To set up Google Analytics 4 (GA4), follow these steps:
- Create a Google Analytics 4 Property:
- Go to the Google Analytics website (analytics.google.com) and sign in with your Google account.
- Click on "Admin" at the bottom left of the page.
- In the Account column, click on the dropdown menu and select "Create Account" if you don't have an account set up already. Otherwise, select the appropriate account.
- Fill in the required details for the account and click "Next."
- In the Property column, click on the dropdown menu and select "Create Property."
- Fill in the required details for the property, including the name and reporting time zone.
- Choose the appropriate data sharing settings and click "Create."
- After creating the property, you'll need to set up a data stream to collect the data.
- Click on "Data Streams" under the Property column.
- Click on the "+ New Data Stream" button.
- Enter a name for the data stream and select the platform that you want to track (e.g., Web, iOS, Android).
- Configure the advanced settings if necessary and click "Create Stream."
3. Install the GA4 Tracking Code:
- Depending on the platform you're tracking, you'll need to install the appropriate tracking code or SDK.
- For a website, you can find the tracking code by clicking on "Data Streams" and then on the data stream you created. Look for the "Tagging Instructions" section, and follow the provided steps to install the code on your website.
- For mobile apps, follow the instructions provided in the Firebase console or Google Analytics SDK documentation.
4. Verify Data Collection:
- After installing the tracking code, you should verify if data is being collected correctly.
- Go back to the Google Analytics website and navigate to the "Realtime" report to see if your tracking is active and data is being received.
- GA4 has a different interface and reporting structure compared to Universal Analytics (the previous version of Google Analytics).
- Spend some time exploring the GA4 interface and familiarize yourself with the available reports and features.
- Create custom reports, configure goals, and set up conversion tracking based on your specific needs.
Remember, the setup process may vary depending on the platform and specific requirements of your website or app. Refer to the Google Analytics documentation for more detailed instructions and guidance on specific scenarios.
