A Complete Guide for How to Setup Google Analytics GA4

Google Analytics 4, also known as GA4, was introduced by Google in October 2020 as the next generation of Google Analytics. Unlike the previous Universal Analytics properties, GA4 offers enhanced tracking capabilities for websites, apps, or both simultaneously.

With the integration of advanced machine learning models from Google, GA4 provides exceptional performance in monitoring current market trends and customer behavior across various devices and platforms. Its privacy-centric design ensures improved return on investment (ROI), particularly for long-term marketing strategies.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a new GA4 account, upgrading to a new GA4 account, and adding the GA4 tag to your website. Let’s delve into each step with detailed explanations and accompanying screenshots.

How to Create a New Google Analytics Account and GA4 Property?

If you don’t have an existing Google Analytics account, you’ll need to create one. By default, Google now sets up a GA4 property when you create a new account. However, you can also opt to create a Universal Analytics property, which we will explain in easy-to-understand steps below:

1. Log in to your Google account and navigate to https://analytics.google.com/analytics/.
2. Click on the “Start Measuring” button.

3. Enter the name of your account, typically your company name, and click “Next.”

4. Provide a “Property Name” and select your desired “Reporting Time Zone” and “Currency.”

5. To create both a GA4 analytics property and a Universal Analytics property, click on “Show Advanced Options” as depicted in the image below.

6. Switch the toggle from Off to On, indicated by the bright blue color.
7. Enter your website URL and choose whether you want to create both GA4 and Universal Analytics properties or just a Universal Analytics Property.
8. Click “Next” after selecting the appropriate option.

9. Provide the necessary details about your business, such as the industry category, business size, and how you intend to use Google Analytics.
10. Click “Create” to finalize the creation of your GA4 and Universal Analytics properties under the new Google Analytics account.

11. Check the relevant boxes to accept the Data Processing Terms required by GDPR and the Measurement Controller–Controller Data Protection Terms.
12. Click “I Accept” to proceed.

13. Upon accepting the terms, you will be redirected to the “Web Stream Details” screen, where you can find the Measurement ID in the top right corner.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your GA4 and Google Universal Analytics properties.

How to Upgrade to a GA4 Property From an Existing Universal Analytics Property

If you already have a Universal Analytics Property and wish to upgrade to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), follow these steps:

1. Click on “Admin” as shown below.

2. This will take you to the admin console of the Universal Analytics Property. Under the “Property” column, click on “GA4 Setup Assistant.”

3. You will be directed to the “Google Analytics 4 Property Setup Assistant” screen. Click on “Get Started.”

Note: Make sure you have selected the correct account under the account column.

4. A pop-up window will appear. Click on “Create Property.”

5. You will then see a message with the connected property and its ID.

6. Click on “See your GA4 property,” and you will be taken to the “Setup Assistant” screen. Click the arrow (>) under “Tag Installation” to proceed to the “Data Streams” screen.

7. On the “Data Streams” screen, click the arrow (>) under “Data Stream” to access “Web Stream Details.”

8. In the “Web Stream Details” section, you will find the Measurement ID for your GA4 property in the top right corner.

Congratulations! You have successfully upgraded to a GA4 property.

How to Add GA4 Tracking Code to a Website without Using Google Tag Manager

There are three methods to add GA4 tracking code to a website without utilizing Google Tag Manager. Let’s explore each option:

Option One: Connect the Measurement ID to an Existing UA Property in Universal Analytics

If you already have a Universal Analytics code on your website and wish to add a GA4 Measurement ID, follow these steps:

1. Click on “Admin” located in the bottom left corner.

2. Access “Data Streams” and select “Web.” Click the arrow (>) under “Data Stream” to reach the “Web Stream Details” page.

3. Copy the GA4 Measurement ID displayed in the top right corner.

4. Go to your existing Universal Analytics Property, navigate to “Admin,” and click on “Tracking info” followed by “Tracking code.”

5. Scroll down until you find the “Connected Site Tags” option and click on it.

6. Paste the Measurement ID you copied in Step 3 to create a new site tag.

7. Once you click “Connect,” your Universal Analytics property and GA4 property will be linked.

By following these steps, you can successfully add GA4 tracking code to your website without using Google Tag Manager.