Migrating from Google Universal Analytics to GA4: Key Differences
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2024 5:13 am
Hello! As you know, Google has now made the transition from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) mandatory. If you are still using UA and are thinking about learning about GA4, you are in the right place. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about the GA4 migration process and the main differences between the two analytics tools. If you are ready, let's get started!
What is GA4 and Why is it Important?
GA4 is Google’s next-generation analytics tool. Designed to replace Universal Analytics, it offers greater data control and flexibility. GA4 combines both web and mobile app data into a single platform, allowing you indonesia mobile phone numbers database to analyze user journeys more comprehensively. Google has also made the transition to GA4 mandatory by 2023 , so it’s inevitable that you’ll make the switch.
Key Benefits
Comprehensive Data Tracking: GA4 aggregates both web and mobile app data into a single property.
Advanced Analysis Features: Provides AI-powered analysis and predictions.
User-Centric Monitoring: Performs user-centric monitoring instead of session-based monitoring.
Privacy and Security: Advanced privacy controls and data retention policies.
Key Differences Between Universal Analytics and GA4
1. Data Model
Universal Analytics: It has a data model based on sessions and page views.
GA4: Has an event-based data model. This means that each user interaction (e.g. page view, click, video play) is recorded as an event.
2. Reporting and Analysis
Universal Analytics: Provides fixed reports and limited customization options.
GA4: Allows users to create their own custom reports and offers more flexible analysis over predefined reports.
3. User Tracking
Universal Analytics: Uses session-based tracking. This tracks users’ behavior on a per-session basis.
GA4: Uses user-centric tracking. This tracks a user’s interactions across all devices and platforms.
4. Incident Tracking
Universal Analytics: Requires custom setups and tags for event tracking.
GA4: Event tracking is more flexible and predefined events are ready to use. You can also define events manually.
5. Analysis and Forecasting
Universal Analytics: Provides basic analytics tools.
GA4: Provides AI-powered analytics and forecasting tools that can help you predict future user behavior.
Steps to Migrate to GA4
Account and Property Creation: First, you need to create the GA4 property. This can run parallel to your existing UA property.
Tagging and Event Tracking: Update your tags and events to align with GA4's event-based model.
Data Migration: You do not need to migrate your existing data to GA4 because GA4 uses new data collection methods. However, you can use the old data as a reference.
Reporting and Analysis: Explore GA4's flexible reporting tools and customize them to suit your needs.
Test and Optimize: Don’t forget to continuously test and optimize during the migration process. Try out new features and improve your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
via GIPHY
1. Should I switch to GA4?
Yes, it has become mandatory for you to migrate to Google Analytics 4. Therefore, starting the migration process as soon as possible will be beneficial for your future analytics needs.
2. Is GA4 completely different from Universal Analytics?
Yes, GA4 offers a different data model and analysis approach, but the underlying analysis principles are similar so switching shouldn’t be difficult.
3. How do I import my existing data into GA4?
GA4 does not automatically transfer your existing data. However, you can use your UA data as a reference and collect new data in GA4.
4. What reports should I use in GA4?
With GA4's flexible reporting tools, you can create customized reports according to your needs. You can create reports such as user interactions, conversion rates and predictive analysis.
5. How can I learn GA4?
You can learn about GA4 using the GA4 training materials and online courses provided by Google. You can also get support from the Google Analytics community.
Conclusion
The transition from Universal Analytics to GA4 may seem a bit overwhelming at first. However, this new tool will help you manage your digital marketing strategies more effectively with its advanced features and flexibility. It is important not to delay the transition to GA4 due to Google’s mandatory migration. Explore the possibilities that GA4 has to offer and take your data analysis to the next level!
If you have more questions or need help on this topic, please share them with us in the comments. Let's make better analysis together!
What is GA4 and Why is it Important?
GA4 is Google’s next-generation analytics tool. Designed to replace Universal Analytics, it offers greater data control and flexibility. GA4 combines both web and mobile app data into a single platform, allowing you indonesia mobile phone numbers database to analyze user journeys more comprehensively. Google has also made the transition to GA4 mandatory by 2023 , so it’s inevitable that you’ll make the switch.
Key Benefits
Comprehensive Data Tracking: GA4 aggregates both web and mobile app data into a single property.
Advanced Analysis Features: Provides AI-powered analysis and predictions.
User-Centric Monitoring: Performs user-centric monitoring instead of session-based monitoring.
Privacy and Security: Advanced privacy controls and data retention policies.
Key Differences Between Universal Analytics and GA4
1. Data Model
Universal Analytics: It has a data model based on sessions and page views.
GA4: Has an event-based data model. This means that each user interaction (e.g. page view, click, video play) is recorded as an event.
2. Reporting and Analysis
Universal Analytics: Provides fixed reports and limited customization options.
GA4: Allows users to create their own custom reports and offers more flexible analysis over predefined reports.
3. User Tracking
Universal Analytics: Uses session-based tracking. This tracks users’ behavior on a per-session basis.
GA4: Uses user-centric tracking. This tracks a user’s interactions across all devices and platforms.
4. Incident Tracking
Universal Analytics: Requires custom setups and tags for event tracking.
GA4: Event tracking is more flexible and predefined events are ready to use. You can also define events manually.
5. Analysis and Forecasting
Universal Analytics: Provides basic analytics tools.
GA4: Provides AI-powered analytics and forecasting tools that can help you predict future user behavior.
Steps to Migrate to GA4
Account and Property Creation: First, you need to create the GA4 property. This can run parallel to your existing UA property.
Tagging and Event Tracking: Update your tags and events to align with GA4's event-based model.
Data Migration: You do not need to migrate your existing data to GA4 because GA4 uses new data collection methods. However, you can use the old data as a reference.
Reporting and Analysis: Explore GA4's flexible reporting tools and customize them to suit your needs.
Test and Optimize: Don’t forget to continuously test and optimize during the migration process. Try out new features and improve your performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
via GIPHY
1. Should I switch to GA4?
Yes, it has become mandatory for you to migrate to Google Analytics 4. Therefore, starting the migration process as soon as possible will be beneficial for your future analytics needs.
2. Is GA4 completely different from Universal Analytics?
Yes, GA4 offers a different data model and analysis approach, but the underlying analysis principles are similar so switching shouldn’t be difficult.
3. How do I import my existing data into GA4?
GA4 does not automatically transfer your existing data. However, you can use your UA data as a reference and collect new data in GA4.
4. What reports should I use in GA4?
With GA4's flexible reporting tools, you can create customized reports according to your needs. You can create reports such as user interactions, conversion rates and predictive analysis.
5. How can I learn GA4?
You can learn about GA4 using the GA4 training materials and online courses provided by Google. You can also get support from the Google Analytics community.
Conclusion
The transition from Universal Analytics to GA4 may seem a bit overwhelming at first. However, this new tool will help you manage your digital marketing strategies more effectively with its advanced features and flexibility. It is important not to delay the transition to GA4 due to Google’s mandatory migration. Explore the possibilities that GA4 has to offer and take your data analysis to the next level!
If you have more questions or need help on this topic, please share them with us in the comments. Let's make better analysis together!