GA4: 6 Simple Steps for Upgrading Your Business to Google Analytics 4

Do your sales and marketing teams rely on Google Analytics??

You could lose web analytics and tracking capabilities if you aren’t prepared for Google Analytics 4.

On July 1st, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will cease processing data.

You must upgrade to GA4 to continue using the search engine’s valuable data analytics suite after this date.

The pain point for you? ?? You have greater priorities than studying every Google update.

Fortunately, that’s our job — and, let’s be honest, it’s also how we entertain ourselves. ??

In this article, we’ll reveal:

• What Google Analytics 4 is, and how it differs from Universal Analytics.
• Why every business must upgrade its analytics.
• The 6 simple steps for upgrading to GA4.

What is a GA4?

GA4, or Google Analytics 4, is the next generation of Google’s data analytics software and is scheduled for release on July 1st, 2023.?

GA4 is a more advanced version of Universal Analytics, with a number of new features that empower your business to better understand your customers’ journey.?

Some of the key features of GA4 include:

• Event-based data collection from websites and apps.
• Management of web- and mobile-based data from a single property.
• Direct integrations with third-party media platforms.
• Predictive capabilities (without the complex models).
• Privacy controls, including:
• Behavioral and conversion modeling.
• Cookieless measurement.

Is GA4 replacing Google Analytics?

No, as the next generation of Google Analytics, GA4 is replacing Universal Analytics. UA is the previous version of the web analytics platform, and it will be obsolete by June 1, 2023.

GA4 vs. Universal Analytics?

Google Analytics 4 offers advanced features for a new generation of e-commerce. As such, there are many ways that the GA4 software differs from Universal Analytics.

How is GA4 Different from Universal Analytics?

First, Google Analytics 4 combines web and app data in a single property. Conversely, UA separated data into web- and mobile-based properties, complicating the tracking process.

Second, the GA4 dashboard is designed to be cleaner and more intuitive than the Universal Analytics dashboard. It includes new features, such as custom reports and insights, making it easier to find the information you need quickly.?

Third, GA4 prioritizes event-based data collection over session-based collection alone. This enables you to collect data about each event that occurs on your website or app, such as engaged sessions and engagement rate.?

GA4: Privacy Controls & Predictive Insights

GA4 also includes new privacy controls that provide you with more control over how you collect and use customer data. This enables you to comply with data privacy regulations and protect the information of your customers.

Finally, predictive insights identify trends & patterns in customer behavior. In turn, these behaviors inform your marketing campaigns, product development, and customer service.

These benefits enable GA4 to offer a more detailed understanding of your Buyer’s Journey than UA could provide.

Why Must Your Business Upgrade to GA4?

As its release date approaches, it’s vital that you understand why your company must upgrade to Google Analytics 4. The benefits include improved accuracy, flexibility, user-friendliness, and compliance with data privacy regulations.

GA4 collects event-based data from websites and apps that provide a clearer picture of your customer journey. These insights empower you to address common pain points and improve the customer experience.?

It also offers privacy controls that prepare your business for an evolving marketplace. For example, cookieless measurement is becoming increasingly vital as consumers become more uncomfortable with these tracking methods.

Top 5 Reasons that Your Business Must Upgrade to GA4

1. Improved performance maximizes your potential to identify the key factors that influence your target consumers.
2. Integrate GA4 into your app and web-based touchpoints for a comprehensive omnichannel presence.
3. Privacy controls like cookieless measurement ensure that you’re equipped to comply with regulations and serve consumer demand.
4. Predictive insights identify trends & patterns in customer behavior, informing your marketing campaigns, product development, and customer service.
5. A new, streamlined, and customizable dashboard maximizes clarity with and control over your data.

6 Simple Steps for Preparing Your Business for the GA4 Upgrade

By July 1, 2023, your business must upgrade to Google Analytics 4 to continue using the popular data analytics solution.

Here are 6 simple steps for preparing your business for the GA4 upgrade:

1. Set up data collection (if necessary).
2. Upgrade or migrate conversion data.
3. Update Google Tag Manager.
4. Update tracking code.
5. Test conversion data and upgrades.
6. Delegate to experts to minimize inefficiencies.

1. Set up data collection (if necessary).

If you don’t currently use Google Analytics, then you must set up an account for data collection.

2. Upgrade or migrate conversion data.

Next, export your conversion data from your Universal Analytics account and import it into your GA4 account.?

3. Update Google Tag Manager.

Create a new container in Tag Manager and add the GA4 tracking code snippet into it.

4. Update tracking code.

Replace your Universal Analytics tracking code snippet with the GA4 tracking code snippet.

5. Test conversion data and upgrades.

Test your conversion data and upgrades before going live with GA4.?

6. Delegate to experts to minimize inefficiencies.

Reduce your stress by collaborating with e-commerce development experts to maximize effectiveness and minimize mistakes.

Upgrade to GA4 with Ease, Confidence, and Optimum7

It’s official: GA4 is updating the consumer analytics experience for the next generation of entrepreneurs, marketers, and e-commerce professionals.

Your choice? Struggle to catch up to the Early Adopters, or be 100 days ahead of your competition.

Shopify users can find our complete guide to Google Analytics 4, here .

Do you use a different e-commerce platform? For personalized guidance, speak with our e-commerce development experts today.

And subscribe to The Optimum7 Letter for more insider insights into the dynamic world of e-commerce development and marketing.

Scott Cercy is a Content Strategist at Optimum7 . He writes compelling copy that enables e-commerce brands to form deeper relationships with their target audience. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and Twitter .