This is an advanced guide for setting up custom parameters and creating custom reports in Google Analytics 4 (GA4). You’ll learn how to track the utm_apostle parameter from Apostle in GA4 using Google Tag Manager (GTM).
⚠️ Important: If you need assistance, contact our support team for help.
1. Google Tag Manager (GTM)
Step 1: Set up GTM to capture the UTM parameter
Log into Google Tag Manager and select the correct container.
Create a variable to capture the
utm_apostleparameter:Go to Variables in the left-hand menu.
Click New under User-Defined Variables.
Name the variable:
utm_apostle.Click Variable Configuration → URL.
In Component Type, choose Query.
In Query Key, type
utm_apostle.Click Save.
Step 2: Send the captured UTM parameter to GA4
Modify your GA4 event tag:
Create a new tag: New → Tag Configuration → Google Analytics: GA4 Event.
Under Event Parameters, click Add Row.
Parameter Name:
utm_apostle.Value: select the variable you created (
utm_apostle).Click Save.
Set up a trigger:
Make sure your GA4 event tag triggers on the correct pages or events (e.g., All Pages or a specific event).
Publish your container:
Click Submit in the top-right to publish changes in GTM.
Step 3: Verify the parameter in GA4
Use GTM’s Preview Mode to test.
Visit your site with a URL containing the parameter, e.g.:
www.yoursite.com?utm_apostle=test
In GTM debug mode, check that the parameter is sent correctly.
2. Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Step 1: Create a custom dimension for utm_apostle
Log into GA4 and select your property.
Go to Admin → Custom Definitions → Create Custom Dimension.
Fill in:
Name: UTM Apostle (internal use).
Scope: Event.
Event Parameter:
utm_apostle.
Click Save.
Step 2: Verify parameter collection
Visit your site with a URL containing the parameter:
www.yoursite.com?utm_apostle=test
In GA4, go to Realtime.
Check under Events for the custom event you created.
Click on utm_apostle to see the parameter value.
Note: Wait 24–48 hours for the parameter to appear in GA4 standard reports.
3. Build a custom report in GA4
In GA4, go to Explore.
Click Blank to start a new exploration.
Under Settings, set:
Technique: Free-form
Visualization: Table
Add the UTM Apostle dimension:
Go to Variables → Dimensions → + → Custom Dimensions.
Select UTM Apostle.
Set Nested rows to Yes.
(Optional) Add Page path and screen class as a second dimension.
Drag UTM Apostle into Rows or Columns.
Add relevant metrics (Active users, Sessions, Conversions) into Values.
(Optional) Increase Show rows to see more than 10 rows.
💡 Tip: For better visibility, enable Nested rows and set Show rows to a higher value. This allows you to see more UTM data without extra clicks.