How do I set up Google Analytics (GA4) with Google Tag Manager?

Understanding how visitors interact with your website is crucial for optimizing its performance and achieving your business goals. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) offers advanced insights into user behavior, providing a deeper understanding of audience preferences and actions. By integrating GA4 with Google Tag Manager (GTM), you can streamline the process of tracking and managing these insights without the need for complex code implementations.

In this guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of setting up Google Analytics 4 via Google Tag Manager. Whether you're new to website analytics or looking to upgrade from Universal Analytics, this setup will empower you to harness the full potential of GA4's enhanced features, from customizable event tracking to real-time data reporting.

Why Use Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4 offers advanced features and improved tracking capabilities compared to Universal Analytics. It provides deeper insights into user interactions and allows for more customized reporting and analysis.

Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Creating a Google Analytics 4 Property

To begin, you'll need to set up a new property in Google Analytics 4:

Sign in to Google Analytics:

Navigate to and log in with your Google account.

Create a New GA4 Property:

Click on the "Admin" button in the lower-left corner.In the "Property" column, select "Create Property."Choose "GA4 (Google Analytics 4)" and follow the prompts to set up your new property.

Copy Your Measurement ID:

After creating the property, you will receive a Measurement ID (e.g., G-XXXXXXXXXX). Keep this ID handy as you'll need it for setting up Google Tag Manager.Step 2: Setting Up Google Tag Manager

Google Tag Manager simplifies the process of managing tags, including Google Analytics 4 tags:

Sign in to Google Tag Manager:

Go to and log in with your Google account.

Create a New Tag Configuration:

Click on "New Tag" to begin setting up your GA4 configuration.

Configuring the GA4 Tag:

Select "Tag Configuration" and choose "Google Tag"Enter the Measurement ID you copied from Google Analytics into the appropriate field.

Setting Triggers:

Click on "Triggering" and choose when you want the tag to fire (e.g., on all pages, specific pages, etc.).

Save Your Tag Configuration:

Name your tag (e.g., GA4 — All Pages) and click "Save."Step 3: Publishing Changes

Preview Your Tag:

Before publishing, use the "Preview" mode in Google Tag Manager to ensure your tag fires correctly on your website.

Publish Changes:

Once you've verified the setup, click "Submit" in Google Tag Manager to publish your changes live.Step 4: Verifying Tracking

Testing Your Setup:

Visit your website and navigate through various pages to confirm that Google Analytics 4 is tracking events and page views accurately.

Debugging and Troubleshooting:

Use tools like Google Tag Assistant or your browser's developer tools to diagnose and fix any issues with tag firing or data collection.Additional Tips for Advanced Users

Custom Events and Parameters:

Explore setting up custom events and parameters through Google Tag Manager to track specific actions or behaviors on your website.

Utilizing Data Layer:

Leverage GTM's data layer for more sophisticated tracking configurations and dynamic data passing to Google Analytics.Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively set up Google Analytics 4 with Google Tag Manager, enabling comprehensive tracking and insightful analytics for your website. This integration not only simplifies data management but also empowers you to make informed decisions based on real-time user behavior data.

Implementing GA4 via GTM ensures your analytics setup is flexible, scalable, and aligned with your business objectives. Start leveraging these powerful tools today to optimize your website's performance and enhance user experience.

If any type of error or issue occurs during setup, please don't hesitate to contact the Webstep team  for assistance. They are here to help you navigate any challenges and ensure your analytics setup runs smoothly.