Create a web container in an existing Google Tag Manager account

Add one Web container for a website to the correct existing Google Tag Manager account, then save the account and container details for the person who will install it.

• Outcome: Tracking & measurement
• Tools: Google Tag Manager
• Responsible: The person adding one website to an existing company Google Tag Manager account so its tracking can be managed there.
• Estimated time: 10 minutes

Scope

This SOP covers:

• Add one Web container for one website to an existing Google Tag Manager account
• Read back and save the account name and ID, website container name and ID, and workspace link in a handoff note

This does not cover:

• Create a Google Tag Manager account or accept account setup terms
• Choose how to group several related website domains into containers
• Install the container on the website, add tags or Analytics, or publish container changes
• Change account or container access for other people

Requirements

• A Google account with Administrator access to the existing Google Tag Manager account
• The exact name of the existing Tag Manager account that should own this website's container, confirmed by the person responsible for its tracking
• The website's main domain, such as example.com, supplied by the website owner

Related SOPs

• SOP 011: Create a Google Tag Manager account and web container
• SOP 024: Choose your GA4 and Google Tag Manager setup steps for WordPress
• SOP 001: Install Google Tag Manager on a WordPress site using Site Kit
• SOP 010: Create a GA4 property and website data stream
• SOP 012: Install GA4 through Google Tag Manager

01. Identify the correct existing account

A Tag Manager account groups containers. Confirm the account before adding a website container so it is saved in the right place.

1. Create a short note named Website setup note where the website team keeps setup handoffs. Add these headings: Tag Manager account name, Tag Manager account ID, Container name, Web container ID, and Workspace link.

2. Open Google Tag Manager and sign in with the Google account that has Administrator access. On Accounts, find the account whose name matches the one confirmed for this website. In that row, open Account actions > Account Settings.

   • Warning: If more than one account has a similar name, confirm the correct row with the person responsible for the website's tracking before adding a container.

3. Check that Account Name matches the account name confirmed for this website. Copy the displayed name and numeric Account ID into Website setup note under their matching headings. Choose Close screen to return to Accounts.

   • Warning: If the account name does not match, close Account Settings and ask the account owner to confirm the correct account before creating a container.

02. Add one Web container for the website

A container is the Tag Manager space that will hold tags for a website. A Web container is for desktop and mobile websites.

1. Return to Accounts. In the row for the account you just confirmed, open Account actions and choose Create Container.

2. In Container name, enter the website's main domain from your prerequisites, without an individual page path. Under Target platform, choose Web, then select Create.

03. Save the container details for handoff

The installer needs the container's full ID to connect it to the website. The workspace link opens this exact container in Tag Manager.

1. If an Install Google Tag Manager panel appears after you create the container, close it with Close (the X) to open the new container workspace.

2. At the top of the workspace, copy the displayed container name and full ID, including GTM-, into Website setup note under Container name and Web container ID. Copy the workspace address from your browser into Workspace link.

3. Return to Accounts and find the container beneath the account name you checked in Account Settings. Confirm its name and type Web. Open the container and compare its full GTM- ID and workspace address with Website setup note.