ga4 guide to tracking websites and apps

byTechsaid •June 10, 2025

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Here’s a comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide to setting up GA4 for websites and apps, structured for clarity and actionability:

I. Why GA4 Matters Now

RIP Universal Analytics: UA stopped processing data July 1, 2023.
Future-Proof Insights: GA4 uses AI for predictive metrics (e.g., churn risk).
Cross-Platform Tracking: Unify website + app data in one dashboard.

II. Pre-Setup Checklist

✅ What You Need:

Google account
Website/app admin access
10 minutes

🚫 Avoid These Mistakes:

Not enabling data collection upfront
Skipping event configuration

III. Website Setup: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create a GA4 Property

Go to [analytics.google.com] > Admin (⚙️)
Click + Create Property > Enter property name (e.g., "Website GA4")
Select time zone/currency > Next

Step 2: Add Data Stream

Choose Web > Enter URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com)
Name stream (e.g., "Production Site")
Enable Enhanced Measurement (tracks scrolls, clicks, video views)

Step 3: Install Tracking Code
Option A: Google Tag Manager (Recommended)

Install GTM container code in site header
Create GA4 Configuration tag in GTM
Trigger tag: All Pages

Option B: Manual Install

Copy Measurement ID (G-XXXXXXX) from GA4
Paste global site tag directly after <head>:

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) -->
<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXXXXX"></script>
<script>
  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
  gtag('js', new Date());
  gtag('config', 'G-XXXXXXX');
</script>

Step 4: Verify Installation

Use GA4 DebugView
Install Google Tag Assistant Chrome extension
Check real-time reports in GA4 within 48h

IV. Mobile App Setup (iOS/Android)

Step 1: Register App as Data Stream

GA4 property > Data Streams > Add App
Choose platform (iOS/Android)
Enter app details (Bundle ID, App Store ID)

Step 2: Integrate SDK
For Android:

Add to gradle.properties:

implementation 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-analytics:18.0.4'

Initialize in onCreate():

val gtag = GoogleAnalytics.getInstance(this)
gtag?.setConsent(...) // GDPR compliance

For iOS (Swift):

Install via CocoaPods:

pod 'GoogleAnalytics'

Initialize in AppDelegate.swift:

import FirebaseAnalytics
FirebaseApp.configure()

Step 3: Track Key Events

Automatically collected: app_remove, first_open
Custom events (e.g., in-app purchases):

Analytics.logEvent("purchase", parameters: [
  "value":9.99,
  "currency": "USD"
])

V. Essential Configurations

🔥 Enable Key Features:

Google Signals: Activate in Data Settings for cross-device tracking
Link Google Ads: Admin > Product Links
Define Conversions:
- Go to Events > Mark key events as conversions (e.g., purchase)

📊 Critical Reports to Set Up:

Report Type	Path in GA4	Why It Matters
User Acquisition	Life Cycle > Acquisition	Track traffic sources
Engagement	Life Cycle > Engagement	Measure scroll depth/clicks
Monetization	Monetization > Overview	Analyze revenue funnels

VI. Pro Tips for Power Users

Custom Dimensions:
- Track logged-in users: user_id parameter
BigQuery Integration:
- Admin > BigQuery Linking > Export raw data
Audience Building:
- Create segments (e.g., "Cart Abandoners") for ads

VII. Troubleshooting Common Issues

🚫 "No Data in Reports":
- Check filters (Admin > Data Filters)
- Verify gtag.js fires on all pages
🚫 Events Not Showing:
- Use DebugView with test device
- Validate event name spelling (case-sensitive!)

VIII. Next Steps: Master GA4

Audit: Run GA4 Setup Assistant monthly
Automate: Use Looker Studio for dashboards
Act: Start small—track 3 key conversions first

🌟 Your Action Plan:
Create GA4 property today
Install tracking code
Tag 1 critical event (e.g., "sign_up")
Delayed setup = Missed insights. Start now!

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Tags: Tech

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