GA4 Setup Checklist for Beginners (2023)

Create a new GA4 account and property

If you don't already have one, your first step is to create an Analytics account. Review this article to learn how to create Google Analytics account.

Set up a data stream

Now you need to set up a data stream. Read this article for more information on data streams.

Start tracking events

You can also turn on or off enhanced measurements in this step. It's also simple enough for beginners. If you have no knowledge of enhanced measurement, we have a detailed guide on enhanced measurement events and how to use them. If you turn on enhanced measurement, GA4 will automatically keep track of data about events like when a user downloads a file, views a page, scrolls, watches a video, etc.

Add the Google Tag

You need to set up data collection in your new GA4 account before you can start seeing data in it. GA4 won't collect data until you put the GA4 tag on your site. The best way is to use Google Tag Manager (GTM), even though it's a little harder than just adding the script to your site. You can set up and manage GA4 events from one place with Google Tag Manager.

Check your GA4 setup

It is important to ensure that you are actively collecting data from your website. Data processing for many of your reports and investigations from your website or app can take 24 to 48 hours. The Realtime and DebugView reports can be used to verify the successful collection of data.

Use DebugView

DebugView shows real-time Analytics events and user properties, helping you troubleshoot issues while installing tags or stepping through an external user's live activity. Enable debug mode to use GA4 DebugView.

Set up conversions

You can watch our lesson on tracking and measuring conversions.

Set up cross-domain tracking

Configure cross-domain tracking.

Exclude referrals

Set up referral exclusions.

Implement GA4 events

There are many GA4 events you can track including default and custom. Please see events and goals section to delve into events tutorials. If you run an eCommerce business, you should also implement eCommerce tracking.

Create audiences

Please take a look at our fresh lesson about segments and audiences within GA4.

Adjust data retention

Review the article on data retention settings in GA4.

Link GA4 and Google Search Console

Learn how to link GA4 and GSC.

Link GA4 and Google Ads

Learn how to link GA4 and Google Ads.

Integrate GA4 with other products

You can utilize integrating GA4 with different products such as Looker Studio and Google Optimize.

Share access to your account

You can add your team members to GA4. Here is a mini guide on how to share access.

Create content groups

Check out this document for more: how to use GA4 content grouping.