How to set up GA4

In one line

Setting up Google Analytics 4 means creating a property, adding its tag to your site, and defining conversions so you can measure sessions, users, engagement and outcomes.

The steps

  1. 1Create a GA4 property in Google Analytics
  2. 2Create a web data stream for your site
  3. 3Add the gtag.js tag to your site's <head> (or via GTM/a plugin)
  4. 4Confirm data flows in Realtime
  5. 5Mark key actions (signups, purchases) as conversions

Why it matters

GA4 shows what happens after the click, which channels and pages drive engagement and conversions. Paired with Search Console (which shows how you're found), it completes your measurement.

Frequently asked

Where do I put the GA4 tag?

In your site's <head>, on every page, directly, via Google Tag Manager, or through an SEO/analytics plugin.

GA4 vs Search Console, which do I need?

Both: Search Console shows how people find you in search; GA4 shows what they do on your site afterward.

Put this into practice

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Related

See what's working
The handful of metrics that tell you if your SEO and GEO are actually paying off.
How to set up Google Search Console
Verify your site and start seeing real search data.