How do I Setup GA4 for WordPress The GA4 is available for both free and paid Methods

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If you've been wondering about how to setup GA4 for WordPress for your company's website, then you're in the right spot. In this thorough guide, Growth Manager Curt Noble will show you how you can do it quick, easy, and even for free.

Contents          Toggle

•     Every Website Has Different GA4 Tracking Needs
• is the Best Membership Plugin When it Comes to GA4 Reporting
•       Get Today!
• How to Set Up Google Analytics GA4 on Your WordPress Membership Site
•       Set Up a Google Analytics Account
•       Create a New GA4 Property
•       Step One is Complete!
•     Adding GA4 to Any WordPress Site
• METHOD #1 Add GA4 to WordPress free with Google Site Kit plugin
• METHOD #2 Add GA4 to WordPress membership site with Google Tag Manager for free (kind of)
• The Most Budget-Friendly Ways to Setup GA4 for WordPress Membership Sites & Online Businesses
• METHOD #3 The “almost free” way to add GA4 to WordPress with WPCode Pro
• METHOD #4 The most scalable, cheapest way to add robust GA4 tracking to WordPress Membership Sites using MonsterInsights
•     Viewing Your Data in Google Analytics
•     Final Thoughts

This isn't your typical GA4 blog post or guide. I'm not planning to take long explaining what GA4 is or why it's not a good idea.

I'd like to tell you set up GA4 as well as provide all of the info you need to get it done as quickly as possible.

Enough has been written about the process of migrating to Universal Analytics (UA) to GA4. So, for this post I'll demonstrate how you can do an new installation of GA4 for your web-based commercial website.

If you're only getting started with WordPress and want to keep track of your site visitors and the performance of your site, bookmark this post.

Every website has different GA4 tracking requirements

Every site has its own unique need for data tracking. Also, it's impossible to tackle every single GA4 tracking case. So, I'm going to keep to the basic, as much as possible.

This means that if you would like to know the number of tacos they've eaten before signing up for your Taco Tuesday Premium Recipe Membership... you're at the wrong spot.

We probably won't be describing the solution to track data in this.

But stick around, because you'll need to start here in the end. First, you need to create an GA4 account through Google and set up your data stream.

Sounds fun, right?

is the Best Membership Plugin when it comes to GA4 Reporting

All the methods shown in this guide work on any WordPress site. However, let's be honest. Certain WordPress plugins and themes just are better suited to GA4. This is especially the case with membership sites.

The major advantage of for the integration with GA4 is its flexibility, available hooks, and API access. It's the easiest Membership plugin to integrate with.

All the important Google Analytics plugins have integrated with . In this article, you'll learn how these integrations will make your life easier.

So, I'll just come right out and say that. If you aren't using  GA4, you'll likely need an Google Analytics specialist to completely setup GA4 on your WordPress membership site.

Get today!

Start getting paid for your content.

How do you set up Google Analytics GA4 on Your WordPress Member Site

This guide covers four different options for how to setup GA4 in WordPressfor your membership website or business online. These methods range anywhere between straightforwardto cost-free, with the straightforwardmethod requiring a small additional cost.

I'm confident that one of these strategies will work for your situation. Each of them has the exact initial step. It's important to begin there before doing anything else.

Set Up Google Analytics Account

If you're still not registered for one of the Google products (like Gmail or Google Drive) or want to have a different account to use Google Analytics You'll have to sign up for a Google account.

In case you want to create an account, you can create one via the Google Analytics webpage.

Create a new GA4 property

After registering for the Google Analytics account and logging into your account, you'll be required to set up your GA4 account.

Because a single Google Analytics account can be utilized to analyze and monitor multiple websites, you can create multiple properties here for keeping the data distinct.

If you are you're logged into Google Analytics, click to the Admin menu in the bottom left corner. Click the button create a property.

On the Create Property screen You'll need to provide some the basic information about your website. In the Business Objectives options you can select multiple objectives.

The settings you set will determine what reports will be available out of the box within GA4. Do not worry about it. There is always the option to customize the appearance of your GA4 reports through the dashboard at a later time.

If you are able to access your Data Collection options, choose the Web optionfrom the list. Here you can set up the GA4 Data stream.

The Data Stream is the place where GA4 tracks all the activities that happen on your website.

You must enter your website's URL. assign your data stream a name. I recommend including "GA4" within the stream's name. This can help you recognize it as GA4. GA4 data stream in the future in this guide.

Configuring GA4 Events to collect on WordPress

GA4 collects what are called "default events". And you can choose the ones that are most important to you.

I would suggest choosing the Enhance Measurement option. By doing this, GA4 is told GA4 to gather a couple of additional events that are standard, such as scroll depth, clicks outbound, site search, and more.

If you select the gear icon on the right, you'll be able to pick and select which events to follow. It is best to leave them all checked.

You may be noticing a major omission There's no purchase event happening! Weird, right?

More on that later.

Step One is completed!

It wasn't that difficult was it?

Now, you've got a fully operational GA4 Web property with a data stream. But it's just sitting there just waiting for data to move (kind as my son sitting at the table with a bowl waiting for someone to pour them the Cap'n Crunch).

Then let's take a look at four different ways to get cereal into the bowl. Errr... I'm trying to get the GA4 events into the data stream.

Add GA4 to Any WordPress site

Your GA4 data stream in place and ready to receive website events. The next step is to include some code in WordPress to send information into the stream.

As I said earlier, there are a number of options to achieve this. It's up to you to figure out which is the best method for you based the circumstances.

There are some things to keep in mind when you figure out what is the optimal way to incorporate GA4 on your WordPress site:

• How confident are you in analysing data using the GA4 reporting interface?
• Are you selling memberships, courses or downloads through your site?
• Are you aware of Google Tag Manager?
• Do you also have advertisements or social networks you'd like to monitor?
• Have you got affiliate link that you would like to share?

There are probably more things to be thinking about. However, this is an excellent idea to begin with. Under every one of these four approaches listed below, I'll provide examples of when each technique may be appropriate.

So let's get to it!

Method #1 Step 1: Adding GA4 on WordPress freewith Google Site Kit plugin

This solution can be absolutely cost-free. But it may not be the right choice for your WordPress website. This option is suitable for WordPress membership websites which do not sell products.

The reason is Google Site Kit has a significant limitation in relation to tracking of e-commerce - which is that it does not have the capability.

The only thing it does is configure Google tools and solutions.

Do you think you'll want to track affiliate links, or even traffic coming from social networks such as Facebook and Twitter (X) at some point in the near future? This is a no-cost technique.

When you decide to scale the size of your business, this will make the user with too little. That being said below are the steps to follow.

Install Google Site Kit Plugin

On to the Add Plugins Page, you need to look up the keyword Site Kit on Google. Install and then enable the plugin.

Once the plugin is activated after activation, you are able to begin the configuration process. First, you need to connect to the same Google account have used to register the GA4 property in the past.

Connect Your GA4 Data Stream to WordPress using Google Site Kit

As I said earlier, you can use Site Kit to connect to various other Google tools and services. This is however, an option.

Now, let's connect Google Analytics by selecting it from the list to begin setting up.

Next you'll need to select your property, account, as well as the data stream. Make sure to select GA4 as the GA4 data stream that you've made.

You could also allow Google Site Kit to create the GA4 information stream to you, if you don't already have one. The options are quite limited. That's why I suggest setting up the data stream in a separate manner.

Be sure to activate the option place Google Analytics 4 Code on your site. This is the way GA4 will collect analytics events for your WordPress website.

And that's it. Google Analytics 4 is now available on your WordPress website.

Take note of a minor delay in data collection. So, you won't see any information on your GA4 reports for some time.

Verify you are sure that GA4 The data is flowing

It is possible to check sure your data is flowing via your Real Time report in GA4.

Go back to your Google Analytics account, and select Reportson from the menu on the left. Then click the Real-Time option..

If there isn't any information here It's likely that nobody is using your site. That's okay. Go to your website using a different browser tab.

Sooner or later, you'll see your users session appearing in live reports.

Method #2: Add GA4 to WordPress membership site with Google Tag Manager for free (kind of)

The next option for adding GA4 into WordPress makes use of the cost-free Google Tag Manager (GTM) solution.

While GTM is completely free, it may require an expert in analytics to finish the setup. Therefore, this approach is ideal for those who have prior experience with GTM.

GTM allows you to configure your own custom events. In GA4, you'll need to create a variety of events in Tag Manager. Therefore, put on your seat belts.

To implement the e-commerce tracking feature with GTM in an WordPress website for members it is likely that you will require additional programming. In particular, you'll require an application that can push your transaction information into the Google Analytics data layer.

Understanding the Data Layer

The layer of data is a central concept when working with GTM and Google Analytics (GA4). It functions as a bridge between your website and GTM.

Additionally, it lets you provide custom-designed information for GA4, Google Ads, and other third-party services.

The primary function for the layer's data is to isolate the information from the presentation layer (your information). So, instead of hardcoding data directly in tags or scripts for your site or scripts, you could push the data into your data layer.

Then, GTM can read the data, and use it to populate tags, triggers and variables.

What a Data Layer Does to Make your life easier

• Flexibility- You can easily add, modify, or delete data, without altering the site's code. This can be particularly useful to those who don't be able to access the source code of a website.
• Consistency by putting all information in one location, you ensure consistent data gathering across various tools and platforms.
• Enhanced Tracking Data Layer permits more sophisticated tracking applications, for example capturing data from dynamic web pages or single-page applications.
• Security By regulating the data that is put to the data layer, and how that data is accessed, you can ensure that information you aren't knowingly sent to third-party tools.

Once you've grasped the idea of data layer now let's install GTM installed!

Install an Google Tag Manager Plugin

There are many plugins that can be used to add GTM for your WordPress website. Since there is an standard GTM implementation that is used by most plugins, they perform the same function.

In the end, it turns out that the Site Kit by Google plugin is also able to install the GTM container to suit your needs!

Scroll up to METHOD #1 for instructions on the procedure to download this Google Site Kit plugin. Then just choose the options to add Google Tag Manager.

Configuring the GA4 Tag in Google Tag Manager

Once you have GTM set up and configured, you're ready to start deploying your first tag!

Quick note here: Google recently migrated the older GA4 Configuration Tag to the global Google Tag. If you've noticed other tutorials mentioning a GA4 Configuration tag within GTM, it's not there any more.

Once you sign in to the GTM workspace, click to add the tag. You can then give the tag a name in the lower left.

I would suggest using the phrase "Google Tag" for GA4". This will make it easier to remember the tag is controlling your GA4 implementation.

Then, go to The Tag Configuration tab to create a new tag type. You'll see an option for Google Analytics. Then, on the next screen you'll see several Google Analytics alternatives. You must select Google Tag here.

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It will be possible to configure GA4 events in the future. We first need to have Google Analytics to start. Google Analytics code firing.

Once you've created the proper Google Tag, you'll need to enter your Google Analytics Measurement ID.

The tag ID determines the way Google knows where to collect data on your website. Here is how you can identify the GA4 measurement ID.

Now we need to tell Google Tag Manager where you wish this tag to appear on your WordPress website. The GTM container is on every page of your site. This means that you could decide to add your GA4 tag on every page, too.

In the Triggering panel, choose the option for the Initialization option all pages.

Uploading Your GA4 Tag to your WordPress Membership Website

The only thing you need to be done is back up your configuration for tags and then publish your changes to your container.

Then, you'll find the Submitbutton on the upper righthand area of the GTM Workspace.

Now GA4 is collecting the default event data for your website.

The entire code is in place to transfer default event information into your data layer.

And the events you configured prior to the GA4 option for data streams are being tracked.

However, there's still no tracking of e-commerce in place. So let's take care of that...

How do you track your membership's Profits from Sales in GA4

Did you remember all the talk about the data layer above? To track member sales or any other data, you need to integrate that information into the data layer.

This involves a bit of extra coding. Also, you'll need to use this document. Google Documentation.

There are two components to this set-up.

First, you'll need to send the transaction information into your data layer following an effective sale. Here's a sample code for the "purchase" event:

window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; window.dataLayer.push( 'event': 'purchase', 'currency': 'USD', // use your currency 'value': 100.00, // total transaction value 'transaction_id': 'T12345', // unique transaction ID 'items': [ // array of purchased item objects  'item_id': 'SKU12345', 'item_name': 'Product Name', 'price': 50.00, 'quantity': 2  // ... other purchased items ] ); 

Second, you'll need set up an event tag in GTM to gather and transmit the transaction data in GA4 reports. Tags set up in GTM will look something like:

• Make a new tag by using the tag type 'GA4 Event'.
• To name the event you must enter "purchase".
• Map the event parameters like the ones before:
• currency converts to currency|A|The} Data Layer Variable
• value to alue|the|A} Data Layer Variable
• transaction_id to ransaction_id||A} Data Layer Variable
• items to be referred to as tems|A|the} Data Layer Variable
• Create a trigger on this tag that will trigger on the order confirmation page or upon a successful transaction.

Can't You Find a Simpler Way?

Making use of GTM to add GA4 tracking to the WordPress site can be quite a task.

The approach I've outlined above would get you the basic analysis tracking as well as the ecommerce revenue reporting.

Consider that you'd have to go and configure every other piece of data needs to be tracked. Consider the possibility of what could happen if Google "flips the script" over you.

In particular, the switch from GA3 (Universal Analytics) to GA4 resulted in quite a shake-up for owners of websites as well as marketers.

If you're in charge of the entire tracking strategy with GTM You're required to pay very close attention to any changes. For many businesses, it's a full-time position.

Do you think there is an easier way? It is indeed. There are actually two better ways to do all this using premium plugins.

The Most Budget-Friendly Ways to Configure GA4 for WordPress Membership Sites and Online Business

Phew! We've made it to the difficult part. If you've gone through the two previous options in setting up GA4 on WordPress it's possible you're thinking this is above the pay scale. I assure you, it's not. These next two options can be described as "stupid-easy".

I've spent over 10 years working with web analytics systems.

I've participated in various implementations, ranging from free Google Analytics Legacy versions, to more sophisticated solutions such as Web Trends and Omniture SiteCatalyst (both before and after an acquisition by Adobe deal).

In fact, I've been working with Customer Data Platform solutions such as Tealium to implement analytics software. I used to work using data layers long before they were cool.

You can therefore believe me when I say, the following two plugins are the most effective way to implement GA4 on WordPress.

METHOD 3: The "almost free" way to add GA4 to WordPress by using WPCode Pro

When I was in college there was a discount card known as"the "Starving Student Card." The card gave me sweet discounts on Big Juan burritos from Taco Time. It's possible that there are other deals too. It's just not that important.

Point is, I should be calling this the "Starving Student" method to add GA4 to your site for membership.

This is a great option for budgeting, especially when you're a student at a college on a limited budget. Here's what you do:

Register for and install WPCode Pro

There's a free version too, which is called WPCode Lite. Since you're installing GA4 for a membership website, you'll need some key options that only come with pro.

Particularly, you'll require Conversion Pixels and Advanced eCommerce Locationsfeatures.

Bonus! It's also possible to utilize WPCode Pro to add your social media tracking pixels.

There are many millions of WordPress sites that are using WPCode. With 4.9 rating, this is quite possibly the highest rated plugin on the market.

For the initial step, register for WPCode Pro. (If you only need to install it on one site, the Basic Plan includes everything you need for GA4.)

Next, follow the instructions to add and then activate the plugin on the WordPress website. WPCode Pro has been integrated with the WordPress platform, and it will automatically detect your plugin. This can be a huge time saver.

Setting up WPCode Pro to implement GA4 in Your WordPress Membership Site

There is no need to install additional code or scripts. WPCode Pro will set up and transfer ecommerce information to the layer of data.

It's also not necessary to set up anything using Google Tag Manager. In fact, WPCode completely eliminates the necessity to install Google Tag Manager on your WordPress website.

The only thing you need to provide is telling WPCode Pro your GA4 measurement ID (in the blurred-out field below). It will take care of everything else. Make sure you select the types of conversion events you would like to monitor. I would recommend keeping track of all available instances.

And that's it. It's done. GA4 to your membership site. All your membership signups are being monitored, and all the information is delivered to GA4 reports. GA4 reports.

After this blog post, I'll inform how to locate the data on your conversion to a member from GA4 reports. However, before that, I have another simple and stupid solution for your needs!

Method 4 is the most flexible, cheapest way to add strong GA4 tracking capabilities to WordPress Membership Sites using MonsterInsights

The only drawback to using WPCode (above) one of the disadvantages is that it transmits all data to your GA4 account. To view the data you have, you will must log into your GA4 account and find how to navigate the GA4 user interface.

Initial reports have been released. The new GA4 user interface is, well... garbage as per people who have used it.

This is the reason why MonsterInsights is my first choice for a full-scale, complete GA4 installation. With MonsterInsights you'll be able to perform the following:

• Large-scale GA4 tracking, including ecommerce There is no reason to be worried about the fact that you are not tracking or tag something you might consider at a later time
  
• See all your data directly in your WordPress admin - You won't need to fumble around the terrible GA4 user interface to find important insights within your database
  
• Link tracking outbound It will be clear the number of people who are using the links that you have included in your blog content
  
• Tracking affiliate links Check out what affiliate links get the highest number of clicks
  
• EU compliance included - Sleep easy at night without a fear of being fined a significant amount from the EU for violating privacy laws
  
• Logged-in user tracking Examine how your paid members make use of your site in a different way in comparison to the general population
  
• Author monitoring Track each blog author's performance
  
• Zero-Code Implementation There are no additional costs to set up your tracking code and event setup

It's a short review. There are a myriad of features which make using MonsterInsights a simple to afford.

Zero-code technology pays for itself instantly. It doesn't require an engineer in analytics or a expert with MonsterInsights.

Sign Up and Install MonsterInsights Pro for less than a Chipotle Burrito Every Month

And the setup wizard makes the installation process quick and simple.

The wizard is thorough, and extremely easy to use. Therefore, I will not cover all the steps here.

But there's an thorough guide for the complete installation process, should you require it. When you get to the Addons section, make sure you download the MonsterInsights eCommerce addon.

That's really all there is to it.

Your WordPress Membership site should now have been set up and running GA4 monitoring. MonsterInsights has set up your data layer and all of the GA4 events that you selected to track earlier during setup.

Like I said You don't have to sign in into your GA4 account to access your data. MonsterInsights displays your information right in the admin area of WordPress.

Accessing your GA4 data on the WordPress admin

In order to access the GA4 data in MonsterInsights You'll find an overview of the data in the widget on your dashboard.

In addition, you can access the complete suite of reports by navigating through the Insights link in your left navigation.

Accessing Your Data on Google Analytics

Of all these options of which there are many, among them, MonsterInsights displays your analytics data directly inside WordPress. In order to use the other options you'll need to login to the Google Analytics account and navigate to the GA4 property.

The image is a result from the sandbox that I played around in within this article. There's any data available to present. If you'd like to dive into GA4 and play around with it a bit, I recommend accessing GA4 Test Account. GA4 Testing Account.

Final thoughts

Congrats! You've got Google Google Analytics set up on your WordPress website for membership to your business on the internet.

Then you'll be able to gain a greater understanding of your visitors, how they're interacting with the content you provide, and the effectiveness of your website at converting visitors into members.

If you're interested in learning more about Google Analytics, we've published an article about how you can use this service to enhance your website for members.

It's also an unpaid course available that can be found on Google Analytics. Google Analytics website for people who want to make the most of this service.

 Do you have questions concerning the use of Google Analytics with your membership website? If so please, leave an answer in the comments here.