URL Contains More Than One Google Tag Manager Code: How to Fix This Technical SEO Issue

Understanding Google Tag Manager and Noscript Tags

What is Google Tag Manager?

Google Tag Manager revolutionizes how we handle tracking and marketing tags on websites. As a centralized tag management system, GTM allows us to deploy and manage various snippets of code without directly modifying the site’s source code, streamlining implementation and reducing errors.^[1]

The role of noscript tags in GTM implementation

The noscript tag in GTM serves as a fallback mechanism for browsers with JavaScript disabled, providing limited functionality such as custom image tags and pageview-based triggers.

Common issues with multiple GTM codes

Multiple GTM codes can inflate event tracking, cause conflicts in the shared data layer, and lead to discrepancies across analytics platforms.

Identifying Multiple Google Tag Manager Codes

Manual inspection of source code

Examining the HTML source, especially within the head section, can reveal multiple GTM initialization scripts with unique container IDs.

Using browser developer tools

Utilizing the Network tab in browser developer tools, such as Chrome DevTools, helps identify repeated GTM container requests.

Automated scanning tools for detecting duplicate GTM codes

Several automated tools can efficiently scan webpages to detect duplicate GTM implementations and provide insights into data layer conflicts.

Impact of Multiple GTM Codes on SEO and Performance

Page load speed implications

Each additional GTM container adds extra code and HTTP requests, extending page load times especially on slower connections.

Potential tracking inaccuracies

Duplicate containers may cause multiple event firings, leading to inflated metrics and data discrepancies in analytics platforms.^[2]

Search engine crawling and indexing issues

Redundant GTM scripts can hinder efficient crawling and indexing, possibly confusing search engines about the actual page content.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Multiple GTM Code Issues

Auditing existing GTM implementations

Conduct a thorough review of all GTM containers, documenting tags, triggers, and variables to identify overlaps and redundancies.

Consolidating tags and triggers

Merge similar tags and triggers into a single container, ensuring data layer variables and event names remain consistent.

Removing redundant or outdated GTM snippets

After consolidation, remove unused or duplicate GTM code snippets from the site to prevent interference with accurate data tracking.

Best Practices for Google Tag Manager Implementation

Proper placement of GTM code and noscript tags

Place the main GTM script in the head for faster loading and position the noscript tag immediately after the opening body tag.

Version control and testing procedures

Use separate workspaces and detailed version tracking to manage changes, ensuring that every update is thoroughly tested.

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of GTM containers

Regular audits and automated scans help maintain the integrity of GTM implementations and promptly address any discrepancies.