How to add Google Analytics to a WordPress site

There are two main approaches to add Google Analytics to your WordPress site and track visitor statistics:

Method 1: Using Google Analytics Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)

The easiest way is to use a dedicated plugin. Here are the top options:

1. MonsterInsights (website)

   • Most popular Analytics plugin
   • User-friendly dashboard inside WordPress
   • Free and premium versions available
   • Easy setup wizard

2. GA Google Analytics (website)

   • Lightweight alternative
   • Simple setup
   • Free version works well for basic needs

Method 2: Manual Integration

For developers or those who prefer not to use plugins:

1. Create a Google Analytics 4 property:

   • Go to Google Analytics
   • Set up a new property
   • Get your Measurement ID (starts with "G-")

2. Add the tracking code in one of these ways:

   a. Via theme's header.php:

   • Add code right before the closing </head> tag
   • Remember this will be lost if you update your theme

   b. Via functions.php (recommended): Add this code to your child theme's functions.php:

function add_google_analytics() {
    ?>
    <!-- Google tag (gtag.js) -->
    <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXXXXXXXX"></script>
    <script>
        window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
        function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
        gtag('js', new Date());
        gtag('config', 'G-XXXXXXXXXX');
    </script>
    <?php
}
add_action('wp_head', 'add_google_analytics');

(Replace G-XXXXXXXXXX with your Measurement ID)

Best Practices & Security Tips:

1. Use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) as Universal Analytics is being phased out
2. Enable IP anonymization for GDPR compliance
3. Add a cookie consent notice if you serve EU visitors
4. Wait 24-48 hours after setup for data to appear
5. Set up proper filters to exclude admin and developer IPs

Common Pitfalls:

• Adding tracking code multiple times (via plugin and manually)
• Not verifying the tracking code is working (use real-time reports)
• Forgetting to verify site ownership in Google Search Console
• Not setting up proper goals and conversions
• Using outdated analytics code

Additional Plugin Options:

• Site Kit by Google (website)

  • Official Google plugin
  • Integrates multiple Google services
  • Clean interface
  • Free to use

• Analytify (website)

  • Beautiful dashboard
  • Real-time statistics
  • Free and premium versions

Once installed, allow 24-48 hours for data collection to begin. You can view your statistics either in your Google Analytics dashboard or through your chosen plugin's interface.