How to Add Google Analytics to WordPress

Knowing who visits your website is the first step toward growing your online presence. If you don’t know where your readers come from or what pages they like most, you are basically flying blind. This is why Google Analytics is a must-have tool for every site owner.

Google Analytics helps you track visitor behavior, see which blog posts are popular, and understand how people find your site. In this guide, we will walk through the simplest ways to connect this powerful tool to your WordPress website.

Step 1: Create a Google Analytics Account

Before you can add anything to WordPress, you need an active account.

1. Go to the Google Analytics website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click on the Admin gear icon at the bottom left.
3. Click Create Account and give it a name (like your website name).
4. Set up a Property. This is where you enter your website URL and select your time zone.
5. Once finished, you will receive a Measurement ID (it usually starts with “G-“). Keep this ID handy.

Step 2: Choose Your Method

There are two main ways to add the tracking code to WordPress. You can use a plugin (easy) or add the code manually (for advanced users).

Method A: Using a Plugin (Recommended)

Plugins are the easiest way for beginners because you don’t have to touch any website code.

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins then click Add New.
3. Search for a tool like “MonsterInsights” or “Site Kit by Google.”
4. Install and activate the plugin.
5. Follow the setup wizard. Most of these tools will ask you to sign in to your Google account and select your website property. The plugin will then handle the rest of the technical work for you.

Method B: Adding Code Manually

If you prefer not to use an extra plugin, you can insert the tracking script directly into your site’s header.

1. In your Google Analytics account, go to Data Streams and click on your website.
2. Look for the View tag instructions section to find your “Google tag” code.
3. Copy the entire block of code.
4. In WordPress, go to Appearance and then Theme File Editor.
5. Find the header.php file on the right side.
6. Paste your code right before the </head> tag.
7. Click Update File.

Important Note: If you change your WordPress theme in the future, you will need to copy the code into your new theme’s header again. This is why many people prefer the plugin method.

Step 3: Test the Connection

After you have added the code, you want to make sure it is actually working.

1. Open your website in a new browser tab or on your phone.
2. Go back to your Google Analytics dashboard.
3. Look at the Real-time report.
4. If you see at least one active visitor (which is you), then congratulations! Your setup is successful.

Why This Matters for Your Traffic

Once the data starts flowing in, you can see which social media platforms send you the most visitors. You can also see the “Bounce Rate,” which tells you if people are leaving your site too quickly. By looking at these numbers once a week, you can make better choices about what to write next.