Google Analytics

Integrations
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Simplify your analytics setup and improve data accuracy by using First-ID as the common identifier in Google Analytics, enabling accurate reporting on user journeys across properties

You can Enhance your Google Analytics data with First-ID :

  • Simplified tracking: Reduce complexity and improve accuracy with a single, persistent identifier.
  • Enhanced Safari insights: Gain a complete understanding of user behavior across all browsers.
  • Long-term user journeys: Track user interactions over extended periods.
  • Unified cross-domain view: Connect user activity across all your web properties.

How Can I do that ?

  • Cross-domain tracking: Ensure all relevant top-level domains are included in your GA4 cross-domain tracking setup.
  • Custom dimension: Add First-ID as a custom dimension in GA4 to enable detailed analysis and segmentation.
  • Performance comparison: Create reports that compare data with and without First-id to measure the impact on key metrics over time.
  • BigQuery analysis: Export your GA4 data to BigQuery using the GA4 connector for advanced analysis and modeling of First-id data.
  • Replace GA Cookie ID: Consider replacing the default GA Cookie ID with First-ID for more consistent and reliable user tracking.

Steps to activate the custom dimensions feature in GTM with First-id

⚠️ Note :
This example is provided "as is”, without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. In no event will First-id be liable for any claims, damages, updates or other liabilities. It is your responsibility to ensure that the code you use works properly on your media.

1. Create a “First-Party Cookie” variable

  • In GTM, go to Variables > New.
  • Choose the variable type First-Party Cookie.
  • Name the variable (for example, “Cookie firstid”).
  • In the Cookie Name field, enter “firstid”.
  • Save the variable.

2. Create a “Custom Dimension” variable

  • In GTM, go to Variables > New.
  • Choose the variable type Custom Dimension.
  • Name the variable (for example, “Dimension firstid”).
  • In the Index field, enter the index of the custom dimension you configured in Google Analytics.
  • In the Dimension Value field, select the “Cookie firstid” variable you created previously.
  • Save the variable.

3. Configure the Google Analytics tag

  • In GTM, go to Tags > New.
  • Choose the tag type Google Analytics: Universal Analytics or Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration, depending on the version of Google Analytics you are using.
  • Configure the tag settings:
    • Track Type: ‘Page View’ or ‘Event’ as needed.
    • Tracking ID: your Google Analytics Tracking ID.
    • Google Analytics Settings: Select an existing configuration variable or create a new one.
  • In the Fields to Set section, click Add Field.
  • In the Field Name field, enter “dimension” followed by the index of your custom dimension (for example, “dimension1” if the index is 1).
  • In the Value field, select the “Dimension firstid” variable.
  • Save the tag.

4. Create a trigger

  • In GTM, go to Triggers > New.
  • Choose the trigger type Page View or any other relevant trigger based on when you want the cookie value to be sent to Google Analytics.
  • Configure the trigger conditions if necessary.
  • Save the trigger.

5. Associate the trigger with the tag

  • In GTM, go to Tags.
  • Select the Google Analytics tag you created.
  • In the Triggering section, click the Add icon.
  • Select the trigger you created.
  • Save the tag.

6. Publish the changes

  • In GTM, click Submit.
  • Preview and debug your configuration if necessary.
  • Publish the changes to production.

⚠️ Notes:
Verify that the custom dimension index in GTM matches the one configured in Google Analytics.
Test your implementation to ensure that the cookie value is being sent correctly to Google Analytics.