How To Set Up Google Analytics For WooCommerce

In the following step by step guide, you will learn how to set up the free plugin Google Analytics Integration tool for WooCommerce. A tool that will allow you to collect valuable data that can be used to inform your business decisions better. Not to mention improve your customers’ experiences each time they visit your site.

Among other metrics, the Google Analytics Integration tool for WooCommerce allows businesses to track sales conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, and customer lifetime value. Find out how to get seamless integration between Google Analytics and WooCommerce below.

How to Install the Google Analytics Integration Tool

Before you begin tracking or setting up the metric you will track, you must download the Google Analytics Integration tool for WooCommerce. To do this:

• Download the extension from your WooCommerce account.

• Next, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload. Then choose the ZIP file you download.

• Click Install Now, and then click ‘Activate.’

• Finally, click the link: ‘Connect WooCommerce to Google Analytics.’

Setup and Configuration

Next, you must configure and set up the Google Analytics tool in the correct way. You must set up Google Analytics to make sure transactional data will be recorded.

The first step is to set up Google Analytics :

• Sign in to Google Analytics.
• Next, navigate to the bottom left of the page and click 'Admin.' Then access the view you are looking for.
• Use 'Create a Universal Analytics Property' if you wish to create a new property.
• Turn on 'Enable Ecommerce" by accessing 'Ecommerce Settings in the 'view' column.
• Click 'on,' do the same for 'Enhanced Ecommerce Reporting.'
• Finish by clicking 'Save.'

The next step is to configure the WooCommerce.

• To configure the Google Analytics plugin go to WooCommerce > Settings > Integrations.
• Click the 'Google Analytics Option' to access the settings.

Now it's time to Integrate your WooCommerce with Google Analytics.

To do this:

• Add your UA code. This is your Google Analytics tracking ID.
• Go to 'Set Domain Name' and add your company’s web address.

Metrics You Can Track in Google Analytics (& Why You Should Enable Them)

There are multiple metrics that you can track via Google Analytics. They include:

• Standard Tracking: Check the box to turn this on. Only use this if WooCommerce Google Analytics integration is the only Google Analytics plugin you are using. If you are using multiple Google Analytics plugins, do not check this box.
• Advertising Support: Tracks ads when running them on the Google Display Network. Leave the box unchecked if you do not want these tracked.
• Enhanced Link Attribution: Turn on this useful metric when you want to see which of several links to a single URL is used most often.
• Universal Analytics: This is the standard for Google Analytics. Check the box as new and experienced users alike should be using it.
• Anonymize IP addresses: Check this box for enhanced user privacy. N.B. Laws on privacy differ between countries.
• Track 404 Errors: 404 are not found errors, and by turning on this tracking, you can identify dead or broken links and quickly repair them.
• Purchase Transactions: Essential for any eCommerce store. Includes useful metrics such as shipping, revenue, and tax. To enable this feature, you must use a payment service that directs users to an order received page after the purchase has been made. (WooCommerce does this)
• Add to Cart Events: Check this box if you want to address customer drop off. That is when a customer adds your product to their cart but doesn't make a purchase.

How to check your analytics are working correctly.

Before you use Google Analytics for WooCommerce in earnest, it's a good idea to make sure that everything is working correctly. After all, you don't want to risk losing any of that valuable data! Fortunately, it is possible to check that WooCommerce integrates properly with Google Analytics and communicates the right data. To do this, you must:

• Use the 'Google Tag Assistant' tool for Chrome.

• A warning will appear when the tracking codes on your WooCommerce page are incorrect.

WooCommerce Google Analytics integration issues to watch out for

• Log out before testing, as logged-in admin users' pageviews are not tracked.
• More than one tracking code per page can cause problems. Use a conflict test to find and resolve these.
• You may need to wait up to 24 hours until metrics begin to show.
• Check for JavaScript errors as these can stop tracking from happening.
• Ad blockers or browser extensions may block the tracking, so check for these.

Disabling pageview

The default setting of the Google Analytics plugin for WooCommerce means that pageview tracking is always activated. However, if you need to use other plugins alongside it, you may need to disable it. To do this:

• Use the wc_google_analytics_send_pageview filter.
• Then set it to ‘false.’

Google Analytics 4

October 14, 2020, saw the introduction of Google Analytics 4 as the default type of website. Unfortunately, Google Analytics 4 and the Google Analytics Integration for WooCommerce plugin do not play well together. This is because it was built to function on the Universal Analytics (UA) system.

Fortunately, Google still allows the use of the Universal Analytics (UA) system. To access this, you will need to:

• Click 'Show Advanced Options' when creating a new property.

• Then turn on the 'Create a Universal Analytics property.'

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to get the most out of Google Analytics when using WooCommerce. Indeed, the information it provides can help you build a better and more profitable business.

However, if you are struggling with Google Analytics for WooCommerce integration, Bright Vessel can help. In fact, our experts understand just how important Google Analytics for WooCommerce is and how it can help you to provide the best experience for your customers and maximize sales.

We also understand that getting your metrics and tracking right when integrating Google Analytics and WA can be tricky. Contact us today to ensure your Google Analytics and WA integration is handled smoothly and effectively. Leaving you to focus on doing what you do best - running your eCommerce business!