I'm having trouble setting up Google Analytics in Webflow. I followed the instructions and used the measurement stream ID, but it's not working. Can you help me troubleshoot?
TL;DR
- Ensure you're using a GA4 Measurement ID (format: G-XXXXXXXXXX) and not a Universal Analytics Tracking ID.
- Manually add the GA4 global site tag to Webflow's Project Settings > Custom Code > Head section, then save and republish your site.
- Use tools like Google Tag Assistant or GA4 DebugView to verify the tag is firing correctly.
You're trying to set up Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in Webflow using a measurement ID, but the tracking isn't working. This is a common issue when the GA4 snippet isn't properly implemented.
1. Confirm You’re Using GA4, Not Universal Analytics
- GA4 uses Measurement ID (format: G-XXXXXXXXXX), whereas Universal Analytics uses Tracking ID (format: UA-XXXXXX-Y).
- Ensure that your ID begins with “G-” since you're setting up GA4.
2. Double-Check the Webflow Integration Method
Webflow's native Google Analytics settings are designed for Universal Analytics. For GA4:
- Do not rely on Webflow's built-in Google Analytics field under Project Settings > Integrations if you're using GA4.
- Instead, use the manual embed code method to install GA4.
3. Insert GA4 Tracking Snippet Manually
- Get your GA4 global site tag from Google Analytics > Admin > Data Streams > Web > Tagging Instructions > Global site tag (gtag.js).
- In Webflow, go to Project Settings > Custom Code, then paste the entire snippet into the Head Code section.
- Example snippet will look like:
<script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XXXXXXXXXX"></script>- Then a second
<script>withgtag('js', ...)andgtag('config', 'G-XXXXXXXXXX').
4. Republish Your Webflow Site
- After adding the tracking code, click "Save Changes", then republish your site.
- Publishing triggers the custom code to be included in the live site.
5. Test Installation with Google Tag Assistant or DebugView
- Use Tag Assistant (Google’s Chrome Extension) to check if GA4 tags are firing properly.
- Within GA4, use Realtime or DebugView to verify that tracking events are being received.
6. Make Sure You’re Not Logged-In or Blocking Tracking
- Some ad blockers, browser extensions, or privacy modes can block Google Analytics.
- Try testing in a private/incognito window with extensions disabled.
7. Watch for Delay in GA4 Reports
- GA4 does not always display data immediately. Realtime reports should show hits within minutes, but some events can take longer.
Summary
Webflow’s native analytics field does not support GA4 measurement IDs, so you'll need to manually paste the global site tag into the Head section under Project Settings > Custom Code, then republish your site. Use tools like Tag Assistant or GA4 DebugView to confirm it’s working.