How can I troubleshoot the issue of the Google Analytics script loading before the user opts in on my client's GDPR compliant site using the Finsweet Cookie Consent tool?

Published on
September 22, 2023

Troubleshooting the Issue of Google Analytics Script Loading before User Opts-In on a GDPR Compliant Site using Finsweet Cookie Consent Tool

If you're experiencing issues with the Google Analytics script loading before the user opts-in on your client's GDPR compliant site, you can follow these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check Script Placement: Ensure that the Google Analytics script is placed within the correct section of your website's code. It should be added in the "head" section or just before the closing "body" tag. Placing it within the "head" section may cause the script to be loaded before the user opts-in.

  2. Configure Finsweet Cookie Consent tool: The Finsweet Cookie Consent tool allows you to control the loading of scripts based on user consent. Make sure you have properly configured the tool to delay the loading of the Google Analytics script until the user gives their consent. Review the documentation or guidelines provided by Finsweet to ensure you have correctly set up the tool.

  3. Manage Script Execution: Use JavaScript to pause the execution of the Google Analytics script until the user has given their consent. You can do this by wrapping the Google Analytics code within an "if statement" that checks if the user has provided consent. If they haven't, the script is prevented from running.

  4. Test Cookie Consent Tool: Check if the Finsweet Cookie Consent tool is functioning correctly. Confirm that the tool correctly manages user consent and updates the relevant cookies or variables that determine the execution of the Google Analytics script.

  5. Monitor Scripts Execution: Keep an eye on the Network tab of your browser's developer tools. This will help you identify any issues related to the sequence of script loading.

  6. Debug and Error Handling: If the issue persists, review the console log for any error messages or warnings related to the Google Analytics script or the Finsweet Cookie Consent tool. This will help you pinpoint any errors that may be causing the script to load before user consent.

Remember to thoroughly test the website's functionality after making any changes to ensure that the Google Analytics script only loads after user consent has been obtained. Addressing this issue will ensure compliance with GDPR regulations while still allowing you to collect accurate analytics data.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I configure Finsweet Cookie Consent tool to manage script loading based on user consent?
  2. What are the best practices for placing the Google Analytics script within the website's code?
  3. How can I delay the execution of Google Analytics script until the user gives their consent?