Tracking PDF Downloads with Google Analytics

There are two methods to achieve tracking PDF downloads on your website using Google Analytics. The first requires access to your website and amending the LINKS. The second and best method is to set up Event Tracking in Google Analytics Dashboard so the PDF is tracked as a page view.

1. Amending the Link To A PDF

Access the web page with the download link for your PDF file and amend the A HREF command to include the ONCLICK instruction below highlighted in RED. Note it is always good practice to open a PDF in a New Window, this what the target=”_blank” command does.

2. Configuring Tracking As A Page View

First you need to sign up for GOOGLE TAG MANAGER at https://www.google.com/analytics/tag-manager/

You will receive a GOOGLE TAG MANAGER CODE to install in the BODY of the web page.

Now select TRIGGERS from the left hand menu and click NEW to create the TRIGGER

Select CLICK

Now configure the CLICK for JUST TAGS with a MAX WAIT of 2000 milliseconds and CONTINUE

We now configure the TRIGGER just for PDF downloads

Select PAGE URL > select matches REGEx (Ignorecase) > add \.pdf

Then Continue

We now need to Fire this on ALL CLICKS

Create the Trigger & Save It

Now we need to create the TAG to record this as a Virtual Pageview

Select TAGS from the left hand menu and NEW

Now select GOOGLE ANALYTICS and select it to UNIVERSAL and continue

Now we configure the TAG

Enter your Google Tracking ID and select PAGE VIEWS and click on MORE SETTINGS, then select Fields to Set

Now ADD FIELD

Enter Field Name as page and the value as {{click URL}} then continue.

Now ensure you set the FIRE ON to CLICK and in the pop up box Tick PDFs and Save

You now have set the TAG click on Create TAG

Label it and SAVE

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