Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is now the standard version of Google's analytics platform, replacing the older Universal Analytics (UA). This guide will help you set up GA4 on your website, regardless of what platform you're using or your technical background.
Create Your GA4 Account
Getting started is simple:
Navigate to Google Marketing Platform
Click the "Get started today" button
Choose a name for your account
Set up your first property
Enter your business details
Configure your data stream with your website URL
Google Analytics 4 Installation Methods
Using Google Tag Manager (Recommended Method)
The easiest and most flexible way to install GA4 to your website
Navigate to Admin (bottom-left-hand-side)
Navigate to Data Streams
Click on your Data Stream
Copy your Measurement ID
Navigate to Google Tag Manager:
Create a New Tag
Choose "Google Analytics"
Choose "Google Tag"
Paste your Measurement ID under Tag ID
Click on Triggering
Select All Pages and add the tigger to your tag
Save your Tag
Publish your Google Tag Manager container
Set up Google Analytics 4 via Google Tag Manager
For WordPress Sites
Navigate to Plugins
Install Google Site Kit
Activate it
Connect your Google account
Follow the setup wizard
Link to your GA4 account
For Wix Websites
Open your Wix dashboard
Find Marketing Integrations
Choose Google Analytics
Add your GA4 MEASUREMENT ID
Save your settings
Manual Code Installation
If you prefer to install the GA4 tracking code directly direct code:
Get your Global site tag from GA4
Add it to your website's <head> section
Test to ensure it's working
Important GA4 Settings and Configuration
Block Internal Traffic
Keep your data clean:
Navigate to Data Streams (under Admin)
Open your stream settings
Find "More Tagging Settings"
Choose "Define Internal Traffic"
Add the IP addresses to exclude
Save your Internal Traffic rule
Navigate to Data Filters (under Data Collection and Modification)
Select your Internal Traffic rule
Under Filter state, select Active and save
Add Users to Google Analytics 4
1. Access Admin Settings
Log in to your GA4 account
Click "Admin" in the bottom left corner
Ensure you're in the correct account and property
2. Navigate to User Management
Choose the level where you want to add users:
Account Access Management (for entire account)
Property Access Management (for specific property)
Data Stream Access Management (for specific stream)
3. Add New User
Click the blue "+" button
Select "Add users"
Enter the user's email address (must be a Google account)
Choose appropriate access permissions
4. Set Access Permissions
Select from these permission levels:
Admin: Full access to manage settings and users
Editor: Can edit settings but can't manage users
Analyst: Can analyze data and create reports
Viewer: Can only view reports and data
5. Send Invitation
Click "Add" to send the invitation
User will receive an email to accept access
They must accept invitation within 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions on GA4 Setup and Installation
Do I need technical knowledge to install GA4?
Not necessarily. If you're using platforms like WordPress (with Google Site Kit) or Wix, you can install GA4 without technical knowledge. However, for custom installations or advanced features, basic technical understanding is helpful.
How long does it take for data to appear in GA4?
Data typically starts appearing in real-time reports within a few minutes of installation. However, standard reports may take 24-48 hours to show complete data.
Can I use GA4 on multiple websites?
Yes, you can create multiple data streams under one GA4 property or create separate properties for each website, depending on your reporting needs.
What happens if I installed GA4 incorrectly?
If GA4 is installed incorrectly, you might miss data collection. Use GA4's DebugView feature or real-time reports to verify proper installation. You can't recover missed data, so proper installation is crucial.
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