Extracting Text from URLs Using Google Tag Manager Custom Variables

Learn how to create a custom variable in Google Tag Manager to extract specific parts of URLs dynamically, even when their structures vary.
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Extracting Text from URLs Using Google Tag Manager Custom Variables

In the world of web analytics, it’s crucial to gather insights from URL parameters. Many website owners and digital marketers often need to extract specific text from URLs, especially when dealing with varied campaign tags and tracking parameters. This guide will guide you through creating a custom variable in Google Tag Manager (GTM) to extract desired text effectively, regardless of slight variations in URL structure.

The Challenge

You might have encountered situations where you need to extract a specific part of a URL. For instance, let's consider this example URL:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this case, the objective is to extract the text after 1.2_ (which would be XY in the example) until the next ]. The issue arises because the structure of the URL can change, and relying on a static position may not yield the desired results.

Proposed Solution

To extract the necessary part of the URL dynamically, you can create a Custom JavaScript variable in Google Tag Manager. Here's a step-by-step approach to achieving this:

Step 1: Create a Custom JavaScript Variable

Log into your Google Tag Manager account.

Navigate to Variables and click on New.

Choose the Variable Type as Custom JavaScript.

Step 2: Add JavaScript Code

In the code editor, insert the following JavaScript code:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the Code

{{Page URL}}: This retrieves the full URL of the current page.

.split("1.2_"): This splits the URL into parts where 1.2_ appears. The desired text follows this segment.

.split("]")[0]: After the split, it further narrows down the result to capture everything before the closing square bracket ].

Step 3: Save and Test

After you’ve entered and saved the variable, ensure to publish your changes.

Test the implementation to confirm that your custom variable accurately extracts the intended text from varying URL structures.

Common Pitfalls and Considerations

Dynamic URL Structures: This method works efficiently whenever 1.2_ appears followed by your target value. If there are URL variations where 1.2_ does not exist, it may return undefined.

Error Handling: If your URL variations cause issues, providing a set of example URLs can help troubleshoot or refine your code further.

Conclusion

Creating a custom variable in Google Tag Manager to extract specific text from URLs is an invaluable skill for anyone looking to leverage their web analytics practices effectively. By using the split function method demonstrated here, you can handle URLs with varying structures dynamically.

Next time you face the challenge of parsing different URL parameters, refer back to this guide to streamline your process!

Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments below regarding any hurdles you might face when implementing this solution.