Make the Switch to Google Analytics 4, What You Need to Know?

Beginning in March 2023, in order to continue tracking data on your website, you should migrate your settings to a Google Analytics 4 property before July 1, 2023. If you do not, the settings will be automatically transferred to an existing GA4 property, using the same tags. Not all UA configurations have an obvious GA4 counterpart, and the automated process might not make the same choices as you would.

What is Google Analytics 4?

Google has released a new version of Google Analytics called "Google Analytics 4" which is the next generation of the platform. Google Analytics 4 has been designed to provide more insights into user behavior and provide more advanced tracking capabilities.

How is Google Analytics 4 different from Google Analytics Universal?

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a new version of Google Analytics that was released in 2020. Here are some of the key differences between GA4 and Google Analytics Universal:

1. Event-based tracking: GA4 uses event-based tracking, which means that it focuses on tracking user interactions on a website or app rather than pageviews. This allows for more comprehensive tracking of user behavior across multiple platforms and devices.
2. Smarter insights: GA4 provides more advanced insights into user behavior, including predictive metrics that use machine learning to help you understand what actions are likely to lead to conversions.
3. Cross-device tracking: GA4 includes better cross-device tracking capabilities, allowing you to track user behavior across multiple devices, such as when a user switches from a mobile device to a desktop computer.
4. Privacy-focused: GA4 is designed to provide more privacy than Google Analytics Universal, with features such as automatic data deletion after a certain period of time.
5. User-centric reporting: GA4's reporting is focused on the user rather than the session, which provides a more holistic view of user behavior and allows for more accurate tracking of user interactions.

Overall, GA4 is a more advanced and comprehensive version of the Google Analytics tool that provides deeper insights into user behavior and allows for better tracking across multiple platforms and devices. 

Don’t Wait on Google Analytics 4

The new version of Google Analytics will take some time to get used to.  The Home page is designed differently from the old version.  You’ll see new panels titled “Recently accessed” and “Suggested for you”. 

You’ll only see three sections on the left side.  These sections include Reports, Explore, and Advertising. Each option has additional tabs of information with features.  For example, Explorations provides templates for funnels, path analysis of the user journey, and segmentation overlap. 

How to Transition from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4

If you want to transition from the Google Analytics Universal property to Google Analytics 4, here are the steps to follow:

Create a new Google Analytics 4 property: First, create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. You can do this by clicking on the "Admin" tab in your Google Analytics account and selecting "Create Property" from the dropdown menu.

Install the GA4 tracking code: Once you have created your new GA4 property, install the GA4 tracking code on your website or app. You can find the tracking code in the "Data Streams" section of your GA4 property. Follow the instructions provided to install the code on your website or app.

Configure data streams: Once you have installed the GA4 tracking code, you will need to configure your data streams. This involves setting up tracking for specific events and user interactions on your website or app. You can do this in the "Data Streams" section of your GA4 property.

Set up conversion tracking: If you have conversion goals set up in your Google Analytics Universal property, you will need to set them up again in your GA4 property. You can do this in the "Goals" section of your GA4 property.

Review and analyze data: Once you have set up your GA4 property and tracking code, you can start collecting data and reviewing it in the GA4 reporting interface. Take some time to become familiar with the new reporting features and metrics in GA4, and use them to gain insights into your website or app performance.

Migrate historical data: If you want to migrate historical data from your Google Analytics Google advises that you take the time to move your Universal Analytics settings over to GA4 yourself instead of relying on the automated process, as it may not make the same choices that you would. If you do nothing, however, a new GA4 property will be created for you and your UA configurations will be transferred to it. Universal property to your GA4 property, you can use the Google Analytics Data Import feature. This allows you to import data such as custom dimensions, metrics, and segments from your Universal property to your GA4 property.

It's important to note that Google Analytics Universal and Google Analytics 4 are separate platforms, so you can continue to use your Universal property while you set up your GA4 property and become familiar with the new features. However, it is recommended that you start transitioning to GA4 as soon as possible to take advantage of the new features and capabilities it provides.

Start tracking across platforms and get started with GA4 data collection.  If you need help switching to Google Analytics 4, don’t hesitate to contact our digital marketing team.