Yes, it is possible to add Google Tag (such as Google Analytics or Google Ads tracking) on the free version of WordPress, but there are some limitations compared to the paid plans. Here are a few methods to accomplish this:
Using the WordPress Customizer: You can add custom scripts to your website by navigating to the “Customize” section of your WordPress site. Some themes provide a place for additional code, such as header scripts. Check if your theme supports this option.
Using the WordPress Plugin: While the free version of WordPress (WordPress.com) has restrictions on installing plugins, if you’re using WordPress.org (self-hosted), you can simply install a plugin like “Insert Headers and Footers” or “Google Site Kit”. With these, you can easily add your Google Tag code snippets directly into the header or footer of your site.
Using the HTML block: If you have access to the HTML block in the block editor, you can manually add your Google Tag code to the footer or header section if your theme supports it.
Keep in mind that if you are exclusively on WordPress.com, your options are more limited than on WordPress.org, where you have full control over plugins and code integration. If you need advanced tracking capabilities, upgrading to a paid WordPress plan might be necessary.
One response to “Adding Google Tags to the Free WordPress Version”
Thank you for sharing this helpful guide on adding Google Tags to the free version of WordPress! It’s great to see practical solutions for users navigating the limitations of WordPress.com. I want to emphasize that while adding tracking codes is essential for monitoring site performance and user engagement, it’s equally important to ensure those codes are correctly implemented and optimized.
For those using the HTML block, I’d recommend double-checking that the tags are placed in the correct order and that they do not conflict with other scripts, which can sometimes happen. Additionally, consider using Google Tag Manager if you’re on a self-hosted WordPress.org site. It offers a more flexible way to manage multiple tags without having to modify your site’s code every time you want to add or update a tag.
Lastly, if you’re thinking about upgrading your WordPress plan, it might also be worth exploring the analytics tools available to premium users. They can often provide deeper insights and enhanced functionalities right out of the box. Keep up the great work in guiding users through the complexities of web development!