Installing your First Plugin: Google Analytics by Yoast

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Installing your First Plugin: Google Analytics by Yoast

Now that you have installed your theme onto your site it is time to start downloading the right plugins to get your website set up. The first plugin that you are going to want to install is Google Analytics by Yoast. The reason for this is because you want to track everyone that comes to your website, so the best time to do that is before you send anyone to your site.

To download any plugin:

Download the .zip file
Go into your WordPress Admin, find Plugins on the sidebar, and click “Add New”
At the top press the “Upload Plugin” button
Choose the .zip file from wherever it was saved on your computer and click “Install Now”
After it is installed makes sure to activate it.
Your Plugin is now ready to be used.

To set up Google Analytics with Yoast you must first set up a Google Analytics account, you can use your Gmail account and then after giving Google a few pieces of information you will be set up and ready to go.

Now you need to connect your Analytics account with your website. Go into “Installed Plugins” in the Plugins menu on the sidebar. Find Google Analytics for Yoast (it shouldn’t be too hard since it is the first thing you installed) (NOTE: It is possible that theme you chose also downloaded some plugins so don’t be scared if there are other things on this list.)

Under the name of the plugin click “Settings” and you will be taken to the settings of the plugin. In the box on top click “Authenticate your google account” allow permissions and select the correct website from the dropdown menu.

Now, decide if you want to track outbound clicks (this is a great idea if you are planning to work with other companies and you want to track how many clicks you send them), if you want to track anonymous data (no reason why not to do that), ignore users (there is no reason for it to track your use of your website so I would select Administrator, and if you have several authors I would select Authors as well.)

Now save changes and your Google Analytics should be all set up!

You downloaded your first plugin, activated it, and set it up, you rock!

I hope to make tips on Google Analytics some time in the future, if that topic interests you, tell me so that I will write about it.