How to Set up Google Analytics 4 on Shopify & Track Sales

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is an essential tool for any Shopify store owner who wants to gain deeper insights into user behavior and optimize their online sales. While Shopify provides its analytics, GA4 offers a more powerful and comprehensive solution, especially when integrated with Google Ads. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up Google Analytics 4 on your Shopify store.

Why Google Analytics 4?

GA4 provides detailed insights into user behavior, including which products are most viewed, user intent, and frequently purchased items. This data is invaluable for making informed decisions about your store’s marketing and product strategies. Additionally, integrating GA4 with Google Ads helps you leverage data to improve your ad campaigns.

1. Create a Google Analytics 4 Account
2. Go to Google Analytics: Visit analytics.google.com.
3. Sign in with your Google account: If you don’t have a Google account, create one.
4. Create a new property:
   • Click on the gear icon at the bottom left corner to go to the Admin panel.
   • Click on “Create Account” and fill in the necessary details.
   • Name your account and property (e.g., “YouTube Tutorial”).
   • Uncheck the email notifications if you prefer not to receive them.
5. Configure the property settings:
   • Set your time zone and currency.
   • Add organization details and select the purpose of the property (e.g., “Drive online sales” and “Examine user behavior”).
   • Accept the terms and conditions.
6. Set Up Your Data Stream
7. Add your website: Click on “Web” to track your website.
8. Enter your Shopify store URL: Copy and paste your store’s URL.
9. Name your stream: Choose a name that helps you identify the stream.
10. Enable enhanced measurement: This will track page views, scrolls, outbound clicks, and more.
11. Integrate Google Analytics with Shopify
12. Install the Google and YouTube App:
    • Go to your Shopify admin dashboard.
    • Click on “Apps” and search for “Google and YouTube”.
    • Install the app provided by Shopify.
13. Check for existing Google Analytics code:
    • Go to “Online Store” > “Themes” > “Actions” > “Edit Code”.
    • Open the theme.liquid file and search for “gtag”.
    • Ensure there’s no existing Google Analytics code to avoid duplication.
14. Connect your Google account:
    • In the Google and YouTube app, click on “Connect Google Account”.
    • Authorize access to your Google account and select the GA4 property you created.
    • Match the measurement ID to ensure you select the correct property.
15. Verify Data Collection
16. Test the data collection:
    • Place a test order on your store.
    • Go to your GA4 account and navigate to “Reports” > “Real-time” to see if data is being collected.
17. Check for events:
    • In the real-time reports, you should see events such as “page_view”, “add_to_cart”, “begin_checkout”, and “purchase”.
    • Click on each event to see detailed information, such as currency and order value.

Conclusion
Integrating Google Analytics 4 with your Shopify store is a straightforward process that provides invaluable insights into user behavior and helps optimize your online sales. By following these steps, you can set up GA4 to track essential data and leverage this information to improve your store’s performance.