How to Set Up Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for Your Website

Feb 10

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) helps you track and understand your website traffic. You can see common paths your visitors take and where you’re traffic is coming from. Follow these steps to set it up for your site.

1. Create a Google Analytics Account

Go to Google Analytics.
Click Start Measuring.
Enter an Account Name and configure data-sharing settings.
Click Next.

2. Create a GA4 Property

Enter a Property Name (e.g., "My Photography Website").
Select your Reporting Time Zone and Currency.
Click Next, choose your Industry Category and Business Size, then click Next again.
Select how you intend to use Google Analytics and click Create.
Accept the terms of service.

3. Add a Data Stream

Under Data Collection and Modification, click Data Streams.
Choose Web.
Enter your Website URL and Stream Name.
Click Create Stream.

4. Install the Google Tag on Your Website

If Using a Website Builder (e.g., Shopify, WordPress, Squarespace):

Copy the Measurement ID (starts with "G-").
Paste it into your platform’s Google Analytics settings field.

If Manually Adding the Tag:

Click View Tag Instructions under Google Tag.
Select Install Manually.
Copy the JavaScript snippet and paste it immediately after the <head> tag on every page of your website.

5. Verify Your Setup

Wait about 30 minutes for data to start appearing.
Check the Realtime Report in Google Analytics to confirm that your site is tracking visitors.

That’s it! Your GA4 property is now set up and ready to track your photography website traffic.

Cody McCracken