• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

How to Track PDF File Downloads Via Google Tag Manager?

Reading Time: 2 mins. Posted on January 30, 2019 .

Simple and easy step by step guide to setup tracking PDF file downloads located anywhere on the website or blog using Google tag manager.

How to Track PDF File Downloads Via Google Tag Manager?

There is an easy way to track PDF file downloads on a website or blog using Google tag manager. All we have to do is trigger an event when someone clicks on the PDF link. The event data go to Google Analytics, and finally, view how popular PDFs are.

The PDF file can be a story, whitepaper, ebook, how-to PDFs or a valuable research report.

So, let’s get started with tracking PDF file downloads.

Step 0: Pre-Requisites

You should be aware of Google Tag Manager Lingo. Moreover understand what a trigger, tag, and the built-in variables available are.

The next is, you should have a Google Tag Manager for tracking site’s traffic in Google Analytics though it isn’t a must. We will still need to have the Google Analytics Property ID to send scroll depth data to Google Analytics.

If you aren’t sure, refer to my article – How to Connect Google Analytics With Google Tag Manager first and then continue with this article.

Step 1: Create Trigger

PDF download trigger using google tag manager

  • Trigger name: I have named it asPDF Downloads Trigger. It should be easily identifiable. Name the trigger accordingly.
  • Trigger type: Click – Just Links. This trigger type will track internal link clicks.
  • Trigger fires when: Some Link Clicks > Click URL > ends with > “.pdf”

If you are masking the pdf file download link with short URLs, use the exact url instead of “ends with” condition.

Step 2: Create a Tag

PDF download tag using google Tag manager

  • Tag name: Name the tag accordingly. I have it as PDF Download Tag.
  • Tag type: Google Analytics – Universal Analytics will be our tag type.
  • Track type: Event (Selected from the drop-down menu list)

Event Tracking Parameters

  • Category: PDF Download Clicks
  • Action: {{Page URL}}
  • Label: {{Click URL}}
  • Value: Leave blank
  • Non-Interaction hit: False
  • Google analytics settings: {{Google Analytics ID}}

Let’s preview the tag now using the Google Tag Manager’s debug mode. Visit the page where a PDF link is embedded in the HTML code. Make sure the link opens up in the new tab. Click the PDF link, and the tag should fire as shown below.

 

testing pdf file download tag in gtm

View Reports in Google Analytics

Sign in to your Google Analytics account and click Behavior > Events > Overview.

It will show the event category we have added for the tag. It is “PDF Download Tag”.

Under the “PDF Download Tag” event category, we will see the event label with all the PDF file links. Under Action, it will list all the pages where the PDF file download links are embedded.

Also, check out How to Track External Link Clicks and Affiliate Link Clicks Via Google Tag Manager.

You are Here: Home / Tools / Google Tag Manager / How to Track PDF File Downloads Via Google Tag Manager?

About Shabbir Bhimani

Blogging Since 2009. If I can leave my high paying C# job in an MNC in the midst of global financial crisis of 2008, anybody can do it. @BizTips I guide programmers and developers to Start and Grow an Online Business. Read more about me here.

May I help You With ...

Upwork Proposal
Finding Clients
Start a Store
Start a Blog
 

Or Help Yourself ..

Primary Sidebar

About Shabbir Bhimani

Blogging Since 2009. If I can leave my high paying C# job in an MNC in the midst of global financial crisis of 2008, anybody can do it. @BizTips I guide programmers and developers to Start and Grow an Online Business.

Get in touch with me on LinkedIn or read more about me here.

Let me Guide You to Start and Grow your Online Business

Download my
FREE eBook NOW
to win more clients.
And it is not an annoying pop-up either

Additional menu

  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

BizTips

Shabbir Bhimani: Start and Grow an Online Business

  • Freelancers Start Here
  • Start An eCommerce Store
  • Start A Blog
  • About
  • Archive
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact
  • Glossary

2009 - 2025 All my content & images are licensed as Creative Commons.

WebTurtles LLP. LLPIN: AAL-5288. Hosted with Linode.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT