How to Set Up GA4 (Google Analytics 4) for Website
For those keen to understand their website visitors better, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a fantastic tool. As the newest version of Google’s web analytics platform, GA4 offers more in-depth insights, improved reporting, and a more user-centric approach than its predecessors. In this guide, we’ll take you through the straightforward steps to set up GA4 for your basic website. And if you’re interested in integrating GA4 using Google Tag Manager, keep an eye out for our supplementary article on that!
1. Sign in or Register for a Google Account
To kick things off with GA4, you’ll need a Google account. If you haven’t got one already, it’s a breeze to set up. Head to Google’s homepage and click on “Sign In” in the top right corner. Here, you can either sign in or opt to “Create account.”
2. Navigate to Google Analytics
Once you’re signed in, go over to Google Analytics and select “Start measuring”.
3. Set Up a New Property
- Click on the “Admin” (the gear icon) at the bottom left.
- In the Account column, you can use an existing account or set up a fresh one.
- Over in the Property column, click “+Create Property”.
- Give your property a name (we work with the domain name as standard, e.g. imexpert.au).
- Hit “Next.”
4. Fill Out the Right Settings
GA4 will prompt you for some details about your business. While this isn’t mandatory, completing it allows Google to offer bespoke recommendations. Fill in:
- Industry Category
- Business Size
- How you intend to use Google Analytics
- Then, click “Create.”
5. Setting Up Data Streams
This is the step where you link your website to GA4.
- Under the Property column, you’ll spot “Data Streams.” Select it.
- Opt for “Web”, as we’re focusing on a straightforward website here.
- Input your website URL and a stream name (we work with the domain name e.g. imexpert.au).
- Hit “Create stream.”
After this, you’ll be provided with a “Measurement ID” (beginning with G-XXXXXXX). This ID is crucial for linking your website with GA4.
6. Embedding the Measurement ID on Your Website
For our audience without technical know-how, the easiest route is to insert a piece of code (a script) onto your website. Copy the supplied script and embed it into each webpage you wish to monitor, ideally right before the closing </head> tag.
🔔 Note: If you have plans to use Google Tag Manager for the integration, bypass this step and refer to our supplementary article about integrating GA4 with Google Tag Manager.
7. Test the Configuration
After embedding the script into your website, it’s essential to verify that everything’s ticking over nicely.
- Pop over to your website.
- Return to your GA4 dashboard and click on “Realtime” in the left menu.
- You should spot at least one active user – that’s likely you!
8. Delve Deeper and Personalise
GA4 boasts a wealth of customisable reports and insights. It’s worth investing some time to familiarise yourself. The ‘Life Cycle,’ ‘User,’ and ‘Events’ reports are stellar places to begin understanding user behaviour on your site.
Establishing GA4 for your basic website is hardly rocket science. By adhering to these steps, you’ll unearth invaluable insights regarding your website’s performance and how visitors interact with it. And, for those venturing further into advanced configurations or integrations like Google Tag Manager, our supplementary resources are brimming with easy-to-follow guidance.
Also published on Medium.