How to Set Up GA4: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
1. Create a GA4 Account[edit]
You need a Google Analytics account to set up GA4. If you don’t already have one, go to Google Analytics and log in to your Google account.
After logging in, click the gear icon on the left sidebar to access the Admin settings.
On the Admin dashboard, click + Create > Account to create your Google Analytics account.
Give your account a name in the Account name field. Use the Account Data Sharing Settings to select how you want to share your data with Google.
Click Next when you’re done.
2. Create a GA4 Property[edit]
A GA4 property is a collection of data from a website or app. A simple property example gathers data from only a single source. For advanced needs, set up a property that collects data from multiple sources.
To create a GA4 property:
- Provide a name in the Property name field (at least four characters).
- Specify your preferred time zone and currency.
Click Next.
3. Provide Your Business Details[edit]
Fill out the Industry category and Business size fields.
Click Next.
4. Provide Your Business Objectives[edit]
Select at least one business objective. GA4 uses your selection to customize default reports.
If you select Get baseline reports, GA4 will provide reports covering the full customer lifecycle.
Click Create.
Review the Google Analytics terms of service. Adjust your country setting if necessary.
If you agree, click I Accept.
5. Create a Data Stream[edit]
A data stream sends data from your website or app to your GA4 property.
To create a data stream for a website:
- Click Web.
- Enter your domain in the Website URL field and provide a name in the Stream name field.
- Click Create stream.
A window will show your data stream’s measurement ID and other details.
Save the measurement ID—you’ll need it later.
Further reading: Learn about creating streams for iOS and Android apps.
How to Install GA4 on Your Website with Google Tag Manager[edit]
Google Tag Manager (GTM) lets you add code snippets (tags) without editing your website's source code directly — including GA4 tags.
If you don’t have GTM installed yet, set it up first by creating a container for your website.
Then: 1. Go to Google Tag Manager and log in. 2. Select your website’s GTM container.
3. Click Add a new tag on the workspace overview.
4. Name your tag (e.g., GA4 Setup).
5. Click inside the Tag Configuration panel.
6. From the tag type options, select Google Tag.
7. Enter your GA4 measurement ID in the Tag ID field. (If you lost it, find it here).
8. Adjust additional settings if needed.
9. Click inside the Triggering panel to set when GTM should fire the tag.
10. Choose the trigger Initialization - All Pages, to load GA4 first.
11. Click Save to save the new tag.
12. Test your GA4 tag by clicking Preview on the workspace overview.
13. Google Tag Assistant will open. Enter your domain and click Connect.
Your website will open in a new tab. Leave it open and return to Tag Assistant.
14. If connected, you’ll see a “Connected!” window. Click Continue.
15. In Tag Assistant, under "Tags Fired," confirm that your GA4 tag fired successfully.
16. Close Tag Assistant and your site. Then click Submit in the GTM workspace.
17. In the "Submit Changes" window:
- Keep Publish and Create Version selected.
- Give the version a name (e.g., "GA4 installed") and a description of the changes.
18. Click Publish to finalize and activate GA4 tracking.
