How to Install Google Analytics in 2025: Set Up Tracking on Any Website

byBUSY BUSINESS •
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Introduction to Google Analytics

Google Analytics is a free web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. It is an essential tool for website owners, digital marketers, and business owners who want to understand how users interact with their websites. By analyzing the data collected, users can make informed decisions to improve website performance, increase conversions, and enhance user experience.

Google analytics dashboard


Prerequisites Before Installing Google Analytics

Before you start, ensure that you have:

  • A Google Account – You need a Google account to access Google Analytics.
  • Website Access – You should have admin access to your website’s backend to add the tracking code.
  • Google Tag Manager (Optional) – Using Google Tag Manager can make managing analytics tags easier.

Most important questions Google Analytics can answer:

    1.How many people visit my website?
    2.Where do my visitors come from?
    3.What are my most popular pages?
    4.How long do users stay on my site?
    5.What is my conversion rate?

How to Set Up a Google Analytics Account

  1. Go to Google Analytics – Visit analytics.google.com and sign in.
  2. Create a New Property – Click on "Start Measuring," enter your website details, and select Google Analytics.
  3. Set Up a Data Stream – Choose "Web" as your data source and enter your website URL.
  4. Get the Tracking Code – Copy the tracking code that Google provides.
  5. Save Your Settings – Finalize the setup and start tracking data.

How to Set Up a Google Analytics Account

How to Install Google Analytics Using Google Tag Manager (Recommended Method)

Google Tag Manager (GTM) allows you to manage tracking scripts without modifying website code directly. It is the easiest and most flexible way to install Google Analytics.

Step 1: Create a Google Tag Manager Account

  1. Visit Google Tag Manager and log in with your Google account.
  2. Click on Create Account and enter your account details (business name and country).
  3. Create a new Container by entering your website URL and selecting Web as the target platform.
  4. Click Create and accept the terms of service.


Google Analytics Using Google Tag Manager

Step 2: Add Google Tag Manager Code to Your Website

  1. Google Tag Manager will generate two code snippets.
  2. Copy the first snippet and paste it into the <head> section of your website.
  3. Copy the second snippet and paste it immediately after the opening <body> tag.
  4. Save and update your website files.

Step 3: Set Up Google Analytics Tag in GTM

  1. Open Google Tag Manager and go to the Tags section.
  2. Click New and name your tag (e.g., "GA4 Configuration").
  3. Click Tag Configuration and select Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration.
  4. Enter your Measurement ID (found in your Google Analytics account under Admin > Data Streams > Web).
  5. Under Triggering, select All Pages to track all website visits.
  6. Click Save to complete the setup.

Step 4: Publish Your Tag in Google Tag Manager

  1. Click Submit in Google Tag Manager.
  2. Add a version name and description (e.g., "GA4 Installation").
  3. Click Publish to activate the tag on your website.

Step 5: Verify Google Analytics Installation

  1. Open Google Analytics and go to the Real-Time report.
  2. Visit your website in a new browser tab.
  3. If data appears in the Real-Time report, Google Analytics is working correctly.
  4. Alternatively, use the Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension to confirm the setup.


Google Analytics Real-Time report displaying live tracking data.

Conclusion

Google Tag Manager is the easiest and most efficient way to install Google Analytics without directly editing website code. By following these steps, you ensure accurate tracking and flexibility for future analytics configurations.

FAQs

  1. How long does it take for Google Analytics to show data?
    Typically, within 24 hours.

  2. Can I install Google Analytics without a website?

    No, you need a website or app to track data.

  3. Is Google Analytics free?

    Yes, but Google Analytics 360 offers advanced features.

  4. How do I remove Google Analytics from my website?

    Delete the tracking code from your website’s source code.

  5. What is the difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics?

    GA4 is event-based, whereas UA is session-based.

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