You should have a file called ‘header.php’ – insert the code in there, inside the <script> tags, just before the </head> tag.
You can use this plugin Google Analytics and add your UA no in plugin
Thread Starter
beakwi
(@beakwi)
Do I really need special plugin? It seems to be easier just to paste the code?
Do I really need special plugin?
It’s up to you really. I used to paste the code in all the time. But a year down the road I would switch themes, and forget.
Also, depending on the theme you are using, you would want to make a child theme rather than edit your theme directly. If the only thing you are changing is the analytics code, making a child theme might be a bit of a pain unless you plan to make further edits.
http://vudu.me/child has some info about child themes, and their importance, since you are just starting out
I just go with a plugin now. http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-analytics-for-wordpress/ is my favourite, as I trust the developer.
Also, depending on the theme you are using, you would want to make a child theme rather than edit your theme directly.
This is a good point – since I use a custom theme I always assume that others do to.
I don’t have a plugin for it, but I did add a metabox for it to the ‘Settings -> General’ page – I just find that it’s easier to keep track of it that way.
