Google Analytics can help you optimize your site, deliver a better experience to your readers, and improve website traffic. MonsterInsights is a powerful plugin that can help you quickly connect and authentic your account to provide data right inside your WordPress dashboard.
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the power of google analytics
If you’ve followed my free Launch Your Site in 30 Days guides, then you’ve already read about the power of Google Analytics. Once connected to your site, it provides information on your website traffic sources and user behavior on your website. If you decide to monetize your site, Google Analytics also integrates with Google Ads and Adsense. For a more detailed breakdown of everything Google Analytics can do, see this post.
If you don’t already have a Google Analytics account, you”ll need to create one. MonsterInsights has a complete guide to creating an analytics account and setting up Analytics in WordPress. Open this link in a new tab and then come back to finish installing MonsterInsights.
If you get stuck, I’m here to help!
the power of monsterinsights wordpress analytics dashboard
You can opt to install the Google Analytics tracking code in your theme’s header without MonsterInsights, but this can be a complicated process if you aren’t familiar with code. MonsterInsights literally does all the work for you without the danger of breaking your site.
Without the plugin, you also have to view your stats on Google Analytics instead of right inside your WordPress dashboard. I personally LOVE that I can see my insights up top every single time I log in to my WordPress site. I also find the MonsterInsights breakdown of stats more user-friendly; the Google Analytics dash can be overwhelming to sift through all the different reporting options.
how to add the wordpress analytics dashboard
First, go to Plugins/Add New. Then search for “MonsterInsights” to download and activate the “Google Analytics for WordPress by MonsterInsights” plugin. You can also choose to download the plugin directly from their website and upload it, but I personally find it easier to just search for it and install from my dash.
Once it’s activated, you’ll see an Insights menu added to your WordPress admin panel. Go to the Insights » Settings page from your dashboard and enter in your plugin license key.
Note: There are various pricing plans as well as a free option. MonsterInsights offers a 100% no-risk money back guarantee within 14 days.
You can also use MonsterInsights coupon code LITEUPGRADE to save 50% off the PRO plan right now. {Limited time offer}
Next, you need to connect your site with your Google Analytics account. You can start the process by clicking the Connect MonsterInsights button below the license activation field.
At this point, you’ll be redirected to your Google accounts page. If you have multiple Google accounts, be sure you log into the account you used for creating your Analytics account.
MonsterInsights needs to access your Analytics account, so click the Allow button.
Finally, select the profile for your site and confirm that you’re not a robot. Click the Complete Authentication button.
your wordpress analytics dashboard widget
After syncing, you’ll be redirected back to your WordPress dashboard. MonsterInsights adds two types of WordPress reporting dashboard widgets:
- MonsterInsights Dashboard Widget
- MonsterInsights Custom Dashboards
1. Viewing Your Site Stats in MonsterInsights’ Dashboard Widget
MonsterInsights’ Dashboard Widget shows your stats at a glance as soon as you log in. I love that I can check my stats every single time I log in to update content. You can choose to see 30 day stats or 7 day stats here.
The dashboard widget is customizable, but by default shows you an Overview report for your site. The overview report includes the following stats:
- Total sessions and page views for the last 7/30 days
- Average session duration
- Bounce rate for your site
- Top posts/pages on your site
- New vs. returning visitors report
- Device breakdown – proportion of users on desktop, tablet, and mobile
You can add tabs from the Publishers report and eCommerce report to the dashboard widget by clicking the settings icon within the widget.
2. Viewing Your Site Stats in MonsterInsights’ Custom Dashboards
To see all of your stats and not just an overview, you need to use custom dashboards. To view your custom reports, visit Insights » Reports from your WordPress admin sidebar.
First, you’ll see the Overview report that includes your site’s total pageviews, sessions, top 10 countries, top referrals, top posts/pages, etc.
There are five more tabs across the top of the report:
- Overview Report: Total sessions, pageviews, top countries, top posts/pages, bounce rate, etc.
- Publishers Report: Top landing pages, top exit pages, outbound links, affiliate links, download links, demographics, etc.
- eCommerce Report: Your WooCommerce or Easy Digital Downloads powered shop’s conversion rate, transactions, revenue, top products, total add to carts, etc.
- Search Console Report: Top 50 Google search terms for your site with the details of clicks, impressions, CTR, and average position.
- Custom Dimensions Report: You can track custom dimensions link top authors, top keywords, top categories, custom post types etc. with ease and view reports on this tab.
- Forms tracking report: Your WordPress forms’ full reports with counts of impressions, conversions, and conversion rate for each form.
why you should use monsterinsights for wordpress google analtyics
I have used Google Analytics for years, but can probably count on both hands how often I checked my stats. I love that MonsterInsights syncs right inside WordPresss so I can quickly review statistics and make better decisions instantly for my business growth. I personally keep a close eye on my page views and bounce rate, make adjustments, and then recheck my stats over time to make informed decisions about my site.
Don’t be afraid of your data– head over to MonsterInsights and get started today. Don’t wait!
as always, contact me if you need help. i’m here to help you grow your brand!
You can view many of my WordPress services here, or contact me for custom options.
