Rick Hellewell

<p>Google Analytics (GA) allows you to see what your visitors are doing on your site. The common installation is to run some JavaScript code in the client’s browser that reports back to GA. The problem with that is many ad-blockers will block that client-side (browser) action, resulting in incomplete GA data.</p>
<p>The Server Side Analytics plugin does all the work on your server. So GA is used on all site visits – even visitors using ad blocking. That gives you more accurate GA data.</p>
<p>Your site visitor’s IP address is anonymized (the last ‘octet’ is removed), so only the visitor’s city is known. The plugin only uses the client-side WordPress session ID, so complies with basic GDPR privacy, as long as your site has an acknowledged cookie policy. There is nothing additionally stored on the client side, so visitor privacy for this plugin and the generated analytics is assured.</p>
<p>All you need is a GA account – start here: https://www.google.com/analytics/ . Note that you will need to set up a “UA” type account. Help starts here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9306384?hl=en   Make sure you set up a “Universal Analytics” account – which will result in a UA-xxxxxxx-1 value to use in the plugin.</p>
<p>If you use Google Analytics, then you should be aware of their privacy policy, which could apply to your use of GA; see it here https://www.google.com/analytics/terms/us.html . You may also need a cookie policy and acknowledgement displayed on your site.</p>
<p>We suggest that you consult with your legal advisor for specific methods and messages needed for GDPR compliance on your site. We provide no warranty or guarantee of GDPR compliance. We are not providing any legal advice. We are not responsible in any way for your use of our suggested GDPR solution. Your mileage may vary. Objects in mirror are closer than you expect. All aspirin is alike. Professional driver on a closed course.  Your mileage may vary.</p>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
<p>This plugin does not save any personal information on your server. It will store cookies on your visitor’s browsers. If you have enabled Google Analytics, it will also store a randomly-generated ID value as a cookie; there is no personal information associated with that cookie. The plugin does not share information with others.</p>


CellarWeb Server Side Analytics

Allows using Google Analytics via server-side request. Many ad blockers block client-side Google Analytics, resulting in incomplete values.

Jeff Starr

<blockquote>
<p>✨ Connects Google Analytics to WordPress<br />
  ✨ Easily add Google Analytics 4 to your web pages</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This plugin enables Google Analytics for your entire WordPress site. Lightweight and fast with plenty of great features.</p>
<h3>🔥 Enable Google Analytics 4</h3>
<p>Steps to enable Google Analytics 4:</p>
<ol>
<li>Follow <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9304153" rel="nofollow ugc">this guide</a> to create a GA4 account</li>
<li>During account creation, you’ll get a tracking (measurement) ID</li>
<li>Add your new tracking ID to the plugin setting, “GA Tracking ID”</li>
<li>Select “GA4” for the plugin setting, “Tracking Method”</li>
</ol>
<p>Save changes and done. Wait 24-48 hours before viewing collected data in your GA account.</p>
<h3>🔥 GA Tracking Options</h3>
<p>Here are the tracking methods available with this plugin:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/10089681" rel="nofollow ugc">GA4</a> / Google Analytics 4 (default)</li>
<li><a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/11583528" rel="nofollow ugc">Universal Analytics</a> (deprecated)</li>
<li>Legacy Tracking (deprecated)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> GA4 is recommended. Google has deprecated/disabled all other tracking options.</p>
<h3>🔥 GA Feature Support</h3>
<ul>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/9304153" rel="nofollow ugc">Google Analytics 4</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2444872" rel="nofollow ugc">Display Advertising</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/7377126" rel="nofollow ugc">Enhanced Link Attribution</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/2763052" rel="nofollow ugc">IP Anonymization</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6385009" rel="nofollow ugc">Force SSL</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/12979939" rel="nofollow ugc">Google Optimize</a></li>
<li>Supports <a href="https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/14275483" rel="nofollow ugc">Consent Signals</a></li>
<li>Supports Tracker Objects (Universal Analytics)</li>
<li>Supports User Opt-Out (Universal Analytics)</li>
</ul>
<p>Also supports tracking links and conversions via the Custom Code setting. Learn more about <a href="https://www.google.com/analytics/" rel="nofollow ugc">Google Analytics</a>.</p>
<h3>🔥 General Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Blazing fast performance</li>
<li>Does one thing and does it well</li>
<li>Drop-dead simple and easy to use</li>
<li>Regularly updated and “future proof”</li>
<li>Stays current with the latest tracking code</li>
<li>Includes tracking code in header or footer</li>
<li>Includes tracking code on all WordPress web pages</li>
<li>Includes option to add your own custom markup</li>
<li>Sleek plugin Settings page with toggling panels</li>
<li>Option to disable tracking of admin-level users</li>
<li>Option to enable page tracking in the Admin Area</li>
<li>Works with or without Gutenberg Block Editor</li>
<li>Easy to customize the tracking code</li>
<li>More features available in the <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Pro version »</a></li>
</ul>
<p>This is a lightweight plugin that inserts the required GA tracking code. To view your site statistics, visit your Google Analytics account.</p>
<h3>🔥 Pro Version</h3>
<p><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">GA Google Analytics Pro</a> includes the same features as the free version, PLUS the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Visitor Opt-Out Box (frontend UI)</li>
<li>Configure multiple tracking codes</li>
<li>Live Preview of all tracking codes</li>
<li>Choose location of multiple tracking codes</li>
<li>Supports Custom Code in header or footer</li>
<li>Disable tracking of all logged-in users</li>
<li>Disable Tracking for any Post IDs, User Roles, Post Types</li>
<li>Disable Tracking for Search Results and Post Archives</li>
<li>Display Opt-Out Box automatically or via shortcode</li>
<li>Complete Inline Help/Documentation</li>
<li>Priority plugin help and support</li>
</ul>
<p>🚀 Learn more and get <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">GA Pro »</a></p>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
<p><strong>User Data:</strong> This plugin does not collect any user data. Even so, the tracking code added by this plugin is used by Google to collect all sorts of user data. You can learn more about Google Privacy <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy" rel="nofollow ugc">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Cookies:</strong> This plugin uses simple cookies for the visitor Opt-Out Box to remember user preference for opt-in or out of Google Analytics.</p>
<p><strong>Services:</strong> This plugin does not connect to any third-party locations or services, but it does enable Google to collect all sorts of data.</p>
<p>GA Google Analytics is developed and maintained by <a href="https://x.com/perishable" rel="nofollow ugc">Jeff Starr</a>, 15-year <a href="https://plugin-planet.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress developer</a> and <a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">book author</a>.</p>
<h3>Support development</h3>
<p>I develop and maintain this free plugin with love for the WordPress community. To show support, you can <a href="https://monzillamedia.com/donate.html" rel="nofollow ugc">make a donation</a> or purchase one of my books:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">The Tao of WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://digwp.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Digging into WordPress</a></li>
<li><a href="https://htaccessbook.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">.htaccess made easy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wp-tao.com/wordpress-themes-book/" rel="nofollow ugc">WordPress Themes In Depth</a></li>
<li><a href="https://books.perishablepress.com/downloads/wizards-collection-sql-recipes-wordpress/" rel="nofollow ugc">Wizard’s SQL Recipes for WordPress</a></li>
</ul>
<p>And/or purchase one of my premium WordPress plugins:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/bbq-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">BBQ Pro</a> – Blazing fast WordPress firewall</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/blackhole-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Blackhole Pro</a> – Automatically block bad bots</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/banhammer-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Banhammer Pro</a> – Monitor traffic and ban the bad guys</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/ga-google-analytics-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">GA Google Analytics Pro</a> – Connect WordPress to Google Analytics</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/head-meta-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Head Meta Pro</a> – Ultimate Meta Tags for WordPress</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/rest-pro-tools/" rel="nofollow ugc">REST Pro Tools</a> – Awesome tools for managing the WP REST API</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/simple-ajax-chat-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">Simple Ajax Chat Pro</a> – Unlimited chat rooms</li>
<li><a href="https://plugin-planet.com/usp-pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">USP Pro</a> – Unlimited front-end forms</li>
</ul>
<p>Links, tweets and likes also appreciated. Thank you! 🙂</p>


GA Google Analytics – Connect Google Analytics to WordPress

Adds Google Analytics tracking code to your WordPress site. Supports many tracking features.

CellarWeb Server Side Analytics vs GA Google Analytics – Connect Google Analytics to WordPress