Google Site Kit: How to Add Google Analytics to WordPress (Step-by-Step) 2026 Guide
Google Site Kit is the easiest way to add Google Analytics to a WordPress site without touching code, especially if you want a clean GA4 setup that stays connected over time. In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up Google Analytics with WordPress, confirm it’s tracking properly, and avoid the most common mistakes.
If you’re trying to add Google Analytics WordPress site tracking the right way in 2026, this is the simplest path. Or if you’d like us to handle it for you, Google Analytics integration is included in our Enhanced Website Package.
Why Use Site Kit Instead of Manually Adding a Tag?
You can add Google Analytics for WordPress manually by pasting a measurement ID into a theme, a header plugin, or Google Tag Manager. But manual setups break often when:
- A theme is changed
- A plugin conflicts
- A developer “cleans up” scripts
- Someone pastes the tag in multiple places (double tracking)
With Google Analytics for WordPress setups, consistency matters. Site Kit provides a centralized connection inside WordPress so the tracking doesn’t disappear quietly.
Before You Start: What You’ll Need
- Admin access to your WordPress dashboard
- A Google account that should own the Analytics property
- (Optional but recommended) A Search Console property for your domain
Site Kit typically connects Search Console during setup, and you can connect Analytics during the same flow or afterward. Site Kit by Google
Step 1: Install Google Site Kit
- In WordPress, go to Plugins → Add New
- Search: “Site Kit by Google”
- Click Install, then Activate
✅ Image to add here: Screenshot of Plugins → Add New with “Site Kit by Google” search results.
Step 2: Connect Site Kit to Your Google Account
- In WordPress, go to Site Kit (left sidebar)
- Click Start Setup
- Sign in with the Google account you want to use
- Approve the permissions prompts (Site Kit needs access to connect services)
At the end of this step, Site Kit should have your site connected to Google services, at minimum Search Console. Site Kit by Google
✅ Image to add here: Screenshot of the Site Kit “Start Setup” button + Google sign-in prompt.
Step 3: Connect Google Analytics (GA4) to WordPress
Once the base setup is done, connect Analytics:
- Go to Site Kit → Settings
- Click Connect more services
- Find Analytics and click Set up Analytics
- Choose one of the following:
- Select an existing Google Analytics account/property/data stream
- Or allow Site Kit to create a new one for you
This is the point where you’re effectively adding Google Analytics with WordPress properly—Site Kit connects a GA4 property and a web data stream and begins sending data. Site Kit by Google
✅ Image to add here: Screenshot of Site Kit → Settings → Connect more services → Analytics.
Step 4: Choose the Correct Analytics Account, Property, and Data Stream
During the setup flow, you’ll select:
- Account (your organization)
- Property (the GA4 container)
- Web data stream (your website)
If you have multiple accounts (common for agencies or multi-brand owners), slow down here. Most “it’s not tracking” issues happen because someone selected the wrong property or stream.
Site Kit’s flow explicitly supports selecting an existing account/property/stream or creating new ones. Site Kit by Google
✅ Image to add here: Screenshot of the Analytics selection dropdowns.
Step 5: Verify Analytics Is Actually Tracking
After setup, you want proof that Analytics is receiving data.
Quick verification methods
- Open your site in a new browser tab (or incognito)
- Go to Google Analytics → Reports → Realtime
- Confirm you see at least 1 active user (you)
If you don’t see data immediately, wait 5–15 minutes. Realtime is usually fast, but not always instant.
Step 6: Avoid Double-Tracking (Common Mistake)
If you previously added Analytics another way (header scripts plugin, theme code, Tag Manager), you may accidentally send duplicate pageviews.
To prevent this:
- Remove old GA tracking snippets
- Keep only one tracking method active (Site Kit is enough for most SMB sites)
This matters because double-tracking ruins your conversion rates, traffic accuracy, and reporting.
Troubleshooting Google Site Kit
Here are the common issues and fixes.
Analytics option missing
- Ensure Site Kit is fully set up first
- Go to Site Kit → Settings → Connect more services → Analytics Site Kit by Google
Wrong “stream” selected
GA4 has “Stream ID” and “Measurement ID” concepts that confuse people:
- Stream ID identifies a data stream Google Help
- Measurement ID (starts with G-) is the identifier used for tagging Google Help
If your data looks wrong, confirm you selected the correct web data stream for your domain.
Realtime shows nothing
- Wait 10–15 minutes
- Confirm you’re viewing the correct GA4 property
- Check for ad blockers or privacy extensions
- Confirm you didn’t block analytics scripts via cache/security plugin
Best Practices for Small Businesses Using Google Analytics for WordPress
If you’re going to the effort to add Google Analytics WordPress tracking, do these basics:
- Set up key events (form submits, phone clicks, purchases)
- Connect Search Console (better SEO insights)
- Review traffic monthly (not once a year)
- Don’t obsess over vanity metrics—watch leads and conversions
Outbound Resources
Use these official references if you want to go deeper:
- Site Kit Analytics setup documentation (account/property/stream selection) Site Kit by Google
- Connecting services in Site Kit (Search Console required; Analytics optional) Site Kit by Google
- GA4 Stream ID explanation (what it is and where to find it) Google Help
- GA4 Measurement ID explanation (what it is and why it matters) Google Help