Universal Analytics

Understanding Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and its Benefits

You’ve probably heard of Google Analytics, but have you heard of its latest version, GA4? This new version of Google’s tracking system is a must-have for businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition. What makes it so different? Why should you switch to GA4 before Universal Analytics is switched off in July 2023? Let’s take a look.

GA4 vs. Universal Analytics

Google announced the end of Universal Analytics in October 2020, and since then, web developers have been scrambling to figure out what the change means for their sites. The main difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics is that GA4 focuses on machine learning and AI-driven data analysis. It collects more data than its predecessor, which allows it to provide more detailed insights into user behaviour and engagement metrics. Plus, it's much easier to set up and use than Universal Analytics.

The Benefits of GA4

One of the biggest benefits of using GA4 is that it allows businesses to better understand their customers' needs and preferences by analysing more types of data than ever before. This can help them tailor their marketing efforts more effectively, as well as personalise experiences for each customer based on their individual behaviour patterns. Additionally, because it offers advanced reporting features such as automated alerts when user behaviours change significantly or when key performance indicators (KPIs) fall short of expectations, businesses can take proactive steps rather than reacting after the fact. Finally, with all these features plus real-time analytics capabilities and integration with other platforms like Google Ads and BigQuery, there are endless possibilities for creating a comprehensive view into your customers' journeys - something not possible with Universal Analytics or any other analytics platform available today

How to Set Up GA4

Getting started with GA4 is easy - all you need to do is log into your existing Google account (or create one if you don't already have one). From there, follow the instructions provided on how to link your site or app's tracking code with your Google account in order to properly configure the platform for use with your website or app. Once that's done, you'll be able to access all the reporting tools available through Google Analytics 4 Property (GA4).

Act Today

Google Analytics 4 Property (GA4) is an incredibly powerful tool that can help businesses better track user behaviour and engagement metrics in order to better target their marketing efforts and personalise experiences for each customer. With features like advanced reporting capabilities and real-time analytics integrated into other platforms like BigQuery and Google Ads, switching over from Universal Analytics now will ensure that businesses are well prepared when support for UA ends in July 2023 – so make sure you get started soon! With a few simple steps anyone can set up GA4 on their site – so why wait? Start taking advantage of this powerful tool today!

Google Analytics GA4 v Google Universal Analytics

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google's popular analytics platform. It was released in October 2020 and is designed to replace Universal Analytics (UA), which was the previous version of Google's analytics platform.

GA4 is a significant upgrade from UA, with a number of new features and capabilities. Some of the key differences between GA4 and UA include:

  • New data model: GA4 uses a new data model that is designed to be more flexible and extensible. This allows GA4 to collect a wider range of data from different sources, including websites, apps, and offline events.

  • New measurement model: GA4 uses a new measurement model that is designed to be more accurate and reliable. This model uses machine learning to track user behavior across different channels and devices.

  • New reporting: GA4 has a new reporting interface that is designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive. This interface allows users to create custom reports and analyze data in new ways.

In addition to these key differences, GA4 also includes a number of other new features and capabilities, such as:

  • Predictive analytics: GA4 uses machine learning to predict future behavior, such as which users are most likely to churn or which products are most likely to be purchased.

  • Cross-channel measurement: GA4 can track user behavior across different channels and devices, such as websites, apps, and offline events.

  • Enhanced privacy: GA4 has a number of features that are designed to protect user privacy, such as the ability to delete data and the ability to restrict access to data.

Overall, GA4 is a significant upgrade from UA, with a number of new features and capabilities that make it a more powerful and flexible analytics platform. If you are using UA, it is recommended that you migrate to GA4 as soon as possible.

Here are some tips for migrating to GA4:

  1. Create a GA4 property and enable it for your website or app.

  2. Link your UA property to your GA4 property.

  3. Start collecting data in GA4.

  4. Use the GA4 reports and analysis tools to compare your UA and GA4 data.

  5. Migrate your UA audiences and settings to GA4.

Migrating to GA4 can be a complex process, but it is worth it to take advantage of the new features and capabilities that GA4 offers