Google Analytics Full Course
In this free Google Analytics course, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set up and use Google Analytics effectively. We’ll start with setting up your account and tracking code, then move on to understanding key metrics, analyzing website performance, and using reports to make data-driven decisions that improve your digital marketing strategy.
4/3/20252 min read
Google Analytics for Beginners—How I Track Website Performance Like a Pro
One of the first tools I set up when launching a website for myself or a client is Google Analytics. Why? Because without data, you’re just guessing. Google Analytics shows you what’s working, what’s not, and where to improve.
If you’ve ever wondered how many people visit your site, where they come from, or what pages they spend time on—this guide is for you.
What Is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is a free tool by Google that helps you understand how people interact with your website or app. From traffic sources to user behavior, bounce rates, and conversions—it gives you all the juicy insights that help you make better marketing decisions.
The latest version is called Google Analytics 4 (GA4). It replaced Universal Analytics in 2023 and comes with some powerful features, like event-based tracking and better cross-device measurement.
How to Set Up Google Analytics (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how I set up GA4 for websites—either for myself or my clients:
1. Create a Google Analytics Account
Go to 👉 analytics.google.com and sign in with your Gmail or Google Workspace account.
Click “Start Measuring,” name your account, and move to the next step.
2. Set Up a Property
A “property” is basically the website or app you want to track.
Give it a name (e.g. AhbeeAgency Website)
Select your time zone and currency
Click Next
3. Set Up a Data Stream
Choose Web for websites. Enter your website URL and name the stream.
Once done, you’ll get a Measurement ID like G-XXXXXXX.
4. Install the Tracking Code
Copy the code provided and paste it into the <head> section of your website’s HTML.
If you’re using WordPress, just install a plugin like:
GA Google Analytics
Site Kit by Google—recommended for all Google tools in one
Or, if you’re using Google Tag Manager, you can add the Measurement ID there.
👉 Full install guide
What You Can Track with Google Analytics
Once your code is live, you can start seeing real-time and long-term data about:
Number of visitors (daily, weekly, monthly)
Top traffic sources (Google, Facebook, Instagram, email, direct, etc.)
User demographics (location, language, device type)
Popular pages (which blog posts or landing pages perform best)
Bounce rate (how many people leave without clicking anything)
Session duration (how long people stay)
Conversions (like form submissions, purchases, downloads)
You can also set up custom events and conversion goals depending on what matters most to you.
👉 How events work in GA4
Why I Use Google Analytics for Every Project
1. It’s Free and Powerful
You don’t need to pay for fancy analytics tools when GA4 gives you 90% of what you need.
2. Understand What’s Working
If you’re running ads or SEO campaigns, you’ll know exactly what brings in traffic and what doesn’t.
3. Identify Drop-Off Points
You’ll see which pages people are bouncing from—so you can fix or improve them.
4. Optimize Conversions
You can set up funnels and goals to track how users complete actions (like filling out a form or buying a product).
5. Client Reporting Made Easy
With integrations like Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio), you can build visual dashboards for client updates.
Bonus Tips
Link GA4 with Google Ads to track ad performance directly
👉 How to link Google AdsSet up Google Search Console for SEO insights
👉 Link GA4 with GSCUse UTM links to track specific campaigns
👉 UTM Builder Tool
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about growth, you can’t afford to ignore your data. Whether you're a blogger, a startup, or a full-blown e-commerce brand, Google Analytics gives you the clarity to make smarter moves online.
My advice? Don’t just collect data—use it. Review your analytics weekly and look for trends. Double down on what’s working, and tweak what’s not.
