Google Analytics 4 vs Universal Analytics – Moving forward
with a new approach to website analytics
As the world of digital marketing continues to evolve, so does the software we use to track our progress. Google Analytics is no exception – there’s a new version on the block, and it’s time to make the switch. Google Analytics 4, also called GA4, offers a host of new features that are sure to make your online efforts as effective as ever. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the key changes in GA4 and show you how to make the switch…now.
One of the biggest changes in GA4 is the move from cookies to device identifiers. This means that GA4 will be able to track users across devices more effectively, giving you a better idea of how your customers interact with your brand. GA4 also introduces a number of new data collection and analysis features, including the ability to track events in offline mode and use machine learning to identify trends and patterns from the data.
So why switch now? For one, GA4 is being discontinued July 2023 – so if you want to keep using Google Analytics, you’ll need to make the switch before then. Additionally, switching now will give you a chance to get ahead of the curve and start taking advantage of all the new features GA4 has to offer. Plus, beginning to collect data in GA4 now means there will be 1 year’s worth of data in the platform, giving you a year-over-year comparison beginning in July next year.
Google Analytics 4 vs Universal Analytics: The Basics
Google Analytics 4 is the latest version of Google Analytics, while Universal Analytics (UA) is the previous generation. GA4 offers several advantages over UA, including:
– More accurate data: GA4 uses machine learning to provide more accurate data than UA.
– Improved data privacy: GA4 offers improved data privacy features, including the ability to anonymize IP addresses and limit data sharing.
– New features: GA4 includes several new features that UA doesn’t offer, such as event tracking and Enhanced Measurement.
Overall, GA4 is a more powerful and user-friendly version of Google Analytics. If you’re still using UA, now is the time to make the switch.
How to Switch from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4
Switching from UA to GA4 is easy. Just follow these steps:
1. Create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account.
2. Set up the GA4 tracking code on your website.
3. Build out your new GA4 account – there is an Import from UA option, but we do not recommend using it.
4. Start using GA4’s new features!
By following these steps, you can make the switch to GA4 and start taking advantage of its benefits.
Google Analytics 4: The Future of Digital Marketing
Google Analytics 4 is the future of digital marketing and works really well with Google Tag Manager. With its improved accuracy and data privacy features, GA4 is a must-have for any business that wants to stay ahead of the competition. If you’re still using UA, now is the time to make the switch. By following the steps above, you can start using GA4 and reap the benefits it has to offer.
If you need some help getting started, please, do not hesitate to reach out to one of our talented Google Analytics consultants today – Happy tracking!
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