Step 1: Create a Google Analytics Account

1. Go to analytics.google.com
2. Click "Start measuring" or "Sign in to Analytics"
3. Sign in with your Google account
4. Click "Create Account"
5. Enter an account name (e.g., your business name)
6. Configure data sharing settings according to your preferences
7. Click "Next"

The Google Analytics account creation screen

Step 2: Set Up a Property

A property in Google Analytics represents your website. Here's how to set it up:

1. Enter a property name (usually your website name)
2. Select your reporting time zone and currency
3. Click "Show advanced options" if you want to create a Universal Analytics property alongside GA4 (not typically necessary for new websites)
4. Click "Next"
5. Enter business information as requested (industry, business size, etc.)
6. Select how you intend to use Google Analytics
7. Click "Create"

Step 3: Set Up a Data Stream

A data stream is the source of your analytics data - in this case, your website:

1. Select "Web" as your platform
2. Enter your website URL (e.g., https://www.yourdomain.com)
3. Enter a stream name (usually your website name)
4. Toggle Enhanced Measurement on (this automatically tracks page views, scrolls, outbound clicks, etc.)
5. Click "Create stream"

Step 4: Get Your Tracking Code

After creating your data stream, you'll get your Google Analytics tracking code:

1. In the Web stream details, find "Tagging Instructions"
2. Click "Global site tag (gtag.js)"
3. You'll see a code snippet that looks like this:

<!-- Google tag (gtag.js) -->
<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXXXXXXXX"></script>
<script>
  window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];
  function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);}
  gtag('js', new Date());

  gtag('config', 'G-XXXXXXXXXX');
</script>

Note: "G-XXXXXXXXXX" will be replaced with your actual Measurement ID

Step 5: Add the Tracking Code to Your Website

How you add the tracking code depends on what platform your website uses:

For HTML Websites

1. Copy the entire tracking code
2. Open the HTML file(s) for your website
3. Paste the code right before the closing </head> tag
4. Save the file(s) and upload to your web server

For WordPress

Option 1: Using a Plugin

1. Install and activate a plugin like "Site Kit by Google" or "Google Analytics Dashboard for WP"
2. Follow the plugin's setup wizard to connect your Google Analytics account
3. The plugin will automatically add the tracking code to all pages

Option 2: Manual Installation in Theme

1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard
2. Select your theme's header.php file
3. Paste the tracking code right before the closing </head> tag
4. Click "Update File"

For Website Builders

Wix

1. In your Wix dashboard, go to Marketing Integrations
2. Click "Google Analytics"
3. Enter your Measurement ID (the "G-XXXXXXXXXX" code)
4. Click "Save"

Squarespace

1. In your Squarespace dashboard, go to Settings > Advanced > External API Keys
2. Scroll to "Google Analytics Account Number"
3. Enter your Measurement ID
4. Click "Save"

Shopify

1. In your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Preferences
2. Scroll to "Google Analytics"
3. Enter your Measurement ID
4. Click "Save"

Step 6: Verify Your Installation

To make sure your tracking code is working correctly:

1. Wait about 24 hours after installing the code
2. Log in to Google Analytics
3. Go to Reports > Realtime
4. Open your website in another browser tab or on your phone
5. Check if your activity appears in the Realtime report