Google Analytics

About Google Analytics

Google Analytics is the recommended tool to track user interaction and collect basic data from your website.

A Princeton Site Builder site can be tracked by Google Analytics. If you want to learn more about Google Analytics, visit the University's LinkedIn Learning training website (login required) and search for "Google Analytics Essential Training." You can also follow Google's instructions, titled "Get Started with Google Analytics."

Important note about Google Analytics 4

Google recently introduced a new version of its analytics product referred to as "Google Analytics 4." The previous version is referred to as "Universal Analytics." Both versions of Google Analytics are supported. All users of Universal Analytics will be required to upgrade to Google Analytics 4 before July 1, 2023.

If you have an existing Universal Analytics property, you will most likely want to use the GA4 Setup Assistant to create a new Google Analytics 4 property that is connected to the old one. The GA4 Setup Assistant does not backfill your new GA4 property with historical data. Your GA4 property only collects data going forward. To see historical data, use the reports in your Universal Analytics property.

How to add Google Analytics to your site

Step 1: Choose a Google account to log into Analytics

Choose a Google account to log into Analytics

You will need a Google account to use Google Analytics. Your options for obtaining an account are:

Recommended: Use a Service Account. Signup for a new account or use an existing one. Make sure the account is enabled for Google Apps. Move on to Step 2. The advantage of using a service account is that the account is not decommissioned when an individual leaves the University.
If you already have a Princeton University Google account, and you would like to use that account, you are welcome to do so. Make sure the account is enabled for Google Apps. Move on to Step 2.
If you would like to create a new non-Princeton Google account for only this purpose, you can do so for free at https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount then move on to Step 2 below.

Step 2: Get a Google Analytics tracking or measurement ID

Get a Google Analytics tracking or measurement ID

Instructions for Google Analytics 4

This is the latest version of Google Analytics. Follow the instructions for Drupal from Google's help page to set up a property and obtain your Measurement ID. You will need this measurement ID for the next step. (Note: Do not be confused by the numeric "Stream ID." The Stream ID cannot be used here.)

Instructions for Universal Analytics

This is the older version of Google Analytics. WDS does not recommend creating new tracking properties with this version because Google is forcing everyone to upgrade to Google Analytics 4 by July 1, 2023.

Visit analytics.google.com to log in (or register if this is the first time using Google Analytics with this account).
Once you are successfully logged in you will need to follow these instructions to set up a property and generate your tracking ID.
This tracking ID is part of the tracking code that is inserted in the source code for your site. The tracking ID, sometimes called a "UA number," needs to have a format similar to "UA-12345678-9." Copy this number.
Please note that Google will encourage you to create a next-generation "Google Analytics 4" property. Follow the instructions above for Google Analytics 4.
When creating a new property, make sure you click Show Advanced Options. There is a toggle switch to allow you to create a Universal Analytics property. Go ahead and "Create both a Google Analytics 4 and a Universal Analytics property." Within your Google Analytics 4 property, on the "Web stream details" page, the "G-" Measurement ID is prominently displayed at the top. The UA number is hidden under Connected Site Tags at the bottom. You can also access your Universal Analytics property directly from the Accounts menu at the top.

Step 3: Add the UA number to your site

Add the tracking/measurement ID to your site

From the Admin menu, select the Configuration » Systems » Basic Site Settings
Paste/Enter your Google Analytics Measurement ID (Google Analytics 4, begins with "G-") or Tracking ID (Universal Analytics, begins with "UA-").
Click Save Configuration
After the number has been added and Google has indexed the website, you can log in to your Google Analytics account to start seeing the statistics for your website.

Analytic reporting

Using Google Analytics for Website Usage Reports

The following section applies to the older Universal Analytics version of Google Analytics. For Google Analytics 4, users are encouraged to read through Google's documentation and getting started guide.

Once Google Analytics and your Princeton Site Builder website are linked properly, learn to create dashboards and reporting mechanisms in Google Analytics.

Some of the most common metric reporting is done on Page Views and Site Visits. Below are some basic steps to get you started. If you wish to learn more about Google Analytics, how to run different reports, and what the reports tell you, you can find classes on Lynda.com. Refer to Google Analytics Essential Training.

STEPS:

Go to Analytics.google.com
Log in with your Princeton account
In the top right next to the Analytics icon, click on "All Web Site Data"
Click the appropriate "Properties & Apps"
Click "All Website Data"
In the menu on the left:
- If you want to see results on all pages within your website, click on Behavior > Site Content > All Pages
- If you want to see results on a specific page within your website, click on Behavior > Site Content > Content Drilldown

Use the Date Range in the upper right to change the date range for which you are searching.

Use the Page Title option to find your page

Use the Show rows: option to alter your view

You can then click on Export in the top right to export any report.

How to Recover a Google Analytics Account

Please Note: WDS does NOT keep track of your user name and password to access your Google Analytics account. It is your responsibility to manage this information. If you have staff turnover, please be sure to transfer this knowledge accordingly.

External Resources

Related Information