Set up Google Analytics for Joomla - how it works

Google Analytics is a simple but efficient tracking tool for your Joomla website. We show you step by step how to set it up in this practical tip.

Google Analytics for Joomla - you need it

To be able to use Google Analytics, you first need a Google account. If you don't have one yet, you will find detailed instructions here.
Next, of course, you need a corresponding plugin for the Joomla website. There are different extensions to Google Analytics, like we chose "Advanced Google Analytics".

If you have loaded the correct version of the plugin onto your computer, log in to your website. In the backend, go to "Extensions -> Install" via the menu. Use "Browse ..." to select the zip file from your computer.
To activate the installed plugin, go to "Extensions -> Plugins", check the extension and click on "Activate".
In the next step click on the plugin to go to the settings. If you have set up Google Analytics in your Google account, you have received a tracking code there. Enter this in the "Google Analytics ID" field.
You have to enter your domain name without "www".
You can adjust the other settings on the left side according to your requirements. If you are not sure, you can set everything to "Yes" in order not to miss any tracking information. Only "Anonymize IP" must be set to "Yes", since in Germany the service may only be used with shortened IP addresses.
On the right side you also have to make a few settings. Set the status to "Release" and the access level to "Public". Under "Details" enter "0. System - Advanced Google Analytics" as the order.
Once you have made all the settings, you can return to the overview page with "Save". Finally, all you have to do is tick the plugin and click "Check in" once.

If you would like to create a guestbook for your Joomla website, you will find instructions in the next practical tip.