This guide is for website owners looking to add their website to Google Analytics to gain insights into visitor numbers, page views and other statistics.

Step 1 - Visit the Google Analytics Website

Visit https://analytics.google.com/ and log in with your Google Account credentials.

If you don't have a Google Account, this is the time to create one.

Step 2 - Sign up for Google Analytics

If you have never used Google Analytics before, the first page you encounter should look similar to the screenshot below.

Step 3 - Complete the New Account Form

On the next page, you should see the New Account Form.

The screenshot shows how to complete the form with examples.

We will take a look at each form element and what they mean below.

Let's see what each question means, step by step:

What would you like to track?

Normally, you will use Google Analytics to track Websites, but you also have the option to get insights on Mobile App usage.

Select Website for the purpose of this guide.

Setting up your account

You will first create an account which will allow you to add more than one websites to Google Analytics.

Account Name

You can unleash your creativity and call your account whatever you like. "My Awesome Websites" comes to my mind.

Setting up your property

A property is an individual website which you would like to track. You can add multiple websites to Google Analytics within one account.

This is great if you have many websites because you don't have to log in and log out of different accounts all the time.

Website Name

Enter the name of the website which you would like to add to Google Analytics.

Example: "My Awesome Website"

Website URL

Enter the URL of the website which you would like to add to Google Analytics. Don't forget to select https:// or http:// whether your website supports SSL or not. Learn more about SSL and HTTPS here.

Industry Category

Select the industry which is most relevant to your website. Don't worry, you can change this later. This doesn't affect the accuracy of your reports but helps Google to categories your account.

Reporting Time Zone

Select the time zone where you are currently at. This can also be changed in the future.

If you travel a lot and stay in different time zones, please note, the end of the day reports will be displayed based on this time zone.

Data Sharing Settings

You will see a set of checkboxes regarding sharing information between other Google Services, Technical Support etc. It is safe to keep them all checked.

When you are ready, click on the "Get  Tracking ID" button at the bottom of the page.

 

Step 4 - Your New Tracking ID

Cool! Now you have your new Tracking ID.

You will have to use this Tracking ID so Google Analytics can start collecting data.

See next steps below the screenshot.

Below your Tracking ID, under "Global Site Tag" you will see the Tracking Code which you can add to your website.

If you use a plugin, you normally only need the Tracking ID and the plugin will take care of the rest.

Step 5 - Add the Tracking ID to your Website

Wordpress Websites

1) Simply install the "Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights" Plugin using your preferred method on your Wordpress website.

2) Navigate to "Settings" under the new "Analytics" menu in your admin interface.

3) You can enter your Tracking Code manually or Connect your Google Analytics account to your Wordpress blog.

If you are successful, data will appear in Google Analytics within a few hours.

Drupal Websites

1) Simply install the "Google Analytics" module using your prefered method on your Drupal 7 or Drupal 8 website.

2) Once the installation is complete, navigate to "Google Analytics" under "Administration > Configuration > System".

3) Fill in the "Web Property ID" with your Tracking ID from Google Analytics and save the settings.

If you are successful, data will appear in Google Analytics within a few hours.

Congratulations! You have successfully added your site to Google Analytics. Within a few hours, you should see the first visitors appearing.

In the meantime, why don't you take a look at the interface and familiarize yourself with all the options? Don't worry, almost every page has a help section and additional information popup when you hover over the elements.

Have fun and let us know how it went!