How to set up correctly the digital data layer?

Setting Up the Data Layer

Setting up the data layer is a relatively simple process that requires a basic understanding of JavaScript. It is an essential part of web analytics that helps you track user behavior and interactions on your website. In this section, we will discuss how to set up the data layer and add variables to it.

Creating a Data Layer Object

The first step to set up the data layer is creating a data layer object. A data layer object is a JavaScript object that stores values and variables needed for your web analytics. To create a data layer object, you need to create a JavaScript object and add it to the head section of your website and before your tag management system script declaration. Here’s an example of what the object might look like:

<script>
window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
</script>

This code creates a data layer object with an empty array. The data layer object is stored in the window object, which is a global object that represents the browser window. The empty array will later be used to store values and variables needed for your web analytics.

Adding Variables to the Data Layer

Once you’ve created your data layer object, you can add variables and values to it. Variables are essential as they help you track user behavior and interactions on your website. To add variables to your data layer, you need to push them into the data layer array. Here’s an example of how to add variables to your data layer:

dataLayer.push({'eventName': 'newEvent'});

This will create a new variable called “eventName” in your data layer, which you can use to track user behavior or interactions on your website. For instance, you can use this variable to track when a user clicks on a specific button or navigates to a certain page.

Adding variables to your data layer is an ongoing process since you need to add variables that are relevant to your website and your business goals. Considering that such continuous changes, it is important to debug and validate the data layer accuracy frequently. TAGLAB helps to automate data layer checks allover your website and through the entire user customer journey.

Read more to understand what are data layers and what are they used for.

Read more about inspecting your data layer in the browser console.

Read more common data layer issues and troubleshooting.

Read more about advanced data layer techniques.