Is your business ready to switch to Google Analytics 4 (GA4)? Google has announced an end-of-life date for Universal Analytics. With effect from July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will stop processing new hits. Google Analytics 4 that was launched on October 14th, 2020 and is the next-generation measurement solution by Google. Yes, it’s replacing Universal Analytics. It is currently available for use and can be integrated with your website or mobile app to start tracking user behavior and generating insights. Google is encouraging users to upgrade to GA4 and it’s recommended to start planning the migration as soon as possible.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google’s web and app analytics platform. It is designed to be more flexible and powerful than previous versions, and includes new features such as machine learning-powered insights, cross-device tracking, and built-in privacy controls. GA4 also uses a different data model than previous versions, which allows for more accurate tracking and better understanding of user behavior.

Why migrate to Google Analytics 4?

There are several reasons why you may want to migrate to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) from an earlier version:

1. Improved data model: GA4 uses a more flexible and powerful data model that allows for more accurate tracking and better understanding of user behavior.
2. Machine learning-powered insights: GA4 includes machine learning-powered insights that can help you identify important trends and patterns in your data.
3. Cross-device tracking: GA4 allows you to track users across devices and platforms, providing a more complete picture of their behavior.
4. Built-in privacy controls: GA4 includes built-in privacy controls that allow you to comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
5. Google Marketing Platform Integration: GA4 allows a seamless integration with other Google Marketing Platform tools like Google Tag Manager, Google Optimize, Google Ads, and more.
6. Enhanced Ecommerce: GA4 provides enhanced ecommerce tracking capabilities that allow you to track user behavior and conversions on your website more effectively.
7. Long-term support: GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics, and will continue to be updated and supported in the future, while older versions will eventually be phased out.

How to migrate to Google Analytics 4?

Here are the general steps to migrate to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) from an earlier version:

1. Create a new GA4 property: Log in to your Google Analytics account and create a new GA4 property for your website or mobile app.
2. Install the GA4 tracking code: Add the GA4 tracking code to your website or mobile app. This is done using the Global Site Tag (gtag.js) for website and Firebase SDK for mobile apps.
3. Import your historical data: Use the GA4 data import feature to import your historical data from your Universal Analytics property.
4. Verify your tracking code: Test your GA4 tracking code to make sure it is working correctly.
5. Configure GA4 events: Identify and configure the events you want to track in GA4. In GA4, events are used to track specific user actions on your website or mobile app.
6. Update your reporting views: Update your reporting views to include the new GA4 data.
7. Monitor and analyze your data: Use the GA4 interface to monitor and analyze your data.
8. Optional: Integrate with other Google Marketing Platform tools like Google Tag Manager, Google Optimize, Google Ads, and more.

It’s recommended to plan the migration well in advance and test everything before making the switch. It’s also important to note that after migrating to GA4, you will need to update your tracking code and any other integration you may have with your website or mobile apps. Also, some of the features and reports may not be available in GA4, so you may need to adjust your analysis and reporting accordingly.

IS GA4 good or bad?

It depends on what you are looking for in a web and app analytics platform. Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has several new features and improvements over previous versions, such as machine learning-powered insights, cross-device tracking, and built-in privacy controls. These can provide more accurate data and better understanding of user behavior. Additionally, it allows for seamless integration with other Google Marketing Platform tools which can be beneficial for businesses.

On the other hand, as with any new software, there may be some challenges and limitations with GA4, such as a different data model and reporting structure, which may require some time to adapt to. Some features and reports that were available in earlier versions may not be available in GA4.

Overall, GA4 is generally considered to be a good update by many experts, but it’s important to evaluate whether it fits your specific needs and to plan for the migration accordingly.

Conclusion:

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has received generally positive feedback from experts and users. Many people have praised its new features such as machine learning-powered insights, cross-device tracking, and built-in privacy controls, which provide more accurate data and better understanding of user behavior. Additionally, the integration with other Google Marketing Platform tools is seen as a big plus by many.

However, as with any new software, there may be some challenges and limitations with GA4, such as a different data model and reporting structure, which may require some time to adapt to. Some users have reported that certain features and reports that were available in earlier versions may not be available in GA4.

Overall, people seem to be generally excited about the potential of GA4 and the new insights and data it can provide, but it’s important to keep in mind that the migration to GA4 can take some time and effort, and it’s important to evaluate whether it fits your specific needs.