My question relates to google ads and google tag manager.

Ask Me Anything Q&A Googleshoppingamarepo

Topic summary

A Shopify user is seeking guidance on whether to use the automatic Google tag integration or switch to manual setup via Google Tag Manager (GTM) for tracking and analytics.

Community Recommendations:

  • Both respondents strongly recommend using Google Tag Manager over Shopify’s basic automatic integration
  • GTM provides more control, reliability, and accuracy for tracking implementation

Implementation Resources Provided:

  • Shopify’s official documentation for adding custom pixels through customer events
  • A YouTube tutorial with pre-coded solutions for easier setup
  • Option to configure server-side tracking with first-party domains for enhanced accuracy

Current Status:
The question has received clear guidance favoring manual GTM setup, with specific resources shared to help the self-taught user implement the solution. The discussion remains open for follow-up questions.

Summarized with AI on October 31. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

What is the best way to set up tags using google ads/ and shopify? I’m new to all this and have connected google tag automatically through shopify but its very basic. Is it best to disconnect this and set up everything I need manually? Or to just manage and expand tags in tag manager? Sorry if I’m basically unclear. I’m a self taught, not great, coder. Thank you!

2

Yes, tracking and analytics for google analytic reports.

3

Hello Jamie, thank you for your question in the FeedArmy AMA Event.

For me personally setting it up via Google Tag Manager is the recommended way. As you have already indicated the Google and Youtube app is basic, however, it is very functional.

You can add customer events (pixels) when you go to Shopify > customer events. Here you can add the code from the following documentation: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/promoting-marketing/pixels/custom-pixels/gtm-tutorial

You can then set up all the tracking.

You can also follow this video which is all pre-coded: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GflbZL2wyK8

4

Hi Jamiebuzil,

For the best tracking accuracy i will agree with Emmanuel. Configure google ads and google analytics tracking via Google Tag Manager GTM.

It is manual and reliable method to implement and track.

Furthermore, GTM allows you to configure server-side tracking with first party domain/subdomain which enhance the tracking accuracy.

Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

Thanks