The correct setup of your Google Analytics account and the management of the users are essential for any successful digital strategy. When you master the basics, you can gain valuable insights into user behavior and optimize your marketing efforts strategically. In this guide, I will walk you step by step through the process of account creation and user management in Google Analytics.
Key Insights
- The account structure in Google Analytics consists of accounts and properties.
- You can add new users and define their permissions.
- Data retention allows you to store data for up to 14 months.
Step 1: Accessing the Management
To start the setup, you need to log into your Google Analytics account. Make sure you have selected the correct account and not the demo account. Then go to the left panel and click on "Administration".

Step 2: Understanding Accounts and Properties
In the administration, you will see the structure of your account. Each account can contain multiple properties that allow you to track different websites or apps. If you want to add an additional property, you can do so here.

Step 3: Adjusting Account and Property Settings
In the account settings, you can set basic information such as account name and country. These details are crucial for correctly identifying your data. Previously, it was required to accept additional data processing information, but this step is no longer necessary for Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4.

Step 4: User Management
The next step is user management. When sharing access with others, you can grant different permissions. An important point to note is that if you give someone full access to the entire account, that person also has the right to make changes to all properties of the account.
Step 5: Defining User Rights
If you want to add a new user, click on the add button and enter the user's email address. Then you can define the permissions. There are four main types of permissions you can choose from:
- Read and Analyze: The user can only view existing data.
- Collaborate: The user can create and edit content but not delete it.
- Edit: The user can create and adjust data views and take further actions, but cannot manage users.
It is important not to grant more permissions than necessary to ensure the security of the account.

Step 6: Setting Data Retention
Another essential aspect is data retention. Under properties, you can set the duration of data retention. By default, the settings are configured for a retention period of 2 months. In Google Analytics 4, you can extend this period to a maximum of 14 months, which is recommended to store valuable historical data.

Step 7: Conclusion and Notes
You have now successfully set up your Google Analytics account and completed user management. Remember to regularly review and adjust user permissions and data settings to ensure the security and accuracy of your data.
Summary – How to set up and efficiently manage your Google Analytics account
Efficiently managing and correctly setting up your Google Analytics account is crucial for measuring the success of your digital marketing strategies. This guide provides you with all the necessary steps to configure your account successfully and securely manage users.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many properties can I create in a Google Analytics account?There is no set limit to the number of properties you can create in one account.
Can I grant a user access to a specific property only?Yes, you can restrict permissions specifically to one property.
What happens if I remove a user with full rights?The user will no longer have access to the account or its associated properties.
How long are the collected data stored?In Google Analytics 4, you can store the data for up to 14 months.