Adding Google Analytics Tracking Code in WordPress for Better Insights

Adding Google Analytics to WordPress

Custom Code Solution

This solution adds the Google Analytics 4 (GA4) tracking code to your WordPress site using the proper WordPress hooks.

Add this code to your theme's functions.php file or in a site-specific plugin:

function add_google_analytics() {
    // Replace GA_MEASUREMENT_ID with your actual GA4 measurement ID
    $tracking_id = 'GA_MEASUREMENT_ID';
    ?>
    <!-- Google Analytics 4 tracking code -->
    <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=<?php echo esc_attr($tracking_id); ?>"></script>
    <script>
        window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
        function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
        gtag('js', new Date());
        gtag('config', '<?php echo esc_attr($tracking_id); ?>');
    </script>
    <?php
}
add_action('wp_head', 'add_google_analytics', 10);

To exclude tracking for admin users, use this enhanced version:

function add_google_analytics_with_exclusions() {
    // Don't track admin users
    if (current_user_can('manage_options')) {
        return;
    }
    
    $tracking_id = 'GA_MEASUREMENT_ID';
    ?>
    <!-- Google Analytics 4 tracking code -->
    <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=<?php echo esc_attr($tracking_id); ?>"></script>
    <script>
        window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
        function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
        gtag('js', new Date());
        gtag('config', '<?php echo esc_attr($tracking_id); ?>');
    </script>
    <?php
}
add_action('wp_head', 'add_google_analytics_with_exclusions', 10);

Plugin Solutions

If you prefer using a plugin, here are reliable options:

1. MonsterInsights - Most popular analytics plugin

   • Easy setup wizard
   • Dashboard integration
   • E-commerce tracking

2. GA Google Analytics - Lightweight option

   • Simple setup
   • Basic features
   • Free

3. Google Site Kit - Official Google plugin

   • Multiple Google services integration
   • Direct Google authentication
   • Free

Important Notes

1. Get your GA4 Measurement ID from Google Analytics:

   • Go to Admin → Property → Data Streams
   • Select your web stream
   • Copy the Measurement ID (starts with "G-")

2. After adding the tracking code:

   • Wait 24-48 hours for data to appear
   • Use Google Analytics Real-Time reports to verify installation
   • Test in incognito mode if using admin exclusion

3. Consider privacy laws:

   • Add cookie consent if needed
   • Update privacy policy
   • Enable IP anonymization if required