Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics and provides extensive insights into the behavior of your website visitors. Whether you run a blog, webshop, or business website on your Theory7 hosting, GA4 helps you understand who your visitors are and what they do. With its advanced features, GA4 allows you to track user interactions across different platforms, making it an essential tool for any website owner looking to optimize their online presence.

Creating a Google Analytics 4 Account

To get started with GA4, navigate to analytics.google.com and log in using your Google account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one for free. Once logged in, click on the Admin button located at the bottom left corner of the interface. Here, you will see three columns: Account, Property, and View.

Click on Create Account to set up a new account. Choose a recognizable name, such as your company name, to make it easy to identify later. Next, you’ll need to create a property for your website. Select Google Analytics 4 and fill in your website details, including the name, URL, industry category, and reporting time zone.

After the property is created, you will receive a unique Measurement ID (which starts with G-). This ID is crucial for installing tracking on your website, so make sure to keep it handy.

Placing Tracking Code on Your Website

Method 1: Manually in the Header

If you have a static HTML website, you can manually add the tracking code. The tracking code must be placed in the <head> section of every page. To do this, copy the Google tag (gtag.js) from your GA4 settings. Open your HTML files and paste this code directly before the closing </head> tag. Ensure that this code is included on all pages by placing it in your template if your site uses one.

Method 2: Via WordPress Plugin

For WordPress websites, using a plugin is the easiest solution. After logging into your WordPress dashboard, you can install one of these popular plugins:

Site Kit by Google is the official Google plugin that integrates Analytics, Search Console, and other Google tools seamlessly. After installation, log in with your Google account, and the plugin will automatically connect your GA4 property.

MonsterInsights is another popular Analytics plugin for WordPress. The free version offers basic functionality, while the Pro version provides advanced e-commerce tracking, custom reports, and more, directly in your dashboard.

GA Google Analytics is a lightweight plugin designed for users who want to add the tracking code without additional features. Simply enter your Measurement ID, and the plugin will handle the rest.

Installing GA4 in a Webshop

If you run a WooCommerce webshop, e-commerce tracking is essential for understanding customer behavior and optimizing sales. Both MonsterInsights Pro and the official WooCommerce Google Analytics plugin automatically add events for product views, add-to-cart actions, and purchases. This allows you to track key metrics such as conversion rates and average order value, which are crucial for your business's success.

Privacy-Friendly Configuration

With the implementation of GDPR and other privacy regulations, handling visitor data responsibly is paramount. In GA4, navigate to Admin, then Data Settings, and enable the following:

IP Anonymization

GA4 anonymizes IP addresses by default, which is a significant step towards protecting user privacy. You can verify this in your property settings. The last part of the IP address is removed before data is stored, ensuring that individual users cannot be identified.

Limiting Data Retention

To enhance privacy, consider setting the data retention period to 2 months instead of the default 14 months. Go to Data Settings and then Data Retention to adjust this setting. Shorter retention periods are more privacy-friendly and comply with GDPR guidelines.

Disabling Google Signals

Google Signals collects additional demographic data about users who are signed into their Google accounts. For full GDPR compliance, you can disable this feature under Data Settings and Data Collection.

Disabling Advertising Features

If you do not use Google Ads or similar advertising services, it’s advisable to disable advertising personalization. This limits the amount of data Google collects about your visitors, further enhancing privacy.

Since GA4 places cookies on users' devices, it is essential to obtain consent from visitors before tracking their activity. Implement a cookie consent banner that activates tracking only after users have given their consent. You can also use Google Consent Mode, which allows Analytics to work seamlessly with your cookie solution, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

Checking First Data

After installation, it typically takes 24-48 hours for data to appear in your GA4 account. However, you can use the Realtime report to check if tracking is functioning correctly. Visit your own website and see if your visit appears in the Realtime report, which can be found on the left side of the menu. This immediate feedback can help you troubleshoot any potential issues with your setup.

Important Reports in GA4

GA4 offers various reports that provide valuable insights into your website’s performance. The Acquisition report shows where your visitors come from, whether it be organic search, social media, direct traffic, or referrals. The Engagement report reveals how visitors interact with your pages, including metrics such as average engagement time and events triggered.

User Attributes provide demographic data if you have Google Signals enabled, giving you a clearer picture of your audience. To maximize your insights, combine Google Analytics with effective SEO strategies. With reliable Theory7 hosting and Google Analytics 4, you have all the tools necessary for a successful website. Explore our hosting packages to find the ideal foundation for your online presence.