Are you aiming to harness the power of Google Analytics 4 for your Jekyll Minima-themed blog? Whether you’re concerned about security or just looking for a straightforward solution, this guide simplifies the process of integrating Google Analytics 4 with your Jekyll Minima theme. This is particularly beneficial for those utilizing a static site generator, as it requires minimal file modifications.

Google Analytics 4 offers advanced tracking and insights into your website’s traffic. By embedding a unique Tracking ID into your site, you unlock comprehensive data about your visitors’ interactions. This article serves as a step-by-step tutorial on how to seamlessly incorporate Google Analytics 4 into your Jekyll-powered blog.

Step 1: Create Your Google Analytics Account

Begin by setting up a Google Analytics account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up on the Google Analytics website. This step is crucial for accessing the analytics tools needed to monitor your site’s performance, and it’s the first step in integrating Jekyll Minima with Google Analytics.

Step 2: Obtain Your Google Analytics Tracking ID

After setting up your account, obtain your Google Analytics 4 Tracking ID. This identifier links your website to your Google Analytics account. For guidance on finding your Tracking ID, check out online resources or Google’s support documentation. This step is essential for using Jekyll Minima with Google Analytics.

Step 3: Update Your Jekyll Configuration

To integrate Google Analytics 4 into your Jekyll Minima theme, add the following lines to your _config.yml file:

# Google Analytics
google_analytics: G-XXXXXXXXXX

Replace G-XXXXXXXXXX with your actual Google Analytics Tracking ID. This is a pivotal step in ensuring accurate data reporting in Google Analytics for your Jekyll Minima site.

Step 4: Set the environment to production

If you are deploying your Jekyll site to GitHub Pages then you can skip this step as GitHub automatically sets the environment to production when the site is deployed. For other hosting providers, like e.g. Netlify or Vercel, you’ll need to specify the production environment in the build command, like this:

JEKYLL_ENV=production jekyll build

By following these steps, you can effortlessly integrate Google Analytics 4 into your Jekyll Minima theme. Not only does this provide valuable insights into your blog’s traffic and user engagement, but it also maintains the simplicity and security of your site. For more examples and information, you can refer to Jekyll Minima Google Analytics GitHub repositories and community examples. Begin exploring your website’s analytics today and make informed decisions to enhance your blog’s presence online.

Further Tutorials About Google Analytics Integration with Jekyll:

For further insights and alternative methods in integrating Google Analytics into your Jekyll site, check out these tutorials:

  1. Adding Google Analytics to a Jekyll Blog by Michael Lee.

  2. How to Add Google Analytics to a Jekyll Blog at Desired Persona.

  3. Add Google Analytics to Jekyll Minima Theme Simplified by Cuda Chen.