Begin by logging into the Google account that you want to use to manage your Google Analytics properties with.
Then, go to analytics.google.com and hit the blue “Create Property” button in the Admin section.
Second, give your property a name and select your reporting time zone and currency as shown below. Please note, if you want to create a Universal Analytics property, you can do so by hitting the “Show advanced options” button below.
Third, create a “data stream”. A data stream is a new term for GA4 and refers to the app type (iOS or Android) or whether it is a website. In the UA days, an app or a website would both be distinct properties. With GA4, these are different “data streams” within a single property. If you’re creating your GA4 property for a website, hit the “Web” option. Then, enter your website URL, give your Stream a name and then hit the blue “Create stream” button.
As you can see in the screenshot, some “Enhanced measurement” events like scroll depth tracking, outbound clicks, and pageviews will be automatically recorded. To adjust what events you’ll record, simply hit the gear icon in the bottom right and you can turn events on or off.
The fourth step is to enable data collection by placing the GA4 tracking code on your website or app. Placing the JavaScript code can be done directly on the site or through Google Tag Manager.
- This developer guide has instructions to deploy the GA4 tracking code on the site. Note, this is not the best way to do it in my opinion. Google Tag Manager is the way to go for getting GA4 on your site.
- To deploy the GA4 code on the site through Tag Manager, you can use this support guide or see the section immediately below for everything you need to know.
The fifth step is adding “Recommended Events” to your data stream. Recommended Events have an event name and a trigger that causes the event to fire based on specific parameters. The events linked here may be suitable for all web properties.
Chris Barnard has spent over 15 years delivering exceptional revenue growth for ambitious businesses in the UK, Europe and North America through his marketing technology business, FeedbackFans.com and as an independent business consultant.
By his mid-20’s he was running digital departments for FTSE100 companies in London, eventually leading to a very successful period in digital customer acquisiton for a well-known brand in his early 30’s generating nine-figure revenues with seven-figure budgets. He now puts his experience, knowledge and ideas into good use, supporting challenger brands and forward thinking businesses to outperform in their sectors, whilst disrupting and improving the marketing, technology and development sectors that FeedbackFans.com inhabits.
Feedback Fans provides a unique next-generation managed technology and marketing platform that delivers outstanding and out-sized results for businesses in sectors such as finance, retail, leisure, and professional services.
With our unparalleled expertise in creating cutting-edge solutions and environments, we empower our clients and users to thrive and outperform in the digital age.
Chris Barnard is Managing Director of FeedbackFans.com and producer of the Bear Business Vodcast
