MIGRATING TO GOOGLE ANALYTICS 4: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Google Analytics and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) are both tools used for website and app analytics, but they have some key differences. GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics and is designed to provide more accurate data, better user privacy, and an improved user experience.

Advantages of GA4

• Cross-device tracking: GA4 can track users across multiple devices and platforms, giving you a more complete picture of user behavior.
• Event-based data model: GA4 uses an event-based data model instead of the session-based model used by Universal Analytics, making it easier to track specific user actions.
• Machine learning: GA4 uses machine learning to provide insights and predictions about user behavior.
• Privacy-centric: GA4 is designed with privacy in mind, with features like data deletion and consent mode.
• Better integration: GA4 integrates more seamlessly with other Google products like Google Ads and BigQuery.

The Deadline

Google announced that Universal Analytics stopped processing new hits on July 1, 2023, and Google Analytics 4 is the only option going forward. If you haven't migrated yet, your analytics data may have significant gaps.

How to Migrate to GA4

1. Create a GA4 property in your Google Analytics account alongside your existing Universal Analytics property.
2. Set up data streams for your website and/or app.
3. Install the GA4 tracking code on your website, or use Google Tag Manager for easier management.
4. Configure your events and conversions in GA4 to match what you were tracking in Universal Analytics.
5. Run both properties in parallel for a period to ensure data accuracy before fully switching over.

Important Note

GA4 is not backward-compatible with Universal Analytics, and data collected in GA4 cannot be imported into a Universal Analytics property. If you have important historical data in Universal Analytics, consider exporting it before the property becomes inaccessible.

If you need help migrating to GA4 or setting up your analytics properly, our team can handle the entire process for you — from creating the property to configuring custom events and ensuring your data is accurate from day one.