Google Chrome plugins are a great helper for us at Archetix. In the past we wrote an article about Google Chrome, in which we dealt with its pros and cons, risks, competition and unique features. In this article, however, we want to focus on specific plugins that make our lives better. All of these plugins are free and therefore available to everyone.
So let us take a look at the top 13 plugins and their use in an analyst's everyday processes!
1. Analytics Debugger
This plugin lets you monitor Google Analytics on websites in real time. It shows all the events sent and other data, which helps to uncover possible problems in the Google Analytics setup.
Analytics Debugger is one of the most used tools among our analysts, because it can identify the measurement of a website or e-shop even without access to the analytics tools. It lets us find out which events are being sent not only to GA4, but also to advertising platforms such as Facebook, Google Ads, Bing and so on… including specific parameters and values.
The plugin is available here.
2. DataLayer Checker
This tool lets you check the content of the data layer on websites. The data layer is a key element for connecting the website and the measurement tools. This plugin is therefore essential for us, because it lets us very quickly discover any shortcomings in the data layer, or specific problems such as duplicate dataLayer pushes (events), and we can discuss them straight away with the client in a consultation.
The plugin is available here.
3. Tag assistant
This plugin checks and verifies whether various Google tags, such as Analytics, Ads or Tag Manager, are correctly implemented on a web page. It thus helps uncover problems in their setup.
The plugin is available here.
4. TikTok pixel helper
It works similarly to the Meta Pixel Helper, but is intended for checking the TikTok Pixel. It shows information about the events sent and helps debug the implementation. It can likewise show problems in sending individual parameters or missing parameters. This is often the viewContent event and the parameters associated with it, such as the product name or ID.
The plugin is available here.
5. Meta pixel helper
This plugin checks whether the Facebook pixel is correctly implemented on a web page. It shows information about the events sent and helps uncover errors in the setup.
The plugin is available here.
6. Shortcuts for Google
Shortcuts for Google gives you quick access to more than 250 Google services from one place. It is a practical tool for anyone who often uses various Google tools and services. It can be set to a keyboard shortcut and can replace dozens of bookmarks.
The plugin is available here.
7. TagHound
TagHound analyses web pages and identifies tags such as Google Analytics, GTM or Facebook Pixel. This tool lets you quickly find out which tracking codes are active on a page. It is an alternative to Analytics Debugger, but they can be used together. TagHound adds further useful features to the GTM preview mode, such as marking tags that fired more than once.
The plugin is available here.
8. Vidyard
This plugin lets you record your screen, voice and webcam, which makes it easier to create videos for various purposes, such as presentations or tutorials. It is ideal for sharing visual information. In practice we used it, for example, when recording our educational videos.
The plugin is available here.
9. Mobile simulator
This tool simulates various mobile devices, so you can test how a web page is displayed on different screen sizes. It is an invaluable helper when testing the responsiveness of a website.
The plugin is available here.
10. SEO META 1 CLICK
A plugin that gives you basic SEO information about a web page with one click, such as meta tags, headings, page structure and other important SEO elements.
The plugin is available here.
11. Dashlane
Dashlane, a password manager, lets you securely store, generate and automatically fill in passwords on websites. It is an ideal tool for anyone who wants to improve their online security. At the same time, you can share passwords easily and securely.
The plugin is available here.
12. Harpa AI
This plugin uses artificial intelligence to automate various tasks directly in the browser. It allows, for example, automatic filling in of forms, downloading content and other actions that can save you time at work.
The plugin is available here.
13. GTM copy paste
It makes working with Google Tag Manager easier by allowing you to copy and paste tags, triggers and variables between different containers. This significantly speeds up work when managing GTM. This is the case where we need to copy only two or three tags, and then there is no need to use an export and subsequently deal with duplicates.
The plugin is available here.
Summary
There is of course a huge number of plugins and there are many alternatives. This is a selection of what we use in our work. Plugins make our work easier, improve efficiency and are a great helper in an analyst's everyday work. And on top of all that, they are free!
Do you have any that you would recommend? We would be glad of your advice, write to us!