How do I set up GA4 for WordPress (Free and paid) Methods

Sep 24, 2023

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If you've ever wondered how to install GA4 for WordPress for the website of your company, you're in the right spot. In this comprehensive guide, growth director Curt Noble will demonstrate how to do it quick, easy even free.

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It's not your usual GA4 blog or guide. I'm not planning to take hours explaining the basics of what GA4 is and the reasons why it's not a great concept.

I'm just going to show you can install GA4 as well as provide all of the info needed to get it done in order to do it in the fastest way you are able to.

A lot has been said about the possibility of switching to Universal Analytics (UA) to GA4. In this article I'll guide you through an easy installation of GA4 for your website-based company website.

If you're only getting started with WordPress and want to measure the number of visitors to your website as well as other indicators of the performance of your website, bookmark this article.

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Each Website has its own GA4 Monitoring Requirements

Each site has its own unique need to track data. It's difficult to deal with each and every GA4 tracking issue. So, I'm going to stick to the basics maximum extent that is possible.

That means that if need to find out how many tacos people have eaten prior to signing to sign up for membership in the Taco Tuesday Premium Recipe Membership... you're in the wrong place.

We probably won't be describing this data tracking system on this site.

Read on, since you'll be required to start from here. Your first task is to set up the GA4 account by using Google and then set up your data stream.

It sounds like fun, doesn't it?

The best Membership plugin for GA4 reporting. GA4 reporting

Woman doing GA4 reporting

The methods described in this article can be used with any WordPress website. However, let's admit it. Certain WordPress plugins and themes just work better with GA4. And this is the case for websites that are membership-based.

The main benefit of the integration with GA4 is its versatility and hooks that are available, as well as API access. GA4 is the simplest integration plugin for membership.

Every major Google Analytics plugins have integrated with . In this post you'll discover how these integrations make your life simpler.

So, let me straight up declare it. If your site isn't running Google Analytics, then you'll need an Google Analytics specialist to completely create GA4 to your WordPress website that is a member site.

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Earn money for the content you create.

How do you setup Google Analytics GA4 on Your WordPress Membership Website

Follow these steps for how to set up GA4 on WordPress

This article outlines four alternatives to creating GA4 on WordPressfor your membership site or online business. They range from straightforwardto absolutely free and include the easymethod with a modest extra cost.

I'm certain that one of these four methods can be used for you. They all share the same starting point. It's important to start with that first step before you can move on to the next one.

Set up a Google Analytics Account

If you're not already engaged in enrolling in any of the Google products (like Gmail or Google Drive) or would want to set up a separate account in Google Analytics to begin, you'll need to set up an account on Google. Google account.

If you'd like to make an account and you're able to sign up for one on the Google Analytics webpage.

Create a new GA4 property

After registering to create an account using your Google Analytics account and logging in, you'll have make sure to make your GA4 property.

Since an example, a Google Analytics account can be used to monitor and analyze several websites, it is possible to create multiple properties to ensure that the information is kept separate.

When you're signed in to Google Analytics, click on the Admin tab in the lower left-hand corner. Select the button Create Property.

Create Property in Google Analytics.

When you are in the Create Property screen, you'll need to provide some essential information concerning your site. In the Business Objectives options you can pick a variety of goals.

These settings control the reports that you'll be seeing out of the box GA4. GA4. Don't worry though. It is possible to modify the look of the appearance of your GA4 reports by modifying the interface later.

Add property details in Google Analytics.

If you're able to connect to your Data Collection options, choose Webfrom the choices. This is where you'll configure you GA4 Information stream.

It is here that GA4 collects all the incidents that happen at your website.

Enter your website's URL. Give your data stream a title. It is suggested to include "GA4" within the stream's name. This can help you recognize it as the GA4 information stream later in the article.

Configuring GA4 Events to be Collecting on WordPress

GA4 gathers so-called "default activities". It is possible to select the events which are most important to you.

I would suggest choosing an enhanced measuring option. This tells GA4 to collect a few additional events that are standard for the industry, like scroll depth, outbound clicks web searches, and other.

If you choose the gear icon that is to the right, you'll be able to pick the events you'd like to keep track of. Your best bet is to keep all of them within control.

There's a chance that you'll find a huge omission There's not a purchase event happening! Weird, right?

We'll talk about that in the near future.

Set up data stream in Google Analytics.

Step One is Done!

This wasn't too difficult was it?

Now, you've got a fully functional GA4 web site and a data stream. The property is waiting for information to be incorporated (kind like my son in the dining room and a bowl, waiting for somebody to pour in it with Cap'n Crunch).

We'll then look into different ways to place cereal in the bowl. Oh, no... I'm working to include GA4 GA4 incidents into the data stream.

Making GA4 available to anyone who has a WordPress site

Everything is ready. It's all set. GA4 data stream in place and is able to get website events. It's time to include some code in WordPress to transmit data to the stream.

As I've mentioned before, stated that there are numerous ways to accomplish this. The key is to choose what's the best option in your particular circumstance.

There are a few things you should think about when deciding the best way to add GA4 for your WordPress site:

  • How confident are you in analyzing data using the GA4 reporting interface?
  • Do you offer memberships, courses or downloads through your website?
  • Are you familiar with Google Tag Manager?
  • Do you run paid advertisements or other social media traffic that you'd like to monitor?
  • Have you got an affiliate website you would like to advertise?

There's bound to be more to think about there. But this is a good start. For each one of the four methods described below, I'll provide scenarios to show when each approach might be appropriate.

Now let's move on!

Method #1: Step 1. Adding GA4 into WordPress at no costwith Google Site Kit plugin

The solution is completely and cost-free. But it may not be the ideal solution for your WordPress site. This option is suitable for WordPress websites which don't sell anything.

It's because Google Site Kit has a significant limitation in relation to tracking sales online - that is, it isn't able to allow it.

The only thing it does is configure Google applications and tools.

Are you thinking of trying to monitor affiliate links or traffic that comes from social networks such as Facebook or Twitter (X) sometime in the future? You should stay clear of this free method.

If you opt to expand the size of your business and expand your business, you will be faced more limited. For that reason, here are the actions to follow.

Install the Google Site Kit plugin

Install Google Site Kit plugin.

On the Add Plugins webpage On the Add Plugins webpage, find the search term Site Kit by Google. Install the plugin and then turn it on. plugin.

Add plugins in WordPress.

After the plugin has been activated following activation, you will be ready to start the configuration process. First, you must login to your existing Google account you set up to get the GA4 property previously.

Connect to your GA4 Data Stream to WordPress by using Google Site Kit

As I said earlier, you could utilize Site Kit to connect to different Google applications and tools. But, it's not required.

For now, let's join Google Analytics by selecting it from the drop-down menu to start the setup.

Google Site Kit installation screen.

You'll then need to select your property, account and data stream. You should select the GA4 data stream, which you've previously constructed.

You can also let Google Site Kit to provide GA4 Data available to you. GA4 Data stream accessible to you, if you do not already have it. However, the choices aren't limitless. Therefore, I'd suggest creating the data stream in a different method.

It is necessary to enable the option to Place the Google Analytics 4-code here. This is the way GA4 will collect the analytics data for your WordPress site.

Google Site Kit connect service.

It's that simple. it. The Google Analytics 4 is available through your WordPress website.

There's a slight time delay when data is being collected. Therefore, you won't be able to see any information on reports for your GA4 Report for some duration.

Verify that the GA4 data flows

It is possible to check certain that your data is being moved through GA4's Real Time report in GA4.

Go back to the Google Analytics account, and choose Reportson on the navigation menu left. Then click on Real Time..

If you don't see any details here there's a chance that there isn't anyone currently using your site. That's okay. Simply visit your site with a different tab in your browser.

In a short time, you will see the user's session show up in report in real-time.

Method 2: Add GA4 on WordPress site to sign up for Google Tag Manager for free (kind of)

This method of the GA4 integration into WordPress makes use of the cost-free Google Tag Manager (GTM) solution.

Although GTM can be downloaded for free, it might require an analyst to set up the system. So this method works well for those who have prior encounters working with GTM.

GTM allows you to configure your own customized events. In GA4 you'll have to set up a number of events within Tag Manager. Also, make sure you buckle up.

For the implementation of ecommerce tracking with GTM for an WordPress site that is a membership-based website there will likely be additional code. Particularly, you'll need the script to push your transactions' data to Google Analytics' data layer. Google Analytics data layer.

Understanding the Data Layer

The data layer is the main idea when working conjunction with GTM as well as Google Analytics (GA4). It functions as a bridge between your site and GTM.

Additionally, it allows you to send your own information straight into GA4, Google Ads, as well as other third-party services.

The primary function the data layer serves is remove the data layer from the presentation layer (your website's content). So, rather than coding the data in tag tags, or creating scripts for your site or scripts, you could push the data into the layer of data.

After that, GTM can read the data, and utilize it to create tags, triggers and variables.

A Data Layer Could make your life easier

  • FlexibilityThe HTML0 flexibility allows you to easily edit, change or erase data without needing to alter the website's code. This can be particularly useful for marketers who may not have direct access to the source code of the website.
  • Consistency by putting all the information into one place, you ensure consistent data collection across different types of devices as well as platforms.
  • Advanced Tracking The data layer lets you utilize more advanced tracking applications, for example capturing data from dynamic websites as well as single-page apps.
  • Security - By controlling what information is put into the data layer and also what data is accessible to it to ensure that sensitive information isn't inadvertently transferred to third-party programs.

After you've mastered the idea about the layers of information we'll help you get GTM setup!

Install an Google Tag Manager Plugin

There are a number of plugins that can be utilized to integrate GTM on your WordPress site. Because there's an widespread GTM implementation that's why the majority perform the same function.

The plugin turns out to be Google Site Kit plugin is also able to be installed with the GTM container according to your requirements!

Follow the steps up to Method #1 to see the procedure to install Google Site Kit. Google Site Kit plugin. Then, you can choose to add Google Tag Manager.

Configuring the GA4 Tag in Google Tag Manager

After you've got GTM installed and properly configured and set It's now time to begin deploying your first GTM tag!

A quick note: Google recently migrated the old GA4 Configuration tag to the new global Google Tag. If you've seen other guides that mention GA4 Configuration Tag, it's not there anymore. GA4 Configuration tag in GTM, it's not being used any longer.

Once you log in into GTM Once you've logged into your GTM workspace Click to create an additional tag. Then give the tag a name at the upper left.

It is suggested to use the expression "Google Tag to GA4". This will help you to be aware of how tags affect the GA4 implementation.

After that, you can access the Tag Configuration section to create a new type of tag. There is an option to select Google Analytics. Next, on the screen, you will see a range options for Google Analytics choices. You must make sure to select Google Tag here.

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The GA4 Events will be set up later. We first need to have an active Google Analytics code firing.

Once you've created the proper Google Tag, you'll be required to enter the Google Analytics Measurement ID.

The tag ID will be the one that Google decides to use when it determines the best location to transmit data from your website. Here's how you identify GA4 measurement ID. GA4 measurements ID.

The following step is to inform Google Tag Manager where you would like this tag to be displayed on your WordPress site. This GTM container will be on each page on your website. That means you can opt to use GA4 tags on each page. The GA4 tag is on every page is also possible.

On the Triggering tab choose the option Initiation All Pages.

Google tag for GA4 screenshot

The GA4 tag you publish to your WordPress Membership Site

All you have to complete is save your tag configuration and then publish your changes to the container you have created.

There's an Submitbutton on the upper righthand edge in the GTM Workspace.

The moment is now GA4 will collect the usual event data to be used on your website.

The complete code needed is already in place for the transfer of default event information to the data layer.

The events that you set up earlier in the GA4 data stream options are now being monitored.

There's also no ecommerce tracking system in place. Let's address the issue...

How Do You Track Your Member's Profits from Sales GA4

Remember all that talk regarding the layer of data? For tracking member revenue or other e-commerce data the company must transfer those data into your data layer.

This requires some extra programming. Also, you'll need to utilize the Google Documentation.

There are two components to this system.

First, you'll need to send the transaction information to the data layer upon an effective sale. Here's a code example that will be used for the "purchase" moment:

window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push( 'event': 'purchase', 'currency': 'USD', // use your currency 'value': 100.00, // total transaction value 'transaction_id': 'T12345', // unique transaction ID 'items': [ // array of purchased item objects 'item_id': 'SKU12345', 'item_name': 'Product Name', 'price': 50.00, 'quantity': 2 // ... other purchased items ] ); 

The second step is to need to create an event tag inside GTM to collect and send information from transactions that are in GA4 reports. Tags that are set up within GTM will look something like this:

  • Create a tag using the tag's name form "GA4 Events".
  • To name the event you need to enter "purchase".
  • The event's parameters are mapped according to the preceding:
  • Currency to currency|The|A|The} Data Layer Variable
  • value to the|A|} Data Layer Variable
  • transaction_id A|} Data Layer Variable
  • objects toAthe|} Variable in the Data Layer
  • Make a trigger for this tag so that it triggers the confirmation page of an order, or when the transaction has been completed successfully.

Can't You Find a Simpler Way?

Using GTM to include GA4 tracker data to the WordPress website is a challenging task.

The approach I've given above will give you a basic tracker of analytics and report on revenue.

However, you'll need to go and configure every other piece of data you'd like to keep track of. Be aware of the possibilities that could happen if Google "flips its script" upon you.

For instance, the transition to GA3 (Universal Analytics) to GA4 caused some consternation for site owners as well as marketing professionals.

If you're managing the complete plan of the tracker with GTM You're expected to keep an eye on changes. Many companies have a full time position.

Are you convinced there's an easier method? It is true. Two different ways for achieving this using premium plugins.

What can you do to save money and Time to Setup GA4 for WordPress Websites for Membership and Online Companies

Phew! It's over! tough portion. If you've already read about the two options for setting up GA4 on WordPress You might be thinking that this is way above your salary. You're right, it's not. Two of the choices are described above by the term "stupid-easy".

I've spent over 10 years developing web analytics systems.

I've been involved in implementations that range from no-cost Google Analytics Legacy versions, as well as more complex tools like Web Trends and Omniture SiteCatalyst (both prior to and following an acquisition by Adobe acquisition).

In fact, I've been working with Customer Data Platform solutions such as Tealium to implement analytics software. I used to work with data layers before they were cool.

So, you can trust me by my word that the two plugins below provide the best way to implement GA4 in WordPress.

Method #3 METHOD #3 "almost costless" way to add GA4 to WordPress by using WPCode Pro

As a college student there was a discount card, referred to as"the "Starving student Card." The card offered me sweet discounts on Big Juan Burritos when I was at Taco Time. There also were some other deals. It's just not that important.

It's important to note that I'd call this"Starting Student" method "Starving Student" method to integrate GA4 in your web site to allow membership.

It's totally budget-friendly, even for students at college who are on a budget. The options are:

Sign up to WPCode Pro and install it. WPCode Pro

WPCode homepage screenshot

It's available for free too, which is called WPCode Lite. It's not the same, however, because it's GA4 for a site which is member-based, it will require some important options that only come with premium.

In particular, you'll require specifically, the conversion pixels as well as your Advanced Locations for eCommercefeatures.

Bonus! You can also make use of WPCode Pro to add your social media tracking pixels.

There are many millions of WordPress websites that use WPCode. With a 4.9 rating, this is possibly the highest rated plugin on the market.

WPCode customer rating screenshot

For the initial step, sign up for WPCode Pro. (If you're wanting to make it available on one website The Basic Plan comes with all GA4 features you require.)

You must follow the steps below to install, and activate the plugin on the WordPress website. WPCode Pro has been joined with, and will auto-detect the plugin. It can be an enormous time-saver.

Configuring WPCode Pro to Implement GA4 on Your WordPress Membership Website

It is not necessary to install additional software or codes. WPCode Pro will set up the Ecommerce Layer and transfer data to the Data Layer.

And you won't need to modify anything within Google Tag Manager. Actually, WPCode completely eliminates the requirement to utilize Google Tag Manager on your WordPress site.

All you have to do is give WPCode Pro your GA4 measurement ID (in the field below that has been blurred below). It will take care of the rest. Make sure you select the event you wish to monitor. I would recommend keeping track of all available events.

GA4 set up in WPCode

Then you're done. You can then add GA4 to your membership site. The membership registrations you sign up for are monitored, and all the information is sent into GA4 reports. GA4 reports.

At the end of this post, I'll show the location of the data on membership conversion from GA4 reports. But first, I've got another simple option for the problem!

Method 4: The best scalable cost-effective method of adding strong GA4 tracking for WordPress Membership sites using MonsterInsights

There is a caveat with making use of WPCode (above) One of its disadvantages is that it transmits every bit of data you have to your GA4 account. Therefore, in order to view your data, you must sign into your GA4 account, and then find how to navigate the GA4 user interface.

The first reports are out. The all-new GA4 user interface is like... garbage According to the people who've used it.

It's the reason MonsterInsights is the first option I consider for completing a massive-scale GA4 installation. With MonsterInsights it is possible to accomplish the following easily:

  • large-scale GA4 tracking as well as E-commerce There is no reason to be worried about the fact that you're not tracking things or tagging them you may consider in the future.
  • Access all of your data inside the WordPress Administration - You won't need to fumble around the terrible GA4 user interface to discover critical insights in the data you have
  • Link tracking outbound It will be clear how many people are actually visiting the hyperlinks you include in your blog content
  • Affiliate link tracking Find out which affiliate links get the highest number of clicks
  • EU compliance included You can rest all night long without the worry of a major fine from the EU in the event that you break data privacy legislation
  • Logged-in tracking of users - Analyze the way your members who pay using your site differently when compared to the overall user
  • Author tracking • Report on every blog's performance by the blog's author
  • Zero-Code Implementation You pay nothing to set up your tracking codes and event setup

It's a short review. There are numerous options that allow you to use MonsterInsights in a way that is easy to afford.

Zero-code technology pays dividends immediately. It doesn't require an engineer for analytics or a professional in the field of MonsterInsights.

Sign up and install MonsterInsights Pro for Less Than an Chipotle The Burrito Every Month

The wizard for setup also assists make the process of installation effortless and simple.

MonsterInsights setup wizard in WordPress

The wizard is comprehensive and extremely intuitive. That's why I do not go through each procedure.

Also, you can find a thorough tutorial for the complete process of setting up the system, in case you need this. If you are at the step of adding addons, be sure you download the MonsterInsights eCommerce extension.

MonsterInsights recommended addons screen

It's all there really is to the setup.

The WordPress Membership website should be completely operational and set up using GA4 tracking. MonsterInsights has developed the data layer for you as well as the GA4 events that you choose to track during the initial setup.

It's not mandatory to sign in account GA4 account in order to access your information. MonsterInsights gives your data directly within the admin section of WordPress.

GA4 Dashboard is accessible from the WordPress Admin. GA4 Dashboard can be accessed via the WordPress Admin

To access the GA4 data to access the GA4 information MonsterInsights there's an instant summary on the dashboard widget.

MonsterInsights WordPress admin data screen

You can also access the complete set of data by navigating to the Insights button in the left navigation.

Accessing Your Data on Google Analytics

Out of all the options that there are a lot of them, only MonsterInsights shows the analytics details directly in WordPress. To access the alternative options, you'll have sign in to your Google Analytics account and navigate to your GA4 site.

The image is a result of the sandbox I played in this piece. This means that there's little data to show. If you're interested in jumping into GA4 and play around with it a bit I would suggest checking out the GA4 test account.

Final Reflections

Congrats! You've achieved Google Google Analytics set up on your WordPress site to allow you to join your company's online presence.

You can now gain a greater understanding of your website's visitors, their behavior engaging with the information you've created, as well as your site's effectiveness in turning visitors into users to.

If you'd like to learn more information about Google Analytics, we've published an article that explains how you can use Google Analytics to improve the performance of your website's membership.

In addition, there's an online training course available for free on the Google Analytics website for those looking to make the most of this software.

     Are you having any concerns about making use of Google Analytics for your membership website? If so please, leave an answer in the remarks here.

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