Google Analytics is easy to set up and it won’t cost you a penny, yet it provides you with a wealth of information about your visitors.
It is installed by pasting a few snippets of JavaScript code into the footer of the site (don’t worry its not difficult). If you have access to your website files you can do it yourself, or you can give the code to your webmaster and have them install it for you.
Log into your Google Account
If you don’t have one you can sign up here
Sign up for Google Analytics
Visit: www.google.com/analytics/ click on “Access Analytics” and click the sign up button.
Enter your website URL (domain name), your country and time zone (for the UK it will default to GMT for you). Google will automatically create the account name for you based on the URL entered, but you can change it if you have a preference. Click Continue.
Enter your name and select your the country you live in. Click continue.
Almost done setting up! Just accept the user agreement & select Create New Account.
Integrating into your website
So the final page in your Analytics setup provides you the code to add to your website.
If you are using a website designer – simply copy and paste this into an email to them and they will add it for you. If you are DIY then follow the following instructions:
WordPress users – if you are using the Google Analytics for WordPress or Analyticator plugin then you only need the web property ID. This is in the format of: UA-1231231-1 Copy and paste it into your plugin and you are all set up.
Via FTP: If you use Dreamweaver or another web editing tool then you will need to paste the code right before the </body> tag at the bottom of all the pages in your website. If you have a footer.php page in your website which is included in all pages put it there.
How can I tell if it is setup correctly?
If you are seeing data about your website then chances are you are OK (you will normally start seeing data after 24 hours). You will also see that the status in your account listing changes from to
Would you like to know more about Analytics?
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