# GA4/GTM Browser Validation Checklist

**Last Updated:** 2026-02-17

Repeatable checklist for validating GA4 and GTM tracking setup after code or GTM configuration changes.

## Prerequisites

- Access to GTM container `GTM-5DWSFND`
- Access to GA4 property (G-2JRTDQFVPZ)
- Chrome with [Google Analytics Debugger](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-analytics-debugger/jnkmfdileelhofjcijamephohjechhna) or [GA Debugger](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/gtmga-debug/ilnpmccnfdjdjjikgkefkcegefikecdc) extension
- Optional: [Data Layer Inspector](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adswerve-datalayer-inspec/kmcbdogdandhihllalknlcjfpdjcleom)

## Step 1: GTM Preview Mode

1. Open [Google Tag Manager](https://tagmanager.google.com) → container `GTM-5DWSFND`
2. Click **Preview**
3. Enter `https://www.ordio.com` (or staging URL)
4. Click **Connect**
5. Confirm tag assistant connects and shows the page

## Step 2: CTA Click Tests

| Test | Action | Expected | Pass/Fail |
|------|--------|----------|-----------|
| Hero CTA | Click "Kostenlos testen" (hero) | `cta_click` in dataLayer with `cta_name`, `cta_location` | |
| Footer CTA | Click "Kostenlos testen" (footer) | `cta_click` fires | |
| Navbar CTA | Click "Demo vereinbaren" (navbar) | `cta_click` fires | |
| Tool card | Click "Zuschlagsrechner" card on `/tools/` | `cta_click` does **not** fire (navigates away) | |
| Rückruf | Click "Rückruf anfordern" | `cta_click` fires | |
| Comparison page | Click "Kostenlos testen" on comparison page | `cta_click` fires | |

**In GTM Preview:** Check Tags Fired tab → GA4 Event tag for `cta_click` fires on CTA clicks only.

## Step 3: Form Submit Tests

| Test | Action | Expected | Pass/Fail |
|------|--------|----------|-----------|
| Demo form | Submit main demo form on homepage | `form_submit` in dataLayer with `conversion_type: demo_request` | |
| Template download | Submit template download form | `form_submit` with `conversion_type: template_download` | |
| Tools export | Submit email modal on calculator (e.g. Einkommensteuer) | `form_submit` with `conversion_type: tools_export` | |
| Hero email | Submit hero email form | `form_submit` with `conversion_type: email_capture` | |

**In GTM Preview:** Verify `generate_lead` tag fires when `form_submit` is received, with `conversion_type` and `form_id` parameters.

## Step 4: GA4 DebugView

1. Enable Debug mode:
   - Option A: Install Google Analytics Debugger extension, enable it
   - Option B: Add `?debug_mode=true` to URL (if GTM passes it)
   - Option C: In console: `gtag('config', 'G-2JRTDQFVPZ', { 'debug_mode': true });`
2. Open GA4 → Admin → DebugView

**Verify events in DebugView:**

| Event | Parameters | Notes |
|-------|------------|-------|
| `cta_click` | `cta_name`, `cta_location` | CTA placement analysis |
| `form_submit` | `form_id`, `form_name`, `conversion_type` | Raw form event |
| `generate_lead` | `conversion_type`, `form_id` | Key event (conversion) |

## Step 5: Consent Mode (Optional)

1. Clear cookies and reload
2. Confirm cookie banner appears
3. Click "Cookies ablehnen" → verify no GA4 events (or cookieless pings only in Advanced mode)
4. Reload, click "Cookies akzeptieren" → verify events fire after consent

## Quick Reference

- **GTM Container:** GTM-5DWSFND
- **GA4 Measurement ID:** G-2JRTDQFVPZ
- **Key events:** `cta_click`, `generate_lead`
- **Custom dimensions:** `conversion_type`, `form_id`, `cta_name`, `cta_location`

## References

- [GTM_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md](GTM_CONFIGURATION_GUIDE.md)
- [GA4_EVENT_NAMING.md](GA4_EVENT_NAMING.md)
- [GTM_FORM_TRACKING_GUIDE.md](../../forms/GTM_FORM_TRACKING_GUIDE.md)