Google Analytics 4 is the latest version of Google’s web analytics platform, and it’s poised to make a big impact on how businesses approach data analysis and measurement. With new features and capabilities, GA4 promises to offer businesses more comprehensive insights into user behavior, website performance, and marketing effectiveness. But what do businesses need to do to prepare for this change? In this blog we cover the key questions around GA4 and give ou an insight as to how to transition as best possible.
First, it’s important to understand what’s different about GA4 compared to its predecessor, Universal Analytics. GA4 is designed to provide a more comprehensive view of user behavior across multiple devices and touchpoints, including mobile apps and web browsers. It also incorporates machine learning and predictive analytics to help businesses identify trends and opportunities more quickly and accurately.
What is Google Analytics 4?
Google Analytics 4, also known as GA4, is the latest version of Google’s web analytics platform, released in October 2020. It is a powerful tool that helps website and app owners to track and analyze user behavior, allowing them to make data-driven decisions and optimize their marketing campaigns.
One of the main advantages of GA4 is its ability to track user behavior across multiple devices and platforms, providing a more comprehensive view of customer interactions. It also offers advanced machine learning capabilities that enable marketers to gain deeper insights into customer behavior and predict future trends.
What are the difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics?
GA4 and Universal Analytics are two versions of Google’s web analytics platform, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics that are important for SEO:
However, it is important to note that Universal Analytics still has some features that are not yet available in GA4, and businesses may need to use both versions for a complete picture of their web analytics data.
- Data Collection: GA4 uses an event-based model for data collection, which allows for more flexible and customizable tracking of user interactions. In contrast, Universal Analytics relies on a hit-based model, which is less customizable and can result in incomplete data.
- User Tracking: GA4 tracks users using a more advanced cross-device tracking method, allowing for a more complete picture of the user journey. Universal Analytics tracks users based on unique identifiers, which can be less accurate if users switch devices or delete their cookies.
- Machine Learning: GA4 includes more advanced machine learning features, such as predictive metrics and automatic insights, which can help businesses make more informed decisions based on their data. Universal Analytics has limited machine learning capabilities.
- Reporting: GA4 offers a new set of reporting features, including a more user-friendly interface and more detailed data visualizations, making it easier to interpret and act on data insights.
However, it is important to note that Universal Analytics still has some features that are not yet available in GA4, and businesses may need to use both versions for a complete picture of their web analytics data.
When is Universal Analytics disappearing?
Google has announced that it will sunsetting Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023.
It’s important to note that while Universal Analytics is being phased out, businesses can continue to use it alongside GA4 to ensure a complete picture of their web analytics data. However, Google recommends that businesses transition to GA4 as soon as possible to take advantage of its advanced tracking, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
It’s important to note that while Universal Analytics is being phased out, businesses can continue to use it alongside GA4 to ensure a complete picture of their web analytics data. However, Google recommends that businesses transition to GA4 as soon as possible to take advantage of its advanced tracking, analysis, and reporting capabilities.
What steps should businesses take to prepare for GA4?
To prepare for GA4, businesses should take the following steps:
- Set up a new GA4 property:
GA4 operates differently from Universal Analytics, so it’s important to set up a new property specifically for GA4. This will ensure that your data is accurate and actionable. - Use both GA4 and Universal Analytics:
While GA4 offers many new features and capabilities, it’s still in its early stages of adoption. To ensure that you’re not missing any data or insights, it’s recommended that you use both GA4 and Universal Analytics in tandem for the time being. - Familiarize yourself with the new interface:
The GA4 interface is different from what you may be used to in Universal Analytics, so take some time to get familiar with it. This will help you navigate the platform more easily and take advantage of its new features. - Update your website and app tracking:
To take full advantage of GA4’s capabilities, you’ll need to update your website and app tracking codes. This will ensure that you’re capturing all the data you need to analyze user behavior across multiple devices and touchpoints. - Consider working with a Google Analytics expert:
If you’re not familiar with Google Analytics or need help navigating the new GA4 platform, consider working with a Google Analytics expert. They can help you set up and configure GA4, interpret your data, and provide actionable insights to help you improve your marketing and website performance.
Summary
In summary, Google Analytics 4 offers many new features and capabilities that businesses can use to gain a more comprehensive view of user behavior, website performance, and marketing effectiveness.
To prepare for this change, businesses should set up a new GA4 property, use both GA4 and Universal Analytics, familiarize themselves with the new interface, update their website and app tracking, and consider working with a Google Analytics expert. By taking these steps, businesses can make the most of GA4 and improve their overall digital performance.
To prepare for this change, businesses should set up a new GA4 property, use both GA4 and Universal Analytics, familiarize themselves with the new interface, update their website and app tracking, and consider working with a Google Analytics expert. By taking these steps, businesses can make the most of GA4 and improve their overall digital performance.
Need help with GA4?
Whether you’re struggling to move over to GA4 or don’t know where to look in the new interface, we can help. Get in touch either through our contact page or by emailing us at info@ctrlmarketing.co.uk.
