How do I install Google Analytics on my WordPress site?

Applies to: WordPress.org (self-hosted)
Last updated: May 2025

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Problem

You want to track how people find and use your website—page views, visitor behavior, traffic sources—but you’re not sure how to set up Google Analytics with WordPress.

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Solution

You can install Google Analytics in WordPress by either manually adding the tracking code or using a plugin for easier integration and dashboard access.

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Step 1: Set Up Google Analytics

1. Go to https://analytics.google.com
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Click Admin > Create Account
4. Enter your account name, property name (your website), and URL
5. Choose the Web platform
6. You’ll receive a Measurement ID (e.g., G-XXXXXXXXXX) for Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

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Option 1: Use a Plugin (Recommended for Most Users)

A. Use Site Kit by Google

1. Go to Plugins > Add New
2. Search for Site Kit by Google
3. Click Install Now, then Activate
4. Click Start Setup and follow the on-screen steps:
   • Sign in with your Google account
   • Grant permissions
   • Choose the site profile from your Google Analytics account

Site Kit will:

• Automatically insert the tracking code
• Show analytics data inside your WordPress dashboard

B. Other Plugins You Can Use

• MonsterInsights (Lite) – User-friendly with analytics dashboard
• GA Google Analytics – Lightweight plugin for adding tracking code

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Option 2: Add Tracking Code Manually (Advanced)

1. Copy your GA4 Measurement ID or the tracking snippet
2. In your WordPress dashboard:
   • Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor
   • Open header.php (preferably in a child theme)
   • Paste the code just before the closing </head> tag
3. Click Update File

Important: Always back up your site before editing theme files.

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Verify That It’s Working

• Visit your site in a new tab
• Go to your Google Analytics account
• Navigate to Reports > Realtime
• You should see at least 1 active user (yourself)

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Notes

• Google Analytics may take up to 24 hours to show full data
• Use Google Tag Manager for more complex setups (event tracking, multiple tags)
• Combine Google Analytics with Google Search Console (via Site Kit) for SEO insights