How to Use Tag Manager Templates to Simplify Tracking on Shopify?
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How to Use Tag Manager Templates to Simplify Tracking on Shopify?
📦 Why Use GTM Templates on Shopify?
If you're managing a Shopify store and using Google Tag Manager (GTM) to track everything — from product views to purchases — you probably know it gets messy fast.
Tag Manager templates (also called Community Templates) simplify this chaos by:
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Reducing manual code
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Automating complex tag setups
-
Preventing tracking errors
Let’s dive into how to use GTM templates specifically for Shopify.
🤔 What Are GTM Templates?
GTM templates are pre-built configurations (tags, triggers, and variables) made by the community or vendors to make tracking easier.
Example templates:
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GA4 Event Tag Template
-
Facebook Pixel Template
-
Data Layer Helper Template
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Cookie Consent Manager Template
They work inside GTM's Templates section and allow you to use custom tags without JavaScript coding.
🧰 What Can You Track with Templates in Shopify?
| Action/Event | Template You Can Use |
|---|---|
| Product View | GA4 Event template, Shopify Data Layer helper |
| Add to Cart | Shopify Enhanced Ecommerce template |
| Checkout Steps | GA4 Ecommerce templates |
| Purchase | GA4 Purchase tag + Shopify Transaction ID |
| Button Clicks | Generic Event Template |
| Form Submissions | Form Trigger Template |
| Facebook Ads | Meta Pixel GTM Template |
🔧 Step-by-Step: Use Tag Manager Templates for Shopify
Step 1: Install GTM on Shopify
Use Shopify’s theme.liquid file or an app like GTM Suite.
Paste the GTM code after the <head> tag and again just after the opening <body> tag:
<!-- Google Tag Manager -->
<script>...</script>
<!-- End Google Tag Manager -->
Step 2: Import Shopify Data Layer (Recommended)
Use this free Shopify GTM template:
Install it in:
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Templates > Variables section in GTM
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This exposes dynamic variables like product name, price, cart items, etc.
Step 3: Use GA4 Event Template for Simplified Tracking
Instead of writing code, install the GA4 Event Tag template:
You can now send GA4 events like:
-
view_item -
add_to_cart -
begin_checkout -
purchase
With cleaner interface and validations.
Step 4: Add Facebook Pixel via GTM Template
Use Meta’s official Pixel template:
Steps:
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Add your Pixel ID
-
Choose standard events (like PageView, AddToCart, Purchase)
-
No need to copy full pixel code manually
Step 5: Set Up Consent with Cookie Templates
Need to comply with GDPR, CCPA, etc.? Use a Cookie Consent Template, like:
These let you:
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Block tags until consent is granted
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Auto-fire tags after user approval
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Avoid legal headaches
✅ Benefits of Using GTM Templates in Shopify
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No Coding Required | Use forms instead of writing JavaScript |
| Faster Tag Deployment | Set up tags in minutes, not hours |
| Less Room for Error | Templates validate input to prevent mistakes |
| Modular and Scalable | Easy to update as store grows |
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Not enabling built-in variables | Enable all GTM variables (clicks, forms, etc.) |
| Skipping Data Layer setup | Install a Shopify data layer template |
| Not testing templates before live | Use GTM's Preview Mode and GA4 DebugView |
| Mixing old manual and new templates | Use one method per event to avoid duplication |
🔍 Pro Tip: Track Revenue Per Campaign Using GA4 + Templates
Use the combination of:
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UTM Parameters (from email or ad)
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GTM Templates for Ecommerce Events
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GA4 Purchase Event with Transaction ID
This gives you detailed reporting like:
“Which campaign brought the highest order value from Shopify?”
🛒 Example: Add-to-Cart GA4 Tracking with Template
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Add Shopify Data Layer template
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Create a GA4 Event Tag using GA4 Event Template
-
Event name:
add_to_cart -
Event parameters:
{
"items": [
{
"item_name": "{{DLV - product.name}}",
"price": "{{DLV - product.price}}"
}
]
}
-
Trigger: Click on "Add to Cart" button
✅ Summary
| Task | Template You Need |
|---|---|
| Track product views | Shopify Data Layer + GA4 template |
| Setup Facebook Pixel | Meta Pixel GTM Template |
| Manage consent | Cookiebot / OneTrust Templates |
| Track ecommerce funnel | GA4 Ecommerce Event Templates |
| Simplify email UTM reporting | UTM Parameter logic in GTM |
🤝 Want GTM Templates Configured for Your Shopify Store?
At RootSyntax, we set up Shopify + GTM tracking with precision — so you don’t have to write a single line of code.
👉 Get in touch with us to simplify your tracking and maximize your data insights.