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Subscription Tracking

Tracking Subscription and Manual Orders in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

One of the standout features of the GTM Assistant Shopify app is its ability to track subscription orders and manual orders directly to your Google Analytics 4 (GA4) account. This functionality is highly valuable for understanding and analyzing customer behavior and order patterns, including those generated automatically through subscription mandates or manually by store staff in the Shopify admin panel.

What Orders Are Tracked?​

  • Subscription Orders: Orders created automatically by subscription apps based on customer mandates.
  • Manual Orders: Orders created manually by store admins or staff via the Shopify admin panel.

Important Notes​

  • GA4 Exclusive: The tracking of subscription and manual orders is limited to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). None of the other tags (e.g., Meta Pixel or Twitter Pixel) will receive data for subscription or manual orders.
  • App Plan Requirement: This feature is only available in the Standard app plan or higher. It is not accessible for Free or Basic plan users.
  • Measurement Protocol Integration: The app uses Google Analytics' Measurement Protocol to send this data, ensuring accuracy and compliance with analytics standards.

Step-by-Step Configuration for Tracking Subscription and Manual Orders​

To enable this feature, you need to configure your GA4 account and the GTM Assistant app. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Measurement Protocol API Secret in GA4​

  1. Log in to Google Analytics
    Go to your Google Analytics account and log in.

  2. Navigate to Admin Settings
    In the left-hand menu, click Admin. Under the Property Settings, locate Data Collection and Modification.

  3. Access Data Streams
    Under Data Collection and Modification, click Data Streams. Select the relevant Data Stream associated with your Shopify store.

  4. Create an API Secret
    Scroll down to find the Measurement Protocol API Secret option and click on it.
    Click Create and give your API secret a descriptive name (e.g., "GTM Assistant Integration").
    Copy or note down the API Secret generated by Google Analytics.

    Tip: Keep this API secret confidential. It allows the app to send data to your GA4 property securely.

Step 2: Enter the API Secret in GTM Assistant​

  1. Open GTM Assistant in Shopify
    Go to your Shopify admin panel, click on Apps, and select GTM Assistant to access the app dashboard.

  2. Locate the Subscription Tracking Option
    On the app dashboard, look for the section labeled “Want to Track Subscription Orders?” or a similar heading.

  3. Enter the API Secret
    Paste the API Secret you copied earlier into the provided field.
    Click Save to complete the configuration.

Step 3: Verify Tracking Setup​

To ensure everything is configured correctly:

  1. Check Real-Time Data in GA4
    Go to the Real-Time section of your GA4 dashboard and create a test subscription or manual order. Verify that the events are being tracked and displayed in GA4.

  2. Review Event Details
    Ensure that subscription orders and manual orders are labeled and categorized correctly in your analytics reports.

Troubleshooting Tip: If you don’t see the data, double-check the API secret entered in GTM Assistant and verify that your GA4 property is properly linked.

Additional Information​

Measurement Protocol Integration​

GTM Assistant leverages the Measurement Protocol API to send order data directly to GA4. This ensures that both subscription and manual orders are tracked even if these orders bypass traditional user interactions on the storefront.

Plan Upgrade​

If you are on the Free or Basic app plan, consider upgrading to the Standard Plan or higher to access this feature. The ability to track subscription and manual orders can significantly enhance your analytics and reporting capabilities.

Official Documentation for API Secret Creation​

For more detailed information on creating a Measurement Protocol API Secret, refer to Google’s official documentation here: Create a Measurement Protocol Secret.

Best Practices for Tracking Subscription and Manual Orders​

  • Test After Configuration: Always verify the tracking functionality by creating test subscription and manual orders.
  • Organize Your GA4 Events: Use consistent naming conventions for events to ensure that subscription and manual orders are easily distinguishable in your analytics reports.
  • Protect API Secrets: Keep your Measurement Protocol API secret secure and avoid sharing it with unauthorized parties.

Need Help?​

If you encounter any issues during the setup process or need assistance configuring the API secret, our support team is here to help. Reach out to us at support@webgarh.co.in for prompt assistance.