How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Bronze Contributor
Bronze Contributor
Iâ ve setup google universal tag with my application. It starts showing stats on dashboard. We are passing some custom variables as well. It is showing some basic stats link page visits, session etc. Right now it is not showing custom reports especially Ecommerce Dashboard. Remind you we did not change implementation of tealium in our application, earlier we were using Google Analytics instead of Google Universal Analytics. We may setting up Mapping in Tealium. Need assistance on this.
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How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus

Hi Moyed, Thanks for your Q. Have you had a look at the GUA Advanced Guide? Google Universal Analytics Tag: Advanced Mapping This gives tips on mappings etc. Whereabouts are you based? It seems if it's not an obvious mapping issue then you'll need to speak with your account manager to get some support with a local Solutions Engineer. Cheers, Roshan

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Bronze Contributor
Bronze Contributor
thanks for response. I'm unsure about the mapping, what is the procedure for mapping custom variable in tealium? I read that Google universal analytics dont support custom variables. Thanks + Regards, Moyed Ansari

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus

Hi Moyed, Mapping is easy :) If you watch this video you can see how to do it: Adding a Tag You can take a product tour in the UI here: https://www.evernote.com/l/AI6EJskViQJPIqay9Aq5x1_Op4B-Xi2N5a0 It might be worth reaching out to your account manager to ask for how to get user training. There are free webinars each week you can join if you want to see otherwise just follow the product tour and it will point you in the right direction. GUA definitely supports custom dimensions - I have a feeling these are different to custom variables though. I'd recommend reaching out to your Account Manager to get some time with a Solutions Engineer to help you with your specific needs. Thanks, Roshan

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Bronze Contributor
Bronze Contributor
The given references are great help. Quick question : Do I've to map question dimension in google universal analytics Admin section after mapping in tealium ? My understanding is that 1) we have to add data source in Data Layer 2) Mapped these custom data source with Analytic tags provided in setting mapping section . Thanks for quick response.

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus
Hi Moyed, Custom variables are not supported in GUA. They're there for clients who have updated to GUA in the Google admin console but are still using the legacy GA Classic code on their website. The equivalent to these in GUA are a combination of custom dimensions and custom metrics.

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus
Hey Moyed, Once you've mapped it the tag in Tealium iQ I believe you need to add them as dimensions in the admin section in GUA so you're right. It's best to confirm with Google but if I remember correctly you need to activate them in the admin section

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus
Roshan is correct. Any custom dimensions/metrics must be configured in the GUA console first. If you do not configure them, Google will not know what to do with those data points and simply drop them.

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Bronze Contributor
Bronze Contributor
Summarize all the points. Please let me know if these are okay. â ¢ Pass utag Data from Client. â ¢ Configured custom dimensions in google universal analytics account. â ¢ Add custom variables in Data Layer Section in tealium. â ¢ Mapped custom variable in Data Mapping under GUA Tag. Thanks guys

How to pass custom variables using google universal analytics tag?

Employee Emeritus
That's it Moyed :)
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