Google Analytics 4 Transition: What You Need To Know

Marketers and website owners across the globe are preparing to transition to Google Analytics 4. You’ve probably noticed this transition with the countless email reminders and flashing pop-ups from Google. But what does this transition really mean, and what do you need to do to prepare?

In this article, we’ll explore when the switch-over to Google Analytics 4 will happen, how you can prepare for the change, what’s different about Google Analytics 4, and answer some frequent questions we get about the new platform.

What Is Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics is a free analytics platform created by Google that tracks website traffic engagement. Google Analytics 4 is Google’s newest version of this platform. In the past few years, most websites used Universal Analytics, the version preceding Google Analytics 4.

When the Google Analytics 4 Migration Is Taking Place and How You Can Prepare

Starting on July 1, 2023, all websites using Universal Analytics will have to use Google Analytics 4, as Universal Analytics will stop collecting data. This means it will no longer process new traffic, conversions, or any other data. All websites will need to be set up with a Google Analytics 4 property if they want to continue to track website traffic and engagement.

Something important to keep in mind is that setup is not retroactive. Your new Google Analytics 4 property will only collect data moving forward, and you can’t migrate your data from your old Universal Analytics property into your new Google Analytics 4 property. You’ll want to make sure your new property is set up to meet best practices with things like internal traffic filtering. And of course, don’t forget to set up any conversion tracking you need!

If this is something that you need for your site but you’re not sure how to go about getting everything set up, Go Local can help. Contact us today for more information on assistance with your migration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Google Analytics 4

Which is more accurate: Universal Analytics or Google Analytics 4? There are several ways event-based Google Analytics 4 may be more accurate than Universal Analytics because of functionality like cross-device tracking and updated session start rules and because it is event-based. Neither version should be counted on for 100% of data (you’ll want to use customer relationship management software, CRM, for that).

Can I still track goals in Google Analytics 4? You can still track user conversions in Google Analytics 4. Instead of goals, you will set up conversion events. These conversions can be set to happen once per event or once per session and can be configured in Google Tag Manager or directly in Google Analytics 4, depending on what your conversion is. Google provides documentation on those as well as automatically collected events, enhanced measurement events, and events they recommend. The usefulness and necessity of certain events vary by website.

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