Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the new standard for website and app measurement, replacing Universal Analytics (UA). As of July 1, 2023, standard UA properties stopped collecting data, and all access to the UA interface and API will be shut down on July 1, 2024. To keep your website analytics running, you'll need to switch to GA4.
Here's a breakdown of the key points:
Why migrate?
- Future-proof your analytics: GA4 is the future of website measurement, offering a more flexible and privacy-focused approach.
- Deeper insights: GA4 provides a more comprehensive view of user behavior across platforms and devices.
- Machine learning powered: GA4 leverages machine learning for better insights and predictive capabilities.
How to migrate from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4
Migrating from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) involves setting up GA4 and collecting data while keeping your UA running for historical data. Here's a step-by-step approach:
- Login to your Google Analytics account.
- Navigate to the Admin section (bottom left corner).
- In the Account column, ensure your desired account is selected.
- Under the Property column, click on Create Property.
- Choose Web or App depending on what you're tracking.
- Name your GA4 property and set up the reporting time zone.
- Click Next and then Create.
- In the Property column, click on Data Streams and then Add stream.
- Select Web for website tracking. (App for app tracking)
- Give your data stream a name (e.g., your website name).
- Enter your website URL.
- Important: Uncheck the box "Collect data using existing tag (recommended)". We'll add the GA4 tag separately.
- Click Create Stream.
3. Installing the GA4 Tag:
There are two ways to install the GA4 tag:
- Using Google Tag Manager (GTM): If you already use GTM, this is the recommended method. You can create a new tag with the GA4 configuration tag type and measurement ID from your data stream.
- Manual Installation: For websites without GTM, copy the provided Global Site Tag (gtag.js script) and paste it within the <head> section of your website's code.
4. Additional Configurations (Optional):
- Enable Google Signals: In the Data Streams section, click on your web stream and enable Enhanced Measurement for user behavior insights across devices (requires user consent).
- Link to Google Ads: If you use Google Ads, connect your GA4 property for better campaign measurement and optimization.
5. Migrate Settings (Optional):
While UA data won't transfer to GA4, you can import some configurations:
- Goals: Use the GA4 Setup Assistant to import goals from UA as key events in GA4.
- Custom Events: You can manually set up custom events in GA4 to mirror those in UA.
- E-commerce: If you track e-commerce in UA, you'll need to set it up again in GA4.
- UA data won't be available in GA4. Keep UA running for historical reference until July 1, 2024.
- GA4 uses a different data model than UA, so reports won't be directly comparable.
- Start migrating now to ensure a smooth transition and familiarize yourself with GA4.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by the migration process, don't worry! Our digital marketing experts can provide guidance and ensure a smooth transition to GA4. We can also offer broader digital marketing assistance to help your brand flourish online. Let us help you leverage the power of GA4, achieving your marketing analytics as per your business needs.
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