Creating ad tags for multiple ad units might seem daunting, but with the right tools and approach, it becomes a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to generate and configure ad tags efficiently, helping you optimize your ad placements and revenue.
What Are Ad Tags?
Ad tags are snippets of HTML or JavaScript code that enable your website to fetch advertisements from an ad server. These tags contain crucial information such as the size, format, and targeting parameters of the ad, ensuring that appropriate ads are displayed to users. Properly setting up ad tags is essential for maximizing ad performance and revenue.
Steps to Generate Tags for Multiple Ad Units
1. Access the Tag Generator
To begin, you need to log into your ad management platform and navigate to the relevant section for tag creation:
- Sign In: Use your Google Ad Manager (GAM) credentials to access your account.
- Navigate to Inventory: Once signed in, go to the “Inventory” section and select “Ad Units.”
2. Use an External Tag Generator
Generating tags for multiple ad units requires an external tool like the Google-developed dfpgpt.appspot.com.
- Sign In: Log into the tool using your GAM credentials. Grant permissions for the tool to access your account.
- Generate Tags: This tool allows you to create multiple tags simultaneously, saving time and effort.
3. Configure Google Publisher Tag (GPT) Settings
Once you’re in the generator, you’ll configure your GPT settings:
- Tag Type: Select the tag type (e.g., GPT, passback tags, simplified URL, or AMP tags). For most scenarios, GPT tags are ideal.
- Custom Targeting: Add key-value pairs for page-level targeting (e.g.,
category=sports). Ensure these keys are predefined in GAM under Inventory > Key Values. - Single Request Architecture (SRA): Enable this option to streamline ad requests, improving page load times.
4. Add and Configure Ad Units
This is where you input the details for each ad unit:
- Ad Unit Code: Copy the ad unit code from GAM and paste it into the generator.
- Ad Sizes: Specify the dimensions that match those configured in GAM.
- Add More Units: Use the “+” button to add additional ad units, repeating the configuration process for each.
5. Advanced Options
Explore the advanced settings for greater customization:
- Responsive Ads: Generate responsive mappings without manually writing code.
- Ad-Specific Settings: Adjust options such as centering ads, collapsing empty slots, or disabling cookies.
These settings are especially useful for tailoring ad behavior across devices and user scenarios.
6. Generate the Tags
Once all ad units are configured:
- Click the Generate Tags button.
- The generator will produce header and body tags, which you can copy and paste into the appropriate sections of your website.
Testing and Final Adjustments
- Test Tags: Verify that your ad tags work correctly across different devices and browsers.
- Modify if Needed: You can revisit the generator to tweak settings until you’re satisfied with the results.
Pro Tip: Simplifying the Process
If you’re managing a large number of ad units, the external tag generator can save you considerable time. Experiment with the advanced options to familiarize yourself with how tags are structured. As you gain confidence, you can even edit tag codes directly on your site.
By following these steps, you can efficiently generate and manage ad tags for multiple ad units, ensuring optimal ad placement and performance.
