Get Started with Google Analytics 4
The transition from Universal Google Analytics to Google Analytics 4 may seem daunting, but it’s pretty easy. Google Analytics has become one of the best website analytics tools out there, and it’s entirely free. It analyzes website traffic, and documents website visitors, and you can pretty much slice and dice the information any way you want.
Since Google is always changing, Google came out with a more enhanced version of its analytics platform: Google Analytics 4. GA 4 was launched in October 2020 and aims to help improve ROI in this ever-evolving digital world. Below is how we recommend you get started.
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Differences Between Universal and New
The way Google Analytics 4 collects data is a little different than the original platform. The universal analytics model uses a measurement model based on sessions and pageviews. Now, GA 4 uses a measurement model based on events and parameters. The intention behind this is now any interaction on your website can be captured as an event. As a result, GA 4 is more flexible and is focused more on the data of each user.
Another significant difference is the removal of monthly hit limits on events. Universal Google Analytics had a monthly limit of 10 hits, making it hard for users to capture the true reflection of their data. GA 4 however lets you capture 500 events, and has no limit of volume. It is a huge step up in data collection.
New Additions to Google Analytics 4
Improved Campaign Targeting
Google Analytics 4 incorporates AI for actionable insights. With this intelligence, it allows Google to give you personalized information regarding your data and alerts you when something needs attention. With these tracking metrics, you can create targeted campaigns to enhance return on investment.
Cross-Platform Tracking
Google Analytics 4 permits you to track website and app data in the same place. If a user views your brand from 2 different places (website and app) it will track it as 1 user. This leads to a more accurate representation of who is engaging with your brand. Additionally, you can track the results of your marketing efforts in one place with GA 4. This allows you to see the performance rate on each platform and evaluate which one needs more focus and which one is performing well.
Setting Up Your Data
Implementing GA 4 is pretty easy. The ability to upgrade Universal Google Analytics can be found in the admin section.. The upgrade will create a new property for tracking in GA 4. After you create the property, you need to connect your data to it. For a more in-depth look, see Google’s installation process which walks you through the entire thing.
Should You Switch to Google Analytics 4?
There are many important differences and benefits to GA 4 compared to its Universal counterpart. You must have a clear knowledge of both to capitalize on both platforms’ capabilities. Google Analytics 4 is the future of web analytics and gives you a higher chance of conversion with its advanced technology.
To read more about How Analytics Gets Used in Digital Marketing, check out How Analytics Gets Used in Digital Marketing article.
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