06 Jun Google Analytics 4- What You Need to Know

Google Analytics 4 is the latest measurement tool to measure website traffic and other analytics. Set to roll out on July 1^st, 2023, GA4 will replace the current Universal Analytics system.  

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

  With GA4 offering next-level measurement tools, Google will cease to process any data that is connected to the old Universal Analytics processing system.   Though Google automatically will create a GA4 property for you unless you opt out, we recommend you do it manually to make sure your previous configurations are set to your preference, and that you will be able to export any data from the former system. You will be able to access your previous data for at least 6 months after July 1^st.   If your Google Ads account is connected to your Universal Analytics property, the data will also stop collecting after July 1^st. Make sure your Ads account is migrated to a GA4 property before the transition date.  

WHAT IS GOOGLE ANALYTICS 4

  The following are just some of the updated benefits that GA4 will unlock:    

Event-based Tracking: In previous versions of Google Analytics, data was primarily organized around sessions and pageviews. GA4 shifts this paradigm to an event-based model, which allows for more granular and flexible tracking of user interactions.

 

Unified App and Web Tracking: As the former name “App + Web” implies, one of the major changes in GA4 is the unification of website and app tracking within a single property. This allows for more integrated tracking of user behavior across different platforms.

 

Machine Learning at its Core: GA4 makes increased use of Google’s machine learning capabilities to automatically surface insights and predict future actions that customers may take.

 

Advanced Analysis Techniques: GA4 includes new analysis options, such as path analysis and funnel analysis, which were previously only available in Google Analytics 360, the premium version of Google Analytics.

 

Codeless Event Tracking: With GA4, you can create certain types of events directly in the Google Analytics interface without having to add extra code to your website or app.

 

Privacy-centric: In light of the increasing concerns and regulations around user privacy, GA4 has a stronger focus on privacy and gives businesses the tools they need to be compliant with data regulations. It also includes options for tracking user behavior when cookies are not available.

 

New Metrics: Gather in-depth data on engagement such as engaged sessions, engagement time and engagement rates as well as predictive metrics to give you a look at potential behaviors based on past data

 

MAKE THE CHANGE

  To access everything things Google Analytics 4 has to offer, make sure your properties are set up properly so your transition into GA4 can be seamless. Refer to Googles instructions on how to get your property set up, so you can gain next-level insights for your website and apps.  

Why Not Let Google Migrate?

Google gives you the option to have them automatically upgrade your Universal Analytics profile to a GA4 profile. The major downsides to this are that this will allow Google to change and update your settings and linked profiles based on what their algorithms deem correct.  

What Do We Do Differently?

When our team at Social Spice migrates your profile to GA4, we follow 12 key steps that maximize your analytics results. Of the twelve steps the ones that are most important for human control are:  

• Turning on Google Signals.
• Setting up Conversions.
• Defining Audiences.
• Managing Users.
• Linking to Google Ads.
• Bidding to GA4 conversions.
• Targeting ads to GA4 audiences.

  Most of these steps have direct interaction with your prospective clients, something that could prove detrimental when trusted to an algorithm.   If you would like more information about the Google Analytics transfer process, please reach out to Scott at (805) 250-1610 or fill out our contact form today.