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The Enhanced Attentive Tag (without AI Pro)

Updated
This article is intended for customers who aren't yet using AI Pro. If you use AI Pro, see The Enhanced Attentive Tag (with AI Pro) instead.

The Enhanced Attentive Tag is now the default tag for all new Attentive customers due to it’s ability to accurately attribute purchases to your Attentive program, ensuring you have full visibility into your ongoing SMS and Email channel performance. If you have specific questions about the benefits of the Enhanced Attentive Tag, please contact your AM or CSM.

Follow the installation instructions below for step-by-step guidance. If you’re looking for more details about how the tag works, what data it collects, or its benefits, check out the FAQs.

Install the Enhanced Attentive Tag

Infographic showing the four-step setup process for the Enhanced Attentive Tag: submit request form, update DNS records, install or update tag, verify setup.

The steps below explain how to install the Attentive tag:

Step 1: Get DNS records and tag code

Fill out the form to let Attentive know that you want to install the Enhanced Attentive Tag.

Note: If you already have new CNAME and TXT records and a custom pixel code or new tag code from your CSM or AM, you can skip this step and proceed to Step 2.

After you fill out the form, your CSM or AM will send you the following:

  • New CNAME and TXT records to add to your DNS host
  • Custom pixel code for Shopify or new tag code for Shopify with headless commerce or other eCommerce platforms

Step 2: Update DNS records

After Attentive sends you new CNAME and TXT DNS records, add them individually at the domain provider you use to host your eCommerce website. All records should be set as “DNS only.”

If you don’t have the ability to add records to your DNS host—or you’re not sure how to use these instructions—reach out to your IT team, web developer, or agency partner for assistance. They can usually make these updates in just a few minutes. Send them the CNAME and TXT records you received in Step 1, along with the following message: "I’m installing Attentive’s Enhanced Tag for SMS and email marketing. Could you please add the new CNAME and TXT records (set to ‘DNS only’) that Attentive provided? Once that’s done, please let me know so I can finish setup."

Note: Add each record individually as a new record (i.e., don’t modify your existing ones). Don't delete any existing records.

Follow the instructions linked below (based on your domain provider) to add records:

Step 3: Install or update tag

Follow the instructions below that correspond to your eCommerce setup.

If you don’t have the ability to make these changes—or you’re not sure how to use these instructions—reach out to your IT team, web developer, or agency partner for assistance. They can usually make these updates in just a few minutes. Send them the pixel code for Shopify or new tag code for Shopify with headless commerce or other eCommerce platforms you received in Step 1, along with the following message: "I have new custom pixel code and/or updated Attentive Tag code from Attentive that needs to be placed in our store. Can you please add or replace the existing code for me?"

Shopify (not headless)

Ensure the Attentive app-embed is enabled in the settings of your Shopify Theme:

  1. From your Shopify Admin page, go to Themes.
  2. Click Customize.
  3. Go to App Embeds.
  4. Verify that the Attentive Tag app-embed is toggled on.

If you don’t see the Attentive Tag app-embed:

  1. Go to Attentive.
  2. In the Marketplace tab, open the Shopify Integration.
  3. Click Activate Attentive Tag. A window opens with your Shopify Admin page.
  4. Click Save to enable the Attentive Tag app-embed.

Now add the custom pixel code you received from Attentive to your Shopify store:

  1. In Shopify, go to Settings > Customer events.
  2. Click Add custom pixel.
  3. Enter a Pixel name.
  4. Make sure the “customer privacy” settings for the pixel align with your expectations. If these are set incorrectly, the tag may not be able to collect data as expected.
  5. Copy and paste the pixel code you received from Attentive in the Code box.
  6. Click Save at the top of the page.
  7. Click Connect.

Notes:

Shopify headless with Shopify checkout extensibility

Add the custom pixel code you received from Attentive to your Shopify store:

  1. In Shopify, go to Settings > Customer events.
  2. Click Add custom pixel.
  3. Enter a Pixel name.
  4. Make sure the “customer privacy” settings for the pixel align with your expectations. If these are set incorrectly, the tag may not be able to collect data as expected.
  5. Copy and paste the pixel code you received from Attentive in the Code box.
  6. Click Save at the top of the page.
  7. Click Connect.

Replace the existing Attentive tag on your site with the new tag provided by Attentive:

  1. If your existing tag is installed using a tag manager (e.g., Google Tag Manager):
    • First, follow instructions to deploy the new tag directly on page.
      • If you use the Tag SDK, continue to use it with the new tag.
    • Next, confirm with Attentive that the new tag is collecting data as expected. If it is, we'll instruct you to remove your old tag.
    • To remove your old Attentive tag:
      • In the Attentive Marketplace, find your tag manager (e.g., Google Tag Manager), then click Disconnect. 
      • If you use Google Tag Manager, follow these instructions from Google to delete the Attentive tag.
         
        Note: For best results, install the new tag directly on page. Installing through a tag manager doesn't allow the tag to identify as many visitors as possible.
  2. If your tag is installed directly on page:
    • First, follow instructions to deploy the new tag directly on page.
      • If you use the Tag SDK, continue to use it with the new tag. 
    • Next, confirm with Attentive that the new tag is collecting data as expected. If it is, we'll instruct you to remove your old tag.
    • Remove all old Attentive tag code from your page.

Other eCommerce platforms (including Shopify headless without checkout extensibility)

If you use another eCommerce platform or Shopify headless without checkout extensibility, replace the existing Attentive tag on your site with the new tag provided by Attentive.

  1. If your existing tag is installed using a tag manager (e.g., Google Tag Manager):
    • First, follow instructions to deploy the new tag directly on page.
    • Next, confirm with Attentive that the new tag is collecting data as expected. If it is, we'll instruct you to remove your old tag.
    • To remove your old Attentive tag:
      • In the Attentive Marketplace, find your tag manager (e.g., Google Tag Manager), then click Disconnect. 
      • If you use Google Tag Manager, follow these instructions from Google to delete the Attentive tag.
         
        Note: For best results, install the new tag directly on page. Installing through a tag manager doesn't allow the tag to identify as many visitors as possible.
  2. If your tag is installed directly on page:
    • First, follow instructions to deploy the new tag directly on page.
      • If you use the Tag SDK, continue to use it with the new tag.
    • Next, confirm with Attentive that the new tag is collecting data as expected. If it is, we'll instruct you to remove your old tag.
    • Remove all old Attentive tag code from your page.

Step 4: Verify setup

After you’ve completed setup, fill out the form to let us know. We'll validate that everything is set up correctly, finish deploying the tag, and reach out if there are any issues.

Note: If you operate in markets where consent is required for data collection, you must ensure that your consent collection tool is set up properly. If you haven’t already set this up, reach out to your Attentive CSM or AM.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Enhanced Attentive tag?

The Enhanced Attentive tag, like the standard Attentive Tag, is a small piece of code added to your website that allows your Attentive sign-up units to be displayed and captures events on your behalf. In recent years, changing privacy restrictions and the use of ad blockers have made it harder to track customer behavior and attribute revenue. Unlike the standard Attentive Tag, The Enhanced Attentive Tag uses server-side technology to address these challenges. While a client-side tag depends on browser functionality, which can sometimes miss data, the Enhanced Attentive Tag runs from a subdomain of your website instead of loading from attentive.com. This server-side approach builds trust with web browsers, ensuring more consistent data collection, and helps brands regain lost visibility into subscriber actions.

Does the Enhanced Attentive Tag encrypt data that it collects, such as IP address?

Yes. Attentive uses industry-proven technologies and practices to protect your data and secure our platform. Data hosted in production databases is encrypted with AES-256 at rest. Data in transit is prote cted using modern versions of Transport Layer Security (TLS) and associated cipher suites, enforcing connections using TLS 1.2 or higher. More security information, including Attentive’s SOC2, can be found at https://security.attentive.com/.

Does the Enhanced Attentive Tag collect new or different personal information than the standard tag does?

No. On your behalf, The Enhanced Attentive Tag collects the same information as the standard tag. It gathers details like telephone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, user and device IDs, browser type, click behavior on your website, customer messages, and any customer attributes that you collect.

Do I need to update my privacy policy?

Maybe. Check with your legal team about your privacy policy’s language. For US text messaging programs, carriers require a link to a text-messaging-specific privacy policy in your SMS sign-up. Attentive offers a template for this, which you can use as-is or modify. Alternatively, you can link to your general website privacy policy. If you choose that route, consider disclosing that you collect automated data (like IP addresses, date and time, and device IDs) and information users provide (like email addresses and phone numbers). You should consider disclosing that you may share data with third-party providers for advertising or marketing.

Also, to meet US carrier rules, consider adding this line:

If you sign up for our text messaging program, cookies may be used to personalize your experience (for example, to send you shopping cart reminders).

For non-US messaging programs, we don’t provide a template privacy policy, and you should link to your general company privacy policy in your SMS sign-up.

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