Tracking and analyzing your site’s data is essential when running a successful website. This is where analytics and tracking plugins for WordPress come in. This article will review WordPress’s top 5 analytics and tracking plugins and provide step-by-step instructions on installing and setting them up.
Top 5 Analytics and Tracking Plugins for WordPress
Google Analytics Dashboard for WP by ExactMetrics
Google Analytics Dashboard for WP is a popular and easy-to-use plugin that connects your WordPress site to your Google Analytics account. This plugin lets you view your site’s analytics data directly from your WordPress dashboard. Key features of this plugin include real-time stats, page-level analytics, and event tracking.
MonsterInsights
MonsterInsights is a comprehensive analytics plugin that offers advanced tracking features, including e-commerce tracking and form tracking. It also provides detailed reports on your site’s performance and insights into user behavior. With over 2 million active installations, MonsterInsights is a top choice for WordPress users.
Analytify
Analytify is a user-friendly analytics plugin that offers both free and paid versions. This plugin provides a simple dashboard that displays your site’s key performance metrics, such as page views, bounce rate, and session duration. Analytify also includes social media tracking and campaign tracking features.
WP Statistics
WP Statistics is a lightweight and easy-to-use analytics plugin that offers basic tracking features, such as pageviews and visitor stats. This plugin also includes a geolocation feature showing where your site’s visitors are. With over 600,000 active installations, WP Statistics is a popular choice for WordPress users.
Jetpack
Jetpack is a multi-purpose plugin that offers many features, including analytics and tracking. This plugin provides site stats, including pageviews, referrers, top pages and posts, and more. Jetpack’s site stats also allow you to see which countries your visitors are coming from and which search terms they use to find your site. Jetpack also offers additional features such as security, backup, and social sharing, making it a great all-in-one solution for WordPress users.
To install Jetpack, follow these steps:
- Go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard and click on “Add New.”
- In the search bar, type “Jetpack” and click “Search Plugins.”
- Click the “Install Now” button next to Jetpack and wait for the plugin to install.
- Once the installation is complete, click “Activate Plugin” to activate Jetpack.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to connect Jetpack to your WordPress.com account or create a new one if you already have one.
- Once Jetpack is connected to your WordPress.com account, go to the Jetpack settings in your WordPress dashboard and enable the “Site Stats” feature.
With Jetpack’s site stats enabled, you can now view your site’s analytics data directly from your WordPress dashboard. Jetpack also provides additional features such as security and backup, making it a great all-in-one solution for WordPress users.
How to Choose Analytics and Tracking Plugins for WordPress
When choosing analytics and tracking plugins for WordPress, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Identify your tracking goals: What do you want to track on your site? Is it pageviews, traffic sources, user behavior, or e-commerce conversions? Make a list of your tracking goals before selecting a plugin.
- Consider the plugin’s features: Look for plugins that offer the features you need to achieve your tracking goals. For example, if you want to track e-commerce conversions, choose a plugin that supports e-commerce tracking.
- Check user reviews and ratings: Read user reviews and ratings to see how well the plugin performs. Look for plugins with high ratings and positive reviews.
- Check compatibility with your WordPress version: Make sure the plugin is compatible with your WordPress version. Check the plugin’s description page to see if it’s compatible with the latest version of WordPress.
- Check for support and updates: Choose a regularly updated plugin with good support. This will ensure that the plugin continues to work well and that you have access to help if you encounter any issues.
Considering these factors, you can select the analytics and tracking plugin that best meets your needs and helps you achieve your tracking goals.
How to Install and Set up Analytics and Tracking Plugins on WordPress
Step 1: Choose and Install a Plugin
First, choose an analytics and tracking plugin that meets your needs. There are many options available, including free and premium plugins. Once you’ve selected a plugin, install it by following these steps:
- Go to the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard and click on “Add New.”
- In the search bar, type the name of the plugin you want to install and click “Search Plugins.”
- Click the “Install Now” button next to the plugin you want to install and wait for the plugin to install.
- Once the installation is complete, click “Activate Plugin” to activate the plugin.
Step 2: Connect the Plugin to Your Google Analytics Account
Most analytics and tracking plugins require you to connect them to your Google Analytics account to track your site’s data. To connect your plugin to your Google Analytics account, follow these steps:
- Go to your Google Analytics account and create a new property for your website if you still need to do so.
- Once you’ve created a new property, go to the “Admin” section of your Google Analytics account and click on “Tracking Info” and then “Tracking Code.”
- Copy the tracking code that appears on the screen.
- Go to the settings page of your analytics and tracking plugin and paste the tracking code into the appropriate field.
- Save your settings.
Step 3: Configure Plugin Settings
Once you’ve connected your plugin to your Google Analytics account, you’ll need to configure the plugin’s settings to track the data you want. The settings will vary depending on the plugin you’re using, but here are some common settings to look for:
- Tracking code: Ensure the plugin is tracking your site correctly by checking that the tracking code is properly installed and working.
- Goals: Set up any goals you want to track, such as conversions, newsletter signups, or form submissions.
- Filters: Add filters to exclude data you don’t want to track, such as internal traffic or spam traffic.
- Events: Set up events to track user interactions, such as clicks on a button or video plays.
- E-commerce tracking: If you’re running an e-commerce site, set up e-commerce tracking to track your sales data.
Step 4: Analyze Your Site’s Data
Once your plugin is installed and configured, you can analyze your site’s data. You can view your site’s data directly from your WordPress dashboard or your Google Analytics account. Some common metrics to look at include:
- Traffic sources. See where your visitors are coming from, such as search engines, social media, or other websites.
- User behavior. Track how users interact with your site, such as pageviews, bounce rate, and time on site.
- Conversions. Monitor your site’s conversions, such as sales, form submissions, or newsletter signups.
- E-commerce data. If you’re running an e-commerce site, track your sales data, including revenue, transactions, and average order value.
By analyzing your site’s data, you can gain insights into your visitors’ behavior and make data-driven decisions to improve your site’s performance.
