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Common Pitfalls & Best Practices
Set yourself up for faster results by avoiding common traps and following these proven tips.
Top Pitfalls to Avoid
Mixing tag types:
Never use standard and Shopify tags together on the same site—this leads to data loss and broken tracking.Wrong tag placement (especially in
<head>):
Always install your tracking tag just before the closing</body>tag.- Why? Tags in
<head>delay visible content, hurt load speed, and can seriously reduce revenue (even a tenth of a second matters). - If an agency or vendor insists on
<head>placement, it’s rarely required—Performance Now! is built for speed and real-world conversion, so keep it at the bottom.
- Why? Tags in
Tag managers:
Performance Now! fully supports tag managers like Google Tag Manager and Shopify’s built-in tag manager.- Best practice: Follow our Tag Setup guide or contact support if you have a complex or non-standard GTM configuration.
- Tag managers are flexible—many setups work, but a few won’t. If unsure, check with us for the recommended method.
- Shopify’s tag manager is supported out of the box, but if you need to use Google Tag Manager, it requires additional setup to ensure accurate tracking and experiment functionality. Contact support for guidance if you need to use GTM or any other tag manager.
WARNING
Do not use the Standard Tag if you are using a tag manager, it will not record page information correctly and will lead to data loss.
Forgetting to include downstream KPIs:
When building funnels, every KPI must include all subsequent actions.
See Funnels & KPIs for the critical logic.Not using presets:
Presets are your shortcut to fast answers—use system presets to start, and save your own as you go.Trying to track unsupported actions:
If in doubt, check documentation or support (e.g., scroll tracking is not supported).
Best Practices
Start simple:
Use URL-based A/B testing to get value quickly and safely.Leverage optimizers:
Organize traffic sources, campaigns, or products using optimizers for clearer analysis and targeted optimization.Batch edit when managing lots of data:
For large catalogs or experiments, use the upload/download feature to save time.Regularly review discrepancies:
Use the Discrepancies tab to catch technical or source issues early.Collaborate:
Share presets and findings with your team for aligned action.Ask for a review:
Unsure about your setup or results? Contact support for a free review.