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How to Install Google Analytics on a WordPress Blog

by JR Farr

Are you using Google Analytics on your WordPress Blog? If you’re not currently using any type of Web analytics on your site you should seriously consider it. Why you ask?

  1. It’s $FREE.99
  2. Its’ easy to install
  3. It’s helps measure your blogging efforts
  4. I love Google Analytics more then a friend and you should too

But just a few reasons why Google Analytics is vital to any WordPress Blog — now onto the meat of how to easily stick this sucker in your site.

If you DON’T have a Google Analytics account yet start here:

Step 1 – Setup a Google Analytics account.

  • Head on over to Google Analytics and sign up for a free account. Complete the steps by filling out your website and general information.

If you DO have a Google Analytics account start here:

Step 2 – Choose the correct Google Analytics tracking code.

  • When you reach the point of copying and pasting the tracking code you are given 2 options:
    • The New Tracking Code (ga.js)
    • The Legacy Tracking Code (urchin.js)
  • See the example below –
  • Basically just choose the “New Tracking Code.” Only people with the Legacy code already on their site, should even consider placing that script on their site. The new tracking code allows you to receive updates and is also compatible with all the features of Google Analytics.

Step 3 – Installing the Google Analytics tracking code.

  • One of the biggest benefits of using WordPress is how easy it is to edit and customize on the fly. Simply login to your WordPress Blog Admin section and take the following steps.
  • Make sure you copied the “New Tracking Code” from your Google Analytics account. Now head back to your WordPress Admin Section and click on the “Design” Tab. Below that you will see a link labeled “Theme Editor” click that link
  • On the right hand side you will find all of your themes files. Choose the file labled “footer”
  • Just before the “</body>” tag paste the Google Analytics code.
  • By installing this snippet of code in the footer, this will be the only place you need to install the code. The code will follow on every page since the footer obviously needs to be on every page of your blog.

And that’s it! Wham bam, thank you Ma’am.

If you got tripped up at all leave me a comment and I’ll walk you through any sticky parts.

More to come…

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