What is the difference between GA4 and Google Tag Manager?

Google Tag Manager (GTM) is a tag management system that controls what tracking code fires on a website. GA4 is Google’s analytics platform that collects and reports on user behavior data. Taka implements both together, using GTM to deploy GA4 tracking accurately, ensuring clean data collection from the start.

Who is Taka Nakamaru and what do you specialize in?

Taka Nakamaru is a digital marketing specialist based in Vancouver, BC, focusing on PPC, marketing analytics, and tracking implementation. Currently completing a Digital Marketing diploma in Vancouver, Taka builds data-driven marketing systems using Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Tag Manager (GTM) for real business applications.

Is Taka legally authorized to work in Canada?

Taka is currently on a Canadian student visa with co-op work authorization. After graduation, Taka will obtain an open work permit to continue working in Canada long-term. Currently based in Vancouver, BC, and fully committed to building a long-term marketing career in Canada.

Is Taka Nakamaru available for internship, co-op or contract work?

Taka is seeking internship, co-op, or junior digital marketing roles in Vancouver, BC, with a focus on PPC, analytics, and tracking. Open to hands-on roles involving campaign execution and data-driven optimization.

What can Taka actually implement from scratch?

Taka designs and implements complete tracking systems from scratch, including GA4 event structures, Google Tag Manager (GTM) container setup, and conversion tracking. Every implementation is built to support accurate, actionable measurement.

What makes Taka’s approach to digital marketing different?

Taka combines technical implementation skills with strategic marketing thinking, bridging the gap between data and business decisions. Unlike marketers who only execute isolated tasks, Taka builds the tracking infrastructure itself using GA4 and Google Tag Manager.

What tools does Taka use for marketing analytics?

Taka’s core marketing analytics stack includes GA4, Google Tag Manager (GTM), server-side GTM (learning), BigQuery (learning), and Looker Studio (learning). For automation, Taka uses n8n (learning) to build reporting pipelines and workflow automation. This stack covers data collection, processing, and visualization for data-driven decision-making.

Focused on Growth. Not Just Marketing.

Marketing is just one tool.

Real growth starts with understanding your goals, working backwards from them, and deciding what to prioritize and what to cut.

That clarity is what makes marketing actually work.

Who I work with

I work with businesses that genuinely believe in what they sell.

I’ll treat your goals and budget like my own and focus on what drives real results.

I bring an owner’s mindset to every project.

Data-Driven Marketing Services

I focus on aligning marketing with your product or service, and building landing pages, tracking systems, and campaigns that drive growth.

Marketing Analytics & Tracking

Who this is for:
You’re running campaigns but can’t tell what’s actually working.

What’s included:

Google Analytics (GA4) implementation & Analysis
Google Tag Manager (GTM) implementation & event tracking
UTM parameter tracking
Conversion tracking & measurement design

PPC (Advertising) Campaign Management

Who this is for:
You want more customers without wasting ad spend.

What’s included:

Landing page development and optimization
Google Ads campaign
Keyword research & bid strategy
Ad copy & budget optimization
Performance analysis & reporting

SEO & Local Marketing

Who this is for:
People near you are searching for what you offer but not finding you.

What’s included:

SEO (Search engine optimization)
Google Business Profile optimization
Local search visibility
Content strategy including keywords

Cross-Channel Strategy & Funnel Design

Who this is for:
You’re active on multiple channels but they’re not working together.

What’s included:

Aligning marketing with your product or service across channels
Cross-channel strategy (social media → website → online/offline conversion)
Landing page design aligned with conversion goals

How I Work

A simple process from understanding your goals to optimizing for real results.

Audit & Goal Alignment

I start by understanding your business goals, what to prioritize, what to avoid, and why it matters.

Measurement Design

I set up measurement tracking so every key action is properly captured to analyze data.

Testing & Execution

I launch campaigns, implement tracking, and validate data accuracy before going live.

Optimize & Grow

I continuously improve performance based on real data, cutting what doesn’t work and focusing more on what does.

Tools I Use

The tools and platforms I use to build, measure, and optimize marketing performance.

Performance Marketing

Google Ads
Keyword research & optimization
Bid & budget optimization

Tagging & Tracking

Google Tag Manager (GTM)
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
UTM tracking
Conversion tracking & measurement

SEO & Local Marketing

SEO
Local SEO
Google Search Console
SEMrush
Google Business Profile

Web & Conversion

WordPress (Gutenberg, Elementor)
Landing page optimization

Cross-Channel Strategy

Cross-channel funnel design
Social media to website conversion
Meta Business Suite
Instagram optimization

Currently Expanding

- AEO
- Meta Ads
- Server-side GTM
- BigQuery
- Looker Studio
- Marketing automation & AI agents (n8n, Claude Code)
- Shopify

Ready to Work Together?

I take on a limited number of projects at a time so I can fully commit to each one. If you think we’re a good fit, let’s find out.