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Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Facts and Features 

 

Google Analytics 4 GA4 Facts and Features

We all know that change is as good as a holiday. But when that change happens to be moving from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics  4 (GA4), you might be pulling your hair out at the thought. That does not however have to be the case. 

In case you missed the memo, Universal analytics will no longer collect data from 1 July 2023. Don’t fret too much. GA4 is actually a better platform with some great new features and AI to help you truly understand what visitors are doing on your site. And, the cherry on top, you can start collecting data for Google Analytics 4 now. 

In fact, it is vital that you start collecting data sooner rather than later. While GA4 can do a lot, it cannot retrospectively collect data. It is recommended that you run both UA and GA4 concurrently for the next while to ensure that you are set up for when the switchover takes place. 

Why You Should Upgrade to GA4 ASAP

All previous versions of Google Analytics and Universal Analytics can be upgraded to GA4. However, it is essential to understand that it is better to upgrade now. GA4 cannot retrospectively track website and app data. This means that is better to have both running simultaneously. 

By having both Google Analytics 4 and UA running concurrently, you are able to learn how GA4 works, and ensure you don’t lose or miss any data. 

While Google Analytics 4 is the default for data tracking and analytics, it does not yet have all the functions they hope to achieve. So starting now will allow you to grow with the tool. 

The Best New Features of GA4 over UA

Google Analytics 4 Combines Website and App data

Unlike previous versions of Google Analytics, GA4 allows you to incorporate data from both websites and apps. This is great because in the past you weren’t able to combine this data previously. 

Rather than having to run two separate GA properties, Google Analytics 4 simplifies the analytics process. 

GA4 Tracks Unique Users for Reporting

Google Analytics 4 offers much-improved reporting. You are able to track and gain insight into unique users across your website/app and understand their behaviours in more detail. 

GA4 Allows for Advanced Analysis 

Additionally, you can also use advanced reports called ‘Explorations’. These can help you do an advanced analysis of what is happening on your site/app. 

Google Analytics 4 Puts an End to Data Limitations

When you move over to Google Analytics 4 you do not need to worry about the amount of data you can send. There are no limitations to the amount of data you can use on Google Analytics 4 and which is a huge benefit to a lot of businesses. 

However, there are some limitations, particularly with regard to the number of events you can track. 

Google Analytics 4 has Automatic Event Tracking for Certain Events

While you may not be able to track an unlimited number of events, Google has incorporated automatic tracking for certain events in GA4. The great part about this is that it can be done without any additional coding or tags required.

GA4 Allows for Cross-Platform Insights

Google Analytics 4 also offers great cross-platform insights. This allows users to gain insight into where their customers are spending time and which platforms are working best for the business. It also gives business owners an insight into where their marketing is working and where it could use improvement. 

 

Conclusion

GA4 is a useful and powerful analytics tool for your business. It has many new features and tools that can help you gain insight into what is working for your business across a variety of platforms. It is imperative that you start migrating to Google Analytics 4 now as it does not track retrospectively. This means that if you leave it to the last moment, you will be short on data and historical data to refer back to.