There are times when you want Google Analytics Tracking Code embedded manually within your WordPress header file, rather than relying on a plugin to do it for you.
Pros for adding code manually:
- You are in control
- One less plugin to load
- Faster website
Cons for adding code manually:
- You are responsible for maintaining your Theme code
- When you update your Theme, you may have to re-insert the code.
[DISCLAIMER] I do not accept any responsibility for any changes that you make to your Theme following my advice. You are responsible for your own actions!
Please, make a backup of your website before commencing!
On to the first lesson…
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PaulREvans57
Premium
Triblu
Premium
Hey Paul,
There is a reason that this is NOT really sound advice.
Reason is that once you add your Google tracking to the header.php file of your theme, the next time you update your theme... POOF!... your Google tracking will be gone... overwritten by the new header.php file that your theme will install for you.
So, using this technique... you would need to reinstall your Google tracking code EVERY time you update your theme.
There is a reason that this is NOT really sound advice.
Reason is that once you add your Google tracking to the header.php file of your theme, the next time you update your theme... POOF!... your Google tracking will be gone... overwritten by the new header.php file that your theme will install for you.
So, using this technique... you would need to reinstall your Google tracking code EVERY time you update your theme.
PaulREvans57
Premium
Hi Trish,
I did mention that in training.
I only advise it for those who want to do it. I am not recommending it.
For those techie types. It is a perfectly acceptable way to get around the problem of too many plugins.
I have done this myself in the past. I am sure I will do it again in the future.
1. Create a Child Theme,
2. Activate the child theme,
3. Implement the code to the child theme,
4. When an update to the parent theme arrives, check to see if the header.php has been amended,
5. Replace/modify header.php in the child.
I only recommend this for people who are comfortable in doing this back-end stuff.
I did mention that in training.
I only advise it for those who want to do it. I am not recommending it.
For those techie types. It is a perfectly acceptable way to get around the problem of too many plugins.
I have done this myself in the past. I am sure I will do it again in the future.
1. Create a Child Theme,
2. Activate the child theme,
3. Implement the code to the child theme,
4. When an update to the parent theme arrives, check to see if the header.php has been amended,
5. Replace/modify header.php in the child.
I only recommend this for people who are comfortable in doing this back-end stuff.
Triblu
Premium
Yes Paul... adding a child theme would be the only logical way around having to install your Google tracking code with each update of your theme.
PaulREvans57
Premium
I do appreciate your wisdom, Trish.
I recommend to anyone wanting to try this process to think hard about it.
The best solution is to stick with Kyle and Carson's choice, which is the All-In-One SEO plugin.
If you feel you must go down this manual analytics tracking process, then probably you have a bigger issue with your website.
I recommend to anyone wanting to try this process to think hard about it.
The best solution is to stick with Kyle and Carson's choice, which is the All-In-One SEO plugin.
If you feel you must go down this manual analytics tracking process, then probably you have a bigger issue with your website.
