can keep tracking your Google Ads correctly.

Understanding the Impending Google Tag Manager Update

This section gives you an overview of the changes. It tells you why Google is doing this and what they want to happen.

What’s Changing and Why

Some things in GTM are changing. Google wants to make things better. They might want to keep your data safer or make the info more correct. The update improves how GTM sends data to Google Ads. This can affect how you track conversions and build audiences.

Google says the changes will make data more reliable. They also want to protect user privacy. This update helps them do both.

Timeline for Implementation

The changes will happen in April. Watch for the exact date. There might be a short time to make changes. Google might roll out the changes slowly.

Potential Impact on Google Ads Campaigns

If you don't change things, your Google Ads might not work right. You might not track sales correctly. You might not find the right audience. Your reports might be wrong. It's important to get ready so your ads keep working well.

Key Actions to Prepare Your Google Ads and GTM Accounts

This part tells you what to do to get ready. It gives you real steps you can take.

Auditing Existing Google Tag Manager Setup

Look at your GTM setup. Find the tags, triggers, and variables that might change. Check each one to see if it needs updating. Make a list of what you need to fix.

For example, you might have a tag that tracks when someone buys something. Check if that tag will still work after the update. If not, you'll need to change it.

Implementing Necessary Configuration Changes

Update your GTM settings. Follow these steps to make sure everything works with the new rules. Update tags, triggers, and variables. Use the new ways to send data to Google Ads.

For instance, you might need to change how your conversion tracking tag is set up. Google will give you instructions on how to do this. Follow them carefully.

Verifying Data Accuracy After the Update

After the update, check if your data is correct. Make sure you are still tracking sales and finding the right audience. Use Google Analytics and Google Ads reports to check the data.

Look at your Google Analytics real-time reports. See if conversions are tracking correctly. Check your Google Ads conversion reports too. If the data is wrong, fix your GTM setup.

Best Practices for Google Tag Manager and Google Ads Integration

This section gives you general tips for using GTM and Google Ads together.

Leveraging Enhanced Conversions

Enhanced Conversions help you track sales better. They also protect user privacy. They send more data to Google Ads in a safe way. This helps Google Ads match sales to your ads.

Turn on Enhanced Conversions in your Google Ads account. Then, set up GTM to send the right data. This will improve your ad tracking.

Utilizing Consent Mode

Consent Mode is important for respecting user privacy. It lets users choose if they want to be tracked. GTM adjusts how it collects data based on the user's choice. This helps you follow privacy rules.

Set up Consent Mode in GTM. Link it to your website's consent banner. This will make sure you're respecting user privacy.

Regular Monitoring and Maintenance

Keep checking your GTM and Google Ads settings. Make sure everything is working well. Check your data often. Fix any problems you find.

Set a schedule to check your GTM and Google Ads accounts. This will help you catch problems early. It will also help you improve your ad performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After the Update

This section helps you fix problems that might happen after the update.

Conversion Tracking Discrepancies

If your sales data is wrong, check your GTM setup. Make sure your conversion tags are firing correctly. Check your Google Ads settings too. Look for any errors.

Make sure your GTM and Google Ads accounts are linked correctly. Also, check if your website code is sending the right data to GTM.

Audience Targeting Problems

If you're not finding the right audience, check your audience lists. Make sure they are still building correctly. Check your GTM settings to see if you're sending the right data to Google Ads.

See if your audience lists are big enough. If not, you might need to change your targeting settings. Also, check if your website code is sending the right data to GTM.

Tag Firing Errors

If your tags aren't firing, check GTM. Look for errors in your tag setup. Check your triggers and variables. Make sure everything is set up correctly.

Use GTM's preview mode to test your tags. This will help you find errors. Also, check if your website code is loading GTM correctly.

Staying Ahead of Future Google Updates

This part tells you how to stay up-to-date with Google's changes.

Monitoring Google’s Official Announcements

Read Google's blogs and forums. Look for announcements about updates. This will help you stay informed. You can get ready for changes before they happen.

Follow Google Ads and Google Marketing Platform blogs. Also, join Google's online communities. This will help you learn about new updates.

Participating in Industry Communities

Talk to other marketers. Share what you know. Learn from others. This will help you stay up-to-date. It will also help you solve problems.

Join online forums and groups. Attend marketing events. This will help you connect with other marketers.

Continuous Testing and Optimization

Keep testing your ads. Try new things. See what works best. This will help you improve your ad performance. It will also help you stay ahead of the curve.

Use A/B testing to compare different ad versions. Also, track your ad performance closely. This will help you find ways to improve.

Conclusion: Ensuring a Smooth Transition and Maximizing ROI

The changes to Google Tag Manager and Google Ads are important. You need to get ready now. Check your settings, update your tags, and follow best practices. This will help you keep tracking your data correctly. It will also help you get the most out of your Google Ads. Don't wait, start today.