Google analytics – a guide to successful business [2023]

[muskanhossain66]

Google Analytics – the fear and trembling of every company, entrepreneur, and marketer? Don't worry, if the word Google Analytics makes your throat feel tight, you're definitely not alone. Google Analytics, also known by its acronym GA, is famous for its mystery.

On top of all that, in 2023, we all (yes, ALL of us) face a challenge: the transition from the current version of Google Analytics - GA 3 (Universal Analytics) to the latest version of Google Analytics 4, or GA4.

Anyone who starts working with Google Analytics quickly realizes self employed database that it is a complicated and extremely multi-layered system. It requires a lot of learning, which is actually never-ending, as Google tirelessly develops, upgrades, and improves it.

So how do you even begin to track business performance with Google Analytics? At first glance, it may seem daunting for a complete beginner (and even an experienced user). That's why we've put together a guide that will explain:

What is Google Analytics?
What is the difference between the current Google Analytics GA3 (Universal Analytics) and the latest version GA4?
How can I set up Google Analytics for my website?
Google Analytics and Reports
Table of contents

What is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics, or GA for short, is a free analytics tool. With the help of Google Analytics, we can monitor in detail what is happening on a website or store.

It contains extremely detailed and diverse statistical data about users or visitors to websites and online stores. Which is especially interesting for all owners or managers of websites and online stores. Who doesn't want their website or store to be visited by as many people as possible?

Google Analytics helps us track visitor behavior through website or online store analysis. With its help, you can track the number of conversions and purchases . By monitoring statistical data, we track not only the performance of a website or online store, but also its weak points.

It tells you at what point your website visitors leave your site, get stuck, and even if they never return . The accuracy and richness of the data collected by Google Analytics makes it a valuable tool that anyone involved in marketing should use.

Difference between GA3 and GA4
What is the difference between the current Google Analytics GA3 (Universal Analytics) and the latest version GA4?
The current Google Analytics is officially called Universal Analytics . If you registered your Google Analytics account before October 2020, then you are most likely currently using Universal Analytics.

If you started using Google Analytics after this date, you most likely already have access to its latest version, GA4 .

What is GA4?
GA4, or Google Analytics 4, is currently the latest version of Google Analytics . Google has not only refreshed its look, but also upgraded numerous features and tools within the umbrella analytics tool.

How do I know if I have GA4?
If you don't know if your GA account also includes GA4, you can easily check in just a few steps:

Sign in to Google Analytics at Google Analytics login (go to analytics.google.com )
After logging in, you are on the home page. Look at the top left. If you have access to both Universal Analytics and GA4, then both versions of the tool are clearly visible in the top left corner.
How can I set up Google Analytics for my website?
Many people open Google Analytics for the first time and quickly find themselves in a dilemma. What should I even look at? What numbers should I track? What data is most important?
That's why many of us give up and start googling "google analytics course" or "google analytics basics" or something similar.

1. Google Analytics login – create a user account
Google Analytics can only be used by users who already have a Google account . What is a Google account? In short – a gmail account (e.g. [email protected]). If you don't have one yet, create one quickly before setting up GA.



Sign in to Google Analytics with your Google account.
Select the Admin tab and select Create Account . Or, select an existing GA account from the drop-down list.
Click the “Start Measuring” button and follow the instructions in the window.
Name your chosen account. It is best practice to name it the same as your website or online store.
Under “What do you want to measure?” select Web.
Enter your website information: URL, appropriate category, country, time zone.
Confirm the Google Analytics Terms of Use and your Google Analytics account is created!


2. Set up “Data Stream”
Important : In Universal Analytics, you can find the setting under “Views”, and in GA4, under “Data Stream”

In either case, you'll need to play around with some additional settings. We've described both options:

Universal Analytics and “Views”
Select the desired GA account and select the “Property” to which you want to add the view
Click “Create View.” Choose a name, select a type (web or app), and fill in the remaining missing required fields.
GA4 and “Data Stream”
Click “Data Stream” in the navigation bar
Select or add “Data Stream” and click “Confirm”


3. Add tracking code
One last step and we're done! It's time to play with the code. Don't skip this step, as the tracking code connects Google Analytics and your website .

Don't worry, you don't need any programming knowledge to do this, as Google provides you with the necessary code. All you have to do is find it and paste it in the appropriate place. Let's get started!

Google Analytics WordPress are the most common combination. What is WordPress? One of the most common CMS systems! You can read more about CMSs or web content management systems here .

Regardless of what CMS system you use, most of them allow you to easily insert the code you get from Google Analytics into the header section of your website.