Why GA4?

Google Analytics 4 is the current version of Google's free analytics platform. If you don't have it installed, you're flying blind — no data on who visits your site, what they do, or whether your marketing is working.

Step 1: Create Your GA4 Property

Go to analytics.google.com

Click Admin (gear icon)

Click Create Property

Enter your property name (your business name)

Set your time zone and currency

Select your business industry and size

Choose your business objectives

Step 2: Set Up a Data Stream

A data stream connects your website to GA4.

Select "Web" as your platform

Enter your website URL

Name your stream (e.g., "Main Website")

GA4 generates a Measurement ID (starts with G-)

Step 3: Install the Tracking Code

Add this code to every page of your website, just before the closing head tag. Replace the ID with your Measurement ID.

If you're using WordPress, install a plugin like Site Kit by Google or insert the code via your theme's header settings.

If you're using a website builder (Squarespace, Wix, etc.), paste the Measurement ID in the built-in analytics integration settings.

Step 4: Enable Enhanced Measurement

GA4 can automatically track common interactions:

Page views — Already on by default

Scrolls — Tracks 90% scroll depth

Outbound clicks — When visitors leave your site

Site search — What people search for on your site

Form interactions — Form starts and submissions

Enable all of these in Admin → Data Streams → Enhanced Measurement.

Step 5: Set Up Conversions

Conversions are the actions that matter most to your business:

Go to Admin → Events

Find or create these events:

- form_submission

- consultation_booked

- newsletter_signup

- lead_magnet_download

Toggle "Mark as conversion" for each

Step 6: Create Your First Report

Navigate to Reports → Acquisition → Traffic acquisition. This shows where your visitors come from:

Organic Search — Google search traffic

Direct — People typing your URL

Social — From social media

Email — From email campaigns

Referral — From other websites

What to Monitor Weekly

Total users and sessions

Top traffic sources

Next Steps

GA4 is powerful but can be overwhelming. Start with the basics above, then explore:

Custom audiences for remarketing

Explorations for deeper analysis

Integration with Google Search Console

Need help setting up analytics for your business? Book a free consultation.

How to Set Up Google Analytics 4 Step by Step