Setting up Google Analytics for a new website involves creating a Google Analytics 4 (GA4) property, configuring a data stream, and implementing the tracking code on your site. The process is designed to be accessible even for beginners, with most setups taking less than 30 minutes when following the official Google documentation or video tutorials. Key requirements include a Google account with appropriate permissions and the ability to edit your website’s HTML or use a CMS plugin.

• The setup requires creating a GA4 property (not Universal Analytics) as Google’s current standard ^[1]
• You must add the Google tag (gtag.js) to your website’s code or use a plugin for CMS platforms like WordPress ^[2]
• Testing the installation is critical to ensure data collection works properly ^[6]
• The process differs slightly depending on whether you’re using a custom website, WordPress, or platforms like Google Sites ^[5]

Complete Google Analytics Setup Process

Creating Your Google Analytics Account and Property

The first step is establishing your Google Analytics account and property, which serves as the container for your website’s data. This requires selecting an account name, configuring data-sharing settings, and creating a GA4 property with your business details. Google’s interface guides you through these steps, but understanding the implications of each choice ensures proper configuration.

• Account creation requirements:
• Sign in with a Google account (personal or business) ^[1]
• Minimum "Viewer" permissions needed to create properties, though "Editor" or "Administrator" roles are recommended for full control ^[1]
• Account name should reflect your business/organization (e.g., "Acme Corp Analytics") ^[8]

• Property setup details:
• Select "Google Analytics 4" as the property type (Universal Analytics is deprecated) ^[1]
• Enter your website name, industry category (e.g., "Ecommerce," "Education"), and reporting time zone ^[4]
• Time zone selection is permanent and affects all historical data - choose carefully based on your primary audience location ^[4]
• Currency settings should match your business operations (e.g., USD, EUR) ^[6]

• Data sharing controls:
• Toggle options for Google support, account specialists, and technical support ^[1]
• Benchmarking and advertising personalization options are available but optional ^[8]
• These settings can be adjusted later in the Admin section if needed ^[7]

After completing these steps, Google generates a Measurement ID (format: G-XXXXXXXXXX) and provides the Google tag code snippet. This ID is essential for the next phase of implementation ^[5].

Implementing the Tracking Code on Your Website

The tracking code (Google tag) must be added to every page of your website to collect visitor data. Implementation methods vary depending on your website platform, with options ranging from manual code insertion to CMS plugins. Proper placement and verification are critical to ensure accurate data collection.

• Manual implementation for custom websites:
• Copy the entire Google tag code snippet from the "Data streams" section ^[1]
• Paste the code immediately after the opening tag on every page ^[8]
• For single-page applications, additional configuration may be required to track virtual pageviews ^[3]
• Example code structure: followed by the configuration script ^[8]

• CMS-specific implementations:
• WordPress: Use the Site Kit by Google plugin (official recommendation) ^[2][4]
• Install plugin via WordPress dashboard → Plugins → Add New
• Connect to your Google Analytics account through the plugin interface
• Select the appropriate property during setup
• Google Sites: Add the Measurement ID (G-XXXXXXXXXX) in Settings → Analytics ^[5]
• Other platforms: Many CMS providers (Shopify, Wix, Squarespace) have built-in Google Analytics fields in their settings panels ^[6]

• Verification and testing:
• Use Google’s Tag Assistant Chrome extension to verify tag installation ^[10]
• Send test traffic to your site and check real-time reports in GA4 (Reports → Realtime) ^[6]
• Expected verification time: Real-time data appears within 1-2 minutes; standard reports populate within 24-48 hours ^[7]
• Common issues to check:
• Tag placed in incorrect location (must be in section)
• Multiple conflicting tags installed
• Browser extensions blocking analytics (test in incognito mode) ^[10]

• Advanced configuration options:
• Set up cross-domain tracking if your business spans multiple websites ^[3]
• Create custom dimensions for specific business metrics (e.g., user membership tiers) ^[7]
• Implement event tracking for key actions (form submissions, video plays) using GA4’s enhanced measurement or custom events ^[1]

For most small businesses, the basic implementation described above provides sufficient tracking capabilities. Enterprise users may need to explore additional features like audience triggers, custom funnels, or BigQuery integration, which require more advanced setup ^[3].