You can’t improve your WordPress website if you don’t know what’s happening on it.
Google Analytics gives you those insights for free. Although it may sound technical, you don’t need to be a developer to add it to WordPress.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Google Analytics in WordPress step by step.
Before you can connect your site, you need a Google Analytics account and a Measurement ID. If you already have both, you can skip ahead to the installation methods below.
How to Sign Up With Google Analytics
To start tracking your site visitors with Google Analytics, sign up for it with your Google account.
First, visit the Google Analytics website and click the ‘Get started today’ button. Then sign in with your Google account, or create one if you don’t have it yet.
Once you are signed in, click the ‘Start measuring’ button on the welcome screen. Google will then ask for an ‘Account name’, which only appears in your own account, so enter your business name here.
You can leave the data-sharing settings at their defaults and click ‘Next’.
Once your account exists, Google asks you to create a property. A property is simply the container that holds the data for one website. Enter a property name for your website, select your reporting time zone and currency, and then click the ‘Next’ button.
Google will then ask about your business industry, size, and goals. Answer these to match your business, click ‘Next’.
Now that your property is ready, Google needs to know where its data will come from. This is called a data stream. Since we are tracking a WordPress site, select ‘Web’ as the platform.
After that, enter your website URL and a stream name. By default, Google Analytics keeps ‘Enhanced measurement’ turned on, which tracks pageviews, scrolls, outbound clicks, file downloads, and more.
Next, click the ‘Create & continue’ button.
You will now see your stream details, including the Measurement ID. It starts with ‘G-‘ and is what connects your website to this Google Analytics property.
Google also shows an alert bar at the top with instructions for adding the tracking code to your site. Click the ‘View tag instructions’ button to see them.
Switch to the ‘Install manually’ tab, and you will see the Google Analytics tracking code. You only need this code for Methods 2 and 3 below.
If you plan to use the plugin method, MonsterInsights adds the code for you.
Keep this browser tab open. You may need to come back to it while installing the code on your WordPress site.
How to Install Google Analytics in WordPress
Now that you have your Google Analytics account and Measurement ID, let’s add the tracking to your WordPress site.
There are three ways to add Google Analytics to WordPress. We recommend using a Google Analytics plugin (Method 1) because it’s the easiest and safest option for most WordPress users. You won’t need to edit your theme files, plus you can see Analytics data directly from your WordPress dashboard.
The other two methods let you add the tracking code manually. They’re useful if you prefer not to use a plugin or want more control over how the code is added.
- Method 1: Install Google Analytics with an Analytics Plugin
- Method 2: Install Google Analytics in WordPress with WPCode (Manual)
- Method 3: Install Google Analytics in Your WordPress Theme (Advanced)
- Bonus Tip: Track More Analytics Data in Google Analytics
- Video Tutorial: Install Google Analytics in WordPress
Method 1: Install Google Analytics with an Analytics Plugin
The easiest way to add Google Analytics to WordPress is by using a Google Analytics plugin. We use and recommend the free MonsterInsights plugin. It connects your site to Google Analytics without touching any code and shows your traffic reports right inside the WordPress dashboard.
You can also find many other Analytics plugins, like Google Site Kit, which works well for basic pageview and search data. But unlike MonsterInsights, it doesn’t offer a Pro version and lacks many advanced features, like User Journey, which shows the exact conversion path a visitor took through your site.
For details, see our comparison of MonsterInsights vs. Site Kit.
First, you need to install and activate the MonsterInsights plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, MonsterInsights opens its setup wizard. If it doesn’t, go to the Insights » Settings page and click the ‘use our setup wizard’ link.
The wizard first asks which category best describes your website. Choose business website, publisher, or eCommerce, and then click the ‘Save and Continue’ button.
Next, you need to connect the plugin to your Google Analytics account. Click the ‘Connect MonsterInsights’ button.
This takes you to Google, where you choose the Google account you used to create your Analytics property. Then click ‘Allow’ so that MonsterInsights can access your Google Analytics data.
After that, select the property you created for your website from the dropdown menu and click the ‘Complete Connection’ button.
MonsterInsights will now add the tracking code to your site for you. All that’s left are a few screens where the wizard suggests settings based on the website category you picked earlier.
The defaults work well for most websites, so you can click ‘Save and Continue’ on each screen.
If you see a screen asking for a license key, just click the option to finish setup without upgrading.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully set up Google Analytics on your WordPress website.
View Google Analytics Reports Inside the WordPress Dashboard
Once Google Analytics has collected some data, you can see your reports without leaving WordPress. Visit the Insights » Reports page to see an overview of your traffic, top pages, and where your visitors come from.
Keep in mind that Google Analytics takes a few hours to start showing data after you install it.
Method 2: Install Google Analytics in WordPress with WPCode (Manual)
If you don’t want to use a dedicated Google Analytics plugin, then you can use the free WPCode plugin instead. WPCode keeps the code separate from your theme, so you won’t have to worry about losing it during theme updates or accidentally breaking your site while making changes.
First, install and activate the WPCode plugin. If you need help, see our guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, go to the Code Snippets » Header & Footer page. Then paste the Google Analytics tracking code you copied while creating your Analytics account into the ‘Header’ box.
Don’t forget to click the ‘Save Changes’ button. Google Analytics is now installed on your site.
Method 3: Install Google Analytics in Your WordPress Theme (Advanced)
The last method skips plugins altogether and adds the tracking code directly to your theme.
Keep in mind that with this method, you will lose Analytics tracking whenever you update or switch your theme.
Simply add the following code at the bottom of your WordPress theme’s functions.php file.
add_action( 'wp_head', 'wpb_add_googleanalytics' );
function wpb_add_googleanalytics() { ?>
<!-- Paste your Google Analytics tracking code here -->
<?php }
Replace the comment line with the tracking code you copied from your Google Analytics account, and then save the file.
Your WordPress theme will now load the Google Analytics tracking code across your WordPress site.
Bonus Tip: Track More Analytics Data in Google Analytics
By default, Google Analytics tracks pageviews and basic engagement. However, it does not give you advanced reporting, like eCommerce tracking, affiliate link clicks, video tracking with Vimeo, and more.
With MonsterInsights Pro, you can enable additional tracking through addons. All you have to do is install the right addons by navigating to Insights » Addons page. Here is how to set up each one.
- eCommerce tracking: Enable the ‘eCommerce’ addon if you run a WooCommerce store, a digital downloads store, or a membership site. You can then see which products and customers bring in your revenue, and more.
- Set up form conversion tracking: Enable the ‘Forms’ addon to start tracking your form views, submissions, and conversion rates. MonsterInsights integrates with form plugins like WPForms, Formidable Forms, and more, so no additional configuration needed.
- Track video analytics: Enable the ‘Media’ addon to track whether people watch your videos or click away after a few seconds. It works with YouTube, Vimeo, and self-hosted HTML5 videos.
- Custom event tracking: With custom event tracking, you can record specific actions visitors take on your site, like a button click. It doesn’t need a separate addon to be installed.
For example, if you want to track a custom click event, then follow this formula:
<a href="https://www.example.com" data-vars-ga-category="Custom Category" data-vars-ga-action="Custom Action" data-vars-ga-label="Custom Label">Example</a>
Using this template, you’ll be able to override the default tracking behavior of MonsterInsights to customize what gets tracked as the category, action, and label. For example:
<a href="http://www.example.com/download.pdf" data-vars-ga-category="CTA">Download now</a>
To see the results, log in to your Google Analytics account and go to Reports » Engagement » Events. Your category name will appear in the list of events.
FAQs About Installing Google Analytics in WordPress
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we get about setting up Google Analytics.
Is Google Analytics free to use?
Yes, Google Analytics is completely free. Google offers a paid version for large enterprise websites, but the free version is more than enough for most small business sites and blogs.
How long does it take for Google Analytics to start working?
After you add the tracking code, Google Analytics may take a few hours to begin showing data in your reports. We recommend checking back after 24 hours to see your first full day of statistics.
Do I need Google Analytics if my site has Jetpack Stats?
Jetpack Stats gives you a simple overview of your traffic. Google Analytics goes much deeper, with detail about your audience, their behavior, and how they found your site.
For a full comparison, see our article on Google Analytics vs. Jetpack Stats.
How do I keep personally identifiable information (PII) out of Google Analytics?
Google’s terms do not allow you to send personal details like names, email addresses, or phone numbers to Google Analytics. To ensure you’re not accidentally adding such details via forms, you can go to Admin » Data streams and select your website’s stream in your Google Analytics Account. Then click ‘Redact data’ and strip any URL parameters.
If you use MonsterInsights, the Privacy Guard feature does this automatically from Insights » Settings » Engagement. It is included in the Plus plan and higher.
Video Tutorial: Install Google Analytics in WordPress
If you prefer to watch the process, our video tutorial shows you how to install Google Analytics in WordPress.
We hope this article helped you learn how to install Google Analytics in WordPress.
Next, you may want to see our ultimate guide to GA4 in WordPress to make sense of your new reports. You can also check our WordPress SEO guide for tips on growing your traffic in AI search era.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
rehman
I am new to google analytics. Today I got the code and just wanted to paste in correct place. I was wondering whether to keep in end of head section or body section. because as per google analytics instruction it was mentioned to keep in the end of head section. I am now able to successfully install google analytics. Thanks for your help.
michaelcselva
Seems like the easiest way is to insert the script into the footer. Just did that, now I’ll wait 12-24 hours. Hope it works!
NonFictionAddict
Can you set this up if Wordpress hosts your blog? Do you have specific directions for that scenario?
green-van
I Am having a problem with Google Analytics, the first time i installed it i was getting correct updates, then i changed my address from http://www.green-van.com/test
to http://www.green-van.com and made a new step 6. but since then the same statistics, 3 visits and never any new ones. i am using google analitycs wp plug in now, and in my footer.php i have this
Cufon.now();
i don’t know if that is interfering with anything.
maybe i should not use the wp-plugin and do the code directly inside the footer?
can i send the footer.php or the functions.php to see if things are in the correct order?
kind regards,
Giannis
ardegas
@wpbeginner That did the trick. It works now. Thank you.
wpbeginner
@ardegas Try removing the line space in line 2.
ardegas
Ok. Here is the code: http://pastebin.com/Ht1LSCr6
Remember it’s a child theme file.
wpbeginner
@ardegas The code above works perfectly fine because all it is doing is adding an action in wp_footer to add google analytics…. the only reason why it would not work is if you paste the code in a manner which is not semantically right. Shoot over an email with your functions.php file code using pastebin or similar service… will evaluate and let you know what is wrong.
ardegas
@wpbeginner I’m using a child theme, and functions.php is almost blank. The only function I have now is an empty function: <code><?php function twentyten_posted_on() { } ?></code>. I use this function to remove some metadata from my theme. Without the php tags this function won’t work. So it looks I’m using the right semantics. I’m pulling my hairs right now.
wpbeginner
@ardegas You need to make sure that you are using the write semantics… For example you probably do not need the first <?php code because often functions.php files are already in php… So make sure that you are not opening the php tag if it is already open or closing it when it should be opened….
ardegas
I tried to insert the Analytics code using functions.php, but it gave me this error:
<i>Warning: Cannot modify header information – headers already sent…</i>. I couldn’t even log in after. I ended removing this offending code from the file manager. It was bad. It’s a pity, because this snippet of code looks beautiful. I tried to remove any offending white space, but it was of no use, and now I’m afraid to even touch the functions.php file again.
lindsayihart
The dashboard will not save the snippet. I have tried placing it just about </body> and also above the wp_footer tag (the note says you shouldn’tt seperate this from the close body tag) Still NOT saving the code.
wpbeginner
@martinfarr1 The footer.php is located in your theme’s folder which can be found /wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/
If you really don’t have a clue, then try one of the Google Analytics plugin for WordPress.
martinfarr1
where do i find footer.php? Have been trying to do this for days but am a total beginner I’m afraid!
wpbeginner
@BrianBraker That is because you pasted the other PHP codes without opening the php tag.<?php add_action(‘wp_footer’, ‘add_googleanalytics’); function add_googleanalytics() { ?> <script type=”text/javascript”> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push([‘_setAccount’, ‘UA-24076071-1’]); _gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’]); (function() { var ga = document.createElement(‘script’); ga.type = ‘text/javascript’; ga.async = true; ga.src = (‘https:’ == document.location.protocol ? ‘https://ssl’ : ‘http://www’) + ‘.google-analytics.com/ga.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> <?php }
//Here you can paste all the other codes
?>
BrianBraker
Did not work. Completely screwed up the function.php file so site did not load. Uploaded back up file.There is a bunch of other code in function.php file
Here it is:
<?php add_action(‘wp_footer’, ‘add_googleanalytics’); function add_googleanalytics() { ?> <script type=”text/javascript”> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push([‘_setAccount’, ‘UA-24076071-1’]); _gaq.push([‘_trackPageview’]); (function() { var ga = document.createElement(‘script’); ga.type = ‘text/javascript’; ga.async = true; ga.src = (‘https:’ == document.location.protocol ? ‘https://ssl’ : ‘http://www’) + ‘.google-analytics.com/ga.js’; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/epanel/custom_functions.php’); require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/includes/functions/comments.php’); require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/includes/functions/sidebars.php’); load_theme_textdomain(‘StudioBlue’,get_template_directory().’/lang’); require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/epanel/options_studioblue.php’); require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/epanel/core_functions.php’); require_once(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/epanel/post_thumbnails_studioblue.php’); $wp_ver = substr($GLOBALS[‘wp_version’],0,3); if ($wp_ver >= 2.8) include(TEMPLATEPATH . ‘/includes/widgets.php’); global $shortname; if (get_option($shortname.’_enable_dropdowns’) <> ‘false’) { update_option($shortname.’_enable_dropdowns’,’false’); }; ?>
wpbeginner
@luxdesign28 Yes, Google Analyticator plugin does the job.http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-analyticator/
luxdesign28
Hi there,
Is a method or a plugin how to show the data delivered by Google Anlalytic directly on wordpress, without going to Google Analytics webpage ?
Tarun
How to install the same in a subdomain take for example i have a website http://www.xyz.com and i want to track my subdomain http://www.123.xyz.com what should be done in-order to do so ?
Editorial Staff
Add a separate tracker.
Admin
Avenir
It Allows usage of custom variables in Google Analytics to track meta data on pages. Thanks for your support will try soon.
Karl Anthony Borg
Was trying to figure out how to install Analytics on Wordpress but didn’t manage on my own.
Thanks to your info – I now managed and GA is up and running.
Nicholas Massey
Just what i was after. I just placed it in the footer. Seems like the easiest option to me.
Sven cooke
Thanks for the information. This is good advice for the beginner and seasoned blogger.
Many thanks
wanie
hello,
I am using the free wordpress version. Where do I find this part – “theme’s footer.php right above the tag”, so that I can simply copy and paste?
Thank you!
Editorial Staff
You can’t add this in your WordPress.com account. That is why they offer you with their own statistics.
Admin
Fask
You can use the same code for the meta robots? in this way:
add_action(‘wp_head’, ‘insert_meta_robots’);
function insert_meta_robots() {
?>
<?php
}
kevin
Analytics doesn’t work past the first page of my WP blog unless I add the code in my footer AND the sidebar.
Tayler
This is somewhat of a disaster! I added the code and now I can’t access my blog, it’s completely whited out
Parse error: syntax error, unexpected $end in /home3/sulukuc1/public_html/wp-content/themes/constructor/functions.php on line 344
I saw this error message after I pasted the code in my funtions.php:
Warning: session_start() [function.session-start]: Cannot send session cache limiter – headers already sent (output started at /home3/sulukuc1/public_html/wp-content/themes/constructor/functions.php:21) in /home3/sulukuc1/public_html/wp-content/themes/constructor/libs/Constructor/Admin.php on line 31
Warning: Cannot modify header information – headers already sent by (output started at /home3/sulukuc1/public_html/wp-content/themes/constructor/functions.php:21) in /home3/sulukuc1/public_html/wp-admin/theme-editor.php on line 89
Please help!!!!!!!
Editorial Staff
You need to make sure that the code is semantically right … meaning that opening PHP tag may or may not need to be there if the PHP is already open.
Admin
Wes Hopper
I’ve read in the Thesis forums that the new GA code is asynchronous and needs to go in the header to work properly. It also doesn’t affect page load like the old code.
WIP
Hello again, sorry my bad. I fixed it!
WIP
Hello,
When I put the Google Analtyics code in the footer.php and in the functions.php my whole blog dissapeared! Total white-out! What happened? What can I do to get it back?
Angela
so if I use a free wordpress blog I can NOT use this plug-in?
Editorial Staff
Thats correct. If you are on free WordPress.com then you don’t get this. You however get to use WordPress.com Stats.
Admin
Dan
Thanks for this, I’d just pasted it into the head.
A function is so much neater though!
Dan
m
Hello,
Almost, but not quite there, I would like the first option of copy and pasting the code- but, I cannot find the “theme’s footer.php right above the tag” – not in tools, settings, themes, general, etc etc. Sorry to ask its probably simple! I added it to the normal ‘text’ widget works for all else but this.
Editorial Staff
That is because you are using WordPress.com <<
Admin
Lewis Bassett
Thanks. I am just beginning to understand all of the great features that Analytics can offer.
Marc
Great compilation of what a beginner needs to know about Google Analytics and WordPress! I scheduled 1 hour to find out how to setup Analytics for my new site, I was done in 5 minutes… – Thank you!
Ailora
Magnificent tutorial, thanks. I’m in the 12 – 24 waiting period to see if it works but I already appreciate you instructions and your willingness to reply to comments. I actually found what I was looking for in one of your responses to a poster.
Natalie
I really can not make sense of Google analytic. I prefer to use Piwik instead.
Ana Pacquiao
this was very usefull, i had a little trouble because i’m not familiar with the html edition this worked great for me
THNX A LOT!
Brett
Thanks for the tip, I did the copy and paste and it worked great.
iankramer
Thanks for the good info.
Any differences/advantages between the direct paste and functions.php methods? Thanks!
Editorial Staff
There is no advantage or disadvantage… it’s a matter of personal preference.
Admin
Shelley
Great, clear description – even for someone is a codaphobe. Thanks. I am wondering tho, if when google activates this if the stats will appear in the wordpress dashboard like my other stats package did (the wordpress.com stats) which seems to be broken as of today. Thanks!
Editorial Staff
There are some advanced Google Analytics plugin that does that, but we recommend that you check on Google Analytics site, to get the full report. Because no plugin gives full integration.
Admin
Rose
This is indeed an informative site.It was really helpfull.
Ameya Waghmare
I am not able to figure out still, how do you edit the footer (or header for that matter) of the theme of the webpage?
can you please give instructions where can I find way to edit my footer?
I have tried ‘Edit CSS’, ‘Extras’, and also some other options in the ‘Theme’ menu. Couldn’t get it done.
Please help.
Editorial Staff
You will need to click on appearance and then editor. Find header.php or footer.php to edit those files.
Admin
Jeremy
I’m thinking about going the plugin route – do I need to use both plugins or one or the other?
I know that the “Google Analytics for Wordpress” asks me where I want to embed it but then then “Google Analyticar” doesn’t ask anything about embedding so I’m wondering if it does it or if I have to do something manually…
Thanks for this walk through!!!
Editorial Staff
You need the manual code or the plugin… not both. Google Analyticar just adds the code in your site.. It does not give you an option of where to embed.
Admin
chris
I am attempting to use the Google Analytics for Wordpress plugin to add the code to my wordpress site. It gives an option for installing the code in the header. When I look at my header file after activating and authenticating the plugin, I see no added code in my header file. Is there somewhere else the code is installed besides the header for my theme?
Editorial Staff
It should add it in the area, but it will not modify your theme. If the code is not showing in your theme, then it can mean that your theme does not have a wp_head(); hook in the header.php.
Jan Kasal
Step 5 states to paste the code above the body end tag. Google has changed it since. It goes above the head. Just to let you know.
Jan
Editorial Staff
Google has not changed anything… All companies would like to have their scripts added in the header << But it is not wise for the webmaster. Any smart webmaster / developer would keep scripts like analytics in the footer to speed up the load time…
WPBeginner has the codes in the footer. Twitter.com has the code in the footer and many other sites as well.
Admin
physio
Ok… apparently the commenting system doesn’t like angle brackets. That second paragraph should have said:
If you want more accurate analytics you will use the new snippet version and you will put it in the head. If you are paranoid about page load times you will put it just before the close body tag.
Editorial Staff
How does the placement reflect accuracy? Whether you put the script in the head, or at the end…. upon the full page load, it will still count one user…
Brandon C.
i wish i had seen this tutorial before i spent three hours trying to figure it out on my own.
Drew Michaels
Would love to know your thoughts on which method you recommend for installation. Such as are there advantages to placing the code by hand vs. using a plugin?
Editorial Staff
Using a plugin is adding multiple database queries that you don’t need. By hand is probably the easiest method and it is efficient for the site
Admin
Omer Greenwald
This is one of the few features I did use a plugin for, even though it can definitely be achieved manually be pasting the code as you explained, thanks for sharing.
Eden-Avalon
I just switched over from an entirely hand-compiled website to one using wordpress. This will be most helpful. Thank you!
Saikou marong
Great tips for a newbie like me i will certainly try it now. The beauty of WPress is that it has a very little limitation.