How to Connect Google Analytics with WordPress Website

Flex ThemeJune 24, 2025

Connecting Google Analytics with WordPress website is one of the smartest steps you can take to understand your site's performance and audience behavior better. Google Analytics offers powerful insights into how visitors interact with your website racking everything from page views and traffic sources to user demographics and conversion rates. For WordPress users, integrating this tool can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you're new to website management or analytics. However, the process is straightforward once you know the steps.

This blog will guide you through the complete process of connecting Google Analytics with WordPress website. Whether you use a plugin or manually add the tracking code, we’ll break down each method clearly and simply. By the end, you’ll be able to monitor your website’s traffic, improve user experience, and make data-driven decisions to grow your online presence. If you want to optimize your site’s performance and gain valuable insights about your visitors, learning how to connect Google Analytics to WordPress is an essential skill every website owner should master. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Connecting Google Analytics with WordPress Website

Connecting Google Analytics with WordPress website offers a range of powerful benefits that can transform how you understand and grow your online presence. Here’s a detailed explanation of the key advantages:

Comprehensive Visitor Insights: Google Analytics provides in-depth data about your website visitors. You can learn who your audience is such as their location, language, device, and browser—as well as their behavior on your site. This helps you tailor your content and design to better suit your users’ preferences.
Traffic Source Tracking: You can see exactly where your visitors are coming from, whether it’s organic search, social media, paid ads, email campaigns, or referrals from other websites. Understanding your top traffic sources allows you to focus your marketing efforts on the most effective channels.
User Behavior Analysis: Google Analytics tracks user interactions like page views, session duration, bounce rates, and navigation paths. These metrics reveal which pages engage visitors and which ones cause them to leave, helping you optimize your site’s layout and content.
Goal and Conversion Tracking: By setting up goals such as form submissions, product purchases, or newsletter signups you can measure how well your website meets its objectives. This helps in evaluating the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and making data-driven improvements.
SEO Performance Monitoring: Google Analytics integrates well with Google Search Console, enabling you to track keywords, landing pages, and user engagement from organic search. This insight helps refine your SEO strategies to increase visibility and rankings.
Improved Marketing ROI: By analyzing user data and conversion rates, you can identify high-performing campaigns and eliminate ineffective ones. This ensures that your marketing budget is spent wisely, maximizing return on investment.
Custom Reporting and Real-Time Data: You can create customized reports that focus on the metrics most relevant to your business goals. Additionally, real-time data lets you monitor live user activity, which is useful during product launches, promotions, or event.
Enhanced User Experience: With clear insights into how users interact with your website, you can improve site navigation, page speed, and content quality, leading to higher user satisfaction and retention.

Overall, integrating Google Analytics with WordPress site equips you with critical data to make informed decisions, boost engagement, and drive growth effectively. It is an essential tool for any website owner serious about success online.

Methods to Connect Google Analytics with WordPress Website

There are two primary ways to integrate Google Analytics with a WordPress website: using a dedicated plugin like Site Kit by Google – Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, Speed by Google, or manually adding the Google Analytics tracking code to your site’s files. Both methods have their advantages and are suitable for different user needs and technical comfort levels. Let’s explore each method step-by-step, highlighting their benefits, potential drawbacks, and how to implement them effectively.

Method 1: Using the Site Kit by Google Plugin

Google has created an official plugin called Site Kit by Google that simplifies connecting Google Analytics, along with other Google services like Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed Insights, to your WordPress site. This plugin is free, beginner-friendly, and ideal for users who want a hassle-free setup without touching code.

Step 1: Install and Activate Site Kit Plugin

The first step to connect Google Analytics with WordPress using a plugin is to install and activate the official Site Kit by Google plugin. This plugin makes it simple to integrate Google Analytics and other Google services with your WordPress website without needing to write any code.

To begin, log in to your WordPress dashboard using your admin credentials. Once inside the dashboard, look at the left-hand menu and navigate to Plugins > Add New. This will open the WordPress plugin repository, where you can find and add new plugins to your website.

In the search bar located at the top right of the page, type Site Kit by Google. This search will bring up the official plugin developed by Google, designed specifically to connect Google Analytics with WordPress easily and securely. When you find the plugin, click the Install Now button to start the installation process.

After WordPress installs the plugin, the Install Nowbutton will change to Activate. Click Activate to enable the plugin on your website. Activating the plugin is essential because it allows WordPress to load the necessary files and start the integration process

With the Site Kit plugin installed and activated, you are now ready to move on to the next step: connecting your Google account and setting up Google Analytics with WordPress seamlessly.

Step 2: Start Site Kit Setup

After installing and activating the Site Kit by Google plugin, the next crucial step to connect Google Analytics with WordPress is starting the Site Kit setup. Once activated, you will notice a new menu item labeled Site Kit added to your WordPress dashboard sidebar. This menu serves as the gateway to integrate Google services with your website seamlessly. To begin, click on Site Kit and then select Dashboard from the submenu. This will open the setup interface, designed to guide you through the authorization process smoothly.

On the dashboard page, you will see a prominent Start Setup button. Clicking this button initiates the authorization process, where you will connect your WordPress site to your Google account. This step is essential because it grants the plugin permission to access and manage your Google Analytics data, along with other Google services if desired. The setup wizard will walk you through signing into your Google account and granting the necessary permissions. Completing this step properly ensures your website can start sending valuable data to Google Analytics, helping you track visitor behavior effectively. we can also use to Optimize site’s visibility with the best seo plugins for wordpress website, designed to improve rankings, boost traffic, and simplify on-page SEO management.

Step 3: Connect Your Google Account

After installing and activating the Site Kit plugin, the next crucial step to connect Google Analytics with WordPress is to link your Google account. When you initiate the setup within the plugin, you will be prompted to sign in with your Google account. It’s important to use the same Google account that manages your Google Analytics property for your website. This ensures seamless integration and access to accurate data.

Once signed in, Site Kit will request permission to access various Google services related to your website, including Google Analytics, Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed Insights. Granting these permissions is essential because it allows the plugin to securely retrieve and display analytics data directly within your WordPress dashboard. This authorization also enables automatic verification of website ownership and facilitates continuous data syncing without manual intervention.

By connecting your Google account and allowing the necessary permissions, you empower Site Kit to manage the technical aspects of Google Analytics integration. This step makes tracking visitor behavior on your WordPress website simple and efficient, helping you gain valuable insights to improve your site’s performance and user experience.

Step 4: Verify Website Ownership

After installing and activating the Site Kit plugin to connect Google Analytics with WordPress, the next crucial step is verifying website ownership. Site Kit by Google simplifies this process by automatically verifying your website ownership using your WordPress login credentials. When you sign in with your Google account and grant permissions, Site Kit securely confirms that you have administrative access to the WordPress site. This automatic verification eliminates the need for manual DNS changes, HTML file uploads, or meta tag insertions, which can be complicated for many users.

This verification step is essential because it authorizes Site Kit to manage Google services such as Google Analytics, Search Console, and AdSense on your behalf. With ownership verified, Site Kit can seamlessly add tracking codes and retrieve important data without compromising your website’s security. It ensures that the plugin can safely communicate between your WordPress website and Google’s servers, providing accurate analytics data directly in your WordPress dashboard. Thus, verifying website ownership is a key step in smoothly integrating Google Analytics with WordPress using Site Kit.

Step 5: Connect Google Analytics

Once you have successfully installed and activated the Site Kit by Google plugin on your WordPress website, the next step to connect Google Analytics with WordPress is to integrate your Analytics account through the plugin interface. After launching the Site Kit setup, you will be prompted to select which Google services you wish to connect. At this stage, you should specifically choose Google Analytics from the available list that includes options like Search Console and AdSense. This selection ensures that Site Kit will retrieve and display your Analytics data directly within your WordPress dashboard.

After choosing Google Analytics, Site Kit will guide you through selecting the correct Analytics account and property that corresponds to your website. Make sure to select the appropriate property that matches your website domain to ensure accurate tracking. You will then be prompted to authorize access and confirm the connection.

To finalize the process and successfully connect Google Analytics with WordPress, click on the Configure Analytics button. Site Kit will handle the rest, automatically inserting the tracking code and syncing your WordPress site with your Google Analytics account without requiring manual code input.

Step 6: View Analytics Data on WordPress Dashboard

Once you’ve successfully connected Google Analytics with WordPress using the Site Kit by Google plugin, the next step is to access and analyze your website’s performance data directly from your WordPress dashboard. Site Kit automatically adds the Google Analytics tracking code to your website, eliminating the need for manual code insertion. From that moment on, it begins tracking visitor interactions, collecting valuable data such as user behavior, page engagement, and traffic sources.

You can access key metrics like total visitors, unique users, session duration, page views, bounce rate, and even the top-performing pages, all within the Site Kit interface in your WordPress admin area. This gives you an at-a-glance overview of how your website is performing without switching to the external Google Analytics dashboard.

What sets Site Kit apart is its ability to integrate multiple Google services. Along with Google Analytics, it connects with Search Console to show search traffic data, AdSense for ad revenue insights, and PageSpeed Insights to evaluate and optimize your site’s speed and user experience. This unified approach offers a centralized and comprehensive performance snapshot right inside your WordPress dashboard. With everything in one place, managing Google Analytics with WordPress becomes not only easier but also far more efficient for website owners and digital marketers.

Advantages of Using Site Kit Plugin for Google Analytics with WordPress

Here are the key advantages of using the Site Kit plugin for connecting Google Analytics with WordPress:

Ease of Use: Site Kit requires no coding knowledge. Its setup process is simple and guided step-by-step, making it accessible for beginners and non-technical users. You can connect Google Analytics with WordPress quickly without editing any theme files
Multiple Google Services in One Plugin: Beyond Google Analytics, Site Kit integrates seamlessly with other important Google tools like Search Console, AdSense, and PageSpeed Insights. This all-in-one solution provides a centralized way to monitor your website’s performance across different Google services.
Automatic Updates and Code Management: The plugin automatically handles all necessary updates and the insertion of tracking codes. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures your Google Analytics setup stays current without manual intervention.
Dashboard Reports Inside WordPress: Site Kit displays key metrics such as total visitors, top pages, traffic sources, and site speed directly within your WordPress dashboard. This allows you to monitor your website’s performance at a glance, saving time from switching between platforms.
Free and Official Plugin: Developed and maintained by Google, Site Kit guarantees reliability, security, and ongoing support. Being an official plugin, it is regularly updated to stay compatible with both WordPress and Google’s services.

Method 2: Manually Adding Google Analytics Tracking Code to WordPress

For users who want more control or prefer not to use plugins, manually adding the Google Analytics tracking code is a reliable option. This involves copying the tracking snippet from Google Analytics and inserting it into your WordPress theme files, usually in the header.

Step 1: Create or Access Your Google Analytics Account

The first crucial step to connect Google Analytics with WordPress manually is to create or access your Google Analytics account. To begin, navigate to the Google Analytics website and sign in using your existing Google account credentials. If you do not already have a Google Analytics account, click on the “Start measuring” button to initiate the setup process. You’ll be prompted to enter an account name, which is usually your business or website name. Explore the best free wordpress themes for business that deliver professional layouts

Next, you’ll proceed to create a property, which represents your WordPress website in Google Analytics. This involves entering your website’s name, selecting your time zone, and choosing your preferred currency. It’s essential to select the correct settings, as they influence how data is collected and reported.

Once your property is created, Google Analytics will generate a Tracking ID. If you’re using Universal Analytics, the ID will appear in the format UA-XXXXXXXXX-X, while for Google Analytics 4 (GA4), the format will be G-XXXXXXXXXX. This tracking ID is vital because it links your WordPress site with your Google Analytics account, enabling data collection. Keep this tracking ID handy, as you’ll need it in the next step to insert into your website’s code or connect it via plugin. This foundational step ensures that Google Analytics is properly set up for accurate tracking.

Step 2: Get Your Tracking Code

To connect Google Analytics with WordPress manually, the next crucial step is to get your unique tracking code from your Google Analytics account. This tracking code is essential for integrating Analytics into your website and collecting detailed data about your visitors’ behavior. The process varies slightly depending on whether you're using Universal Analytics (UA) or the newer Google Analytics 4 (GA4).

If you're using Universal Analytics, navigate to the Admin section in your Google Analytics dashboard. From there, under the Property column, click on Tracking Info and then select Tracking Code. You will find the Global Site Tag (gtag.js) this is the script you need to copy. This snippet contains your UA tracking ID and is responsible for sending data back to your Analytics account.

For Google Analytics 4 (GA4), the method is slightly different. In the Admin section, go to Data Streams, choose your website’s stream under the Web section, and then locate your Measurement ID. Google will provide you with a script snippet containing this ID, which functions similarly to the UA script but is optimized for GA4’s advanced tracking capabilities.

By obtaining and using the correct script, you ensure seamless data transmission between your WordPress site and Google Analytics, enabling accurate tracking and performance insights.

Step 3: Add Tracking Code to WordPress Header

To connect Google Analytics with WordPress manually, one of the most effective methods is by adding the tracking code directly to your WordPress website’s header. This method ensures that Google Analytics can start collecting data from every page on your site. Here’s a detailed breakdown of three common options to insert the Google Analytics tracking code manually into WordPress:

Option A: Using the Theme’s header.php File

Navigate to the Theme Editor: From your WordPress dashboard, go to Appearance > Theme Editor.
Open the header.php File: In the right-hand panel, find and click on header.php. This file typically contains the site's <head> section.
Insert Your Google Analytics Tracking Code: Paste the entire Google Analytics tracking script just before the closing </head> tag. This ensures it loads properly on every page.
Save the Changes: Click the “Update File” button to save your edits.

Editing theme files directly can be risky, especially if you later update your theme. Updates can overwrite custom code, including your tracking script. To prevent this, it’s strongly recommended to use a child theme. A child theme allows you to preserve customizations separately from the main theme, ensuring updates won’t erase your code.

Option B: Using the functions.php File to Insert Tracking Code

Open functions.php File: Again, go to Appearance > Theme Editor, and open the functions.php file from the sidebar.
Add Your Google Analytics Code Snippet: Scroll to the bottom and paste the following code snippet, replacing 'YOUR_TRACKING_ID' with your actual Google Analytics tracking ID:

function add_google_analytics() { ?>

window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];

function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}

gtag('js', new Date());

gtag('config', 'YOUR_TRACKING_ID');

</script>

<!--?php }

add_action('wp_head', 'add_google_analytics');</body-->

Save the File: Click “Update File” to make the changes live.

This method is safer than editing header.php because it hooks into the wp_head action, which WordPress uses to inject content into the <head> section. Still, like any direct file editing, it’s advisable to use a child theme for this as well.

Option C: Use a Code Snippets Plugin

If you’re not comfortable editing theme files directly, using a plugin like Code Snippets offers a user-friendly and safer alternative.

Install and Activate the Plugin: Go to Plugins > Add New, search for Code Snippets, then install and activate it.
Add a New Snippet: In the WordPress dashboard, navigate to Snippets > Add New. Name your snippet for easy identification, like “Google Analytics Tracking Code.”
Paste the Tracking Code: Use the same code snippet from Option B. Replace 'YOUR_TRACKING_ID' with your actual ID.
Choose "Run Snippet Everywhere": Make sure the snippet is set to run site-wide, and specifically in the header.
Activate the Snippet: Click “Save Changes and Activate.”

This method is ideal for users who want to avoid manual file edits. It keeps your code changes safe from theme updates and doesn't require a child theme.

By following any of these three methods, you can successfully connect Google Analytics with WordPress through manual code insertion. Whether you prefer editing files directly or using plugins, each method allows you to collect valuable insights about your visitors, which can inform your content strategy, marketing decisions, and website optimization efforts.

Step 4: Verify the Tracking

After adding the Google Analytics tracking code manually to your WordPress website, the crucial next step is to verify the tracking to ensure data is being collected accurately. Proper verification confirms that Google Analytics is successfully connected to your site and starts gathering visitor information without issues.

Check Google Analytics Realtime Report: Immediately after installing the tracking code, open your Google Analytics account and navigate to the Realtime section. This report shows active users on your website in real time. Visit your website in a separate browser tab or device and observe if your visit appears in the Realtime report. If your activity is visible, it confirms that the tracking code is working correctly.
Use Browser Extensions for Verification: To further ensure proper installation, use browser extensions like Google Tag Assistant or GA Debugger. These tools scan your website for Google Analytics tags and highlight any errors or issues with the tracking code. They provide detailed insights into how the tracking code is firing, whether the correct tracking ID is used, and if multiple tags are causing conflicts. This helps troubleshoot common problems quickly.

Verifying your Google Analytics with WordPress setup through these methods is essential before relying on analytics data for decision-making. Proper verification guarantees accurate tracking, enabling you to monitor user behavior and website performance effectively. Upgrade your website with the powerful and customizable Flex Pro WordPress Theme designed for speed, SEO, and seamless integration with Elementor

Conclusion

In conclusion, connecting Google Analytics with WordPress website is a vital step toward understanding your audience and improving your site’s performance. We have explored the numerous benefits of this integration, including gaining valuable insights into visitor behavior, tracking traffic sources, monitoring conversions, and optimizing marketing efforts. These advantages empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions that can significantly enhance your website’s success.

Additionally, we discussed two primary methods to connect Google Analytics with WordPress: using the official Site Kit by Google plugin, which offers an easy, all-in-one solution without any coding, and manually adding the tracking code for those who prefer more control and customization. Both methods are effective, and your choice depends on your technical comfort level and specific needs.

By implementing Google Analytics on your WordPress site, you unlock powerful tools that help you grow, optimize, and achieve your online goals with confidence and precision. Explore a wide range of premium and free WordPress themes at FlexTheme, designed to elevate your website’s performance, style, and functionality.