JavaScript variables are used to store data and are fundamental in programming. A JavaScript variable is simply something that can hold a value, like a string, boolean, integer, or array. However, when it comes to Google Tag Manager (GTM), there are a few extra steps involved in creating a custom variable. In this article, we’ll be discussing what a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable is and why you should use them, as well as providing some examples and best practices. Read on to learn more about how to take advantage of this powerful platform!

What is a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable?

A GTM Custom JavaScript Variable is a particular type of variable within Google Tag Manager that is created using additional code. This code allows you to create variables that dynamically adjust depending on the current context – meaning that their values can change when certain conditions are met. For example, if there is an internal link on a page, a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable could be created to store the URL that the user would be directed to if they clicked on the link.

With a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable, you can access information and values that wouldn’t otherwise be available through the traditional variables in GTM. This is especially useful for developers who are looking to create more complex tracking setups and need to pass values into the tag in order to run the desired code.

GTM Custom JavaScript Variables are also useful for creating custom events that can be used to track user behavior on a website. For example, if you wanted to track how many times a user clicked on a particular button, you could create a custom event that would be triggered each time the button was clicked. This would allow you to track the user’s behavior and gain valuable insights into how they interact with your website.

Benefits of Using a GTM Custom Javascript Variable

Using a GTM custom JavaScript Variable gives you the ability to make your tags more dynamic and data-driven. This means you can set up triggers based on specific rules and create more accurate tracking results. You can also use custom JavaScript Variables to track events that would otherwise not be possible. For example, you could use them to track how long an element was visible on the page or the position of an element in the viewport.

Another benefit of using a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable is the ability to filter and customize data before it is passed into a tag. For example, if you need to pass in a user’s email address but don’t want to display it in plain text, you could use a custom JavaScript Variable to hash the email address before it is passed into the tag.

Using a GTM custom JavaScript Variable also allows you to create more complex tracking scenarios. For example, you could use a custom JavaScript Variable to track the number of times a user has visited a page or the number of times a user has clicked a certain button. This type of tracking can be used to gain valuable insights into user behavior and help you optimize your website for better performance.

How to Create a GTM Custom Javascript Variable

Creating a GTM Custom JavaScript Variable involves writing custom code that utilizes the GTM API. This code should be placed in your website’s HTML source code or in Google Tag Manager itself. Here is the general format for creating the custom JavaScript Variable:

var _gtmCustomVariableName = function() {   // code goes here }; 

The details of what goes into the function depend on what you wish to track. Here are some examples of simple Custom JavaScript Variables:

• A variable that returns the URL of a page or post
• A variable that returns the number of elements on a page
• A variable that returns user data from a cookies or localStorage.

It is important to note that the custom JavaScript Variable must be placed within the