By now, everyone who has had a Google Universal Analytics account should be aware that their properties are no longer processing data as of July 1, 2023. For months, Google has been sharing warnings through emails and updates – yet it may have slipped the mind of some. For that reason, we’ve put together a quick cheat sheet of some resources that should help make the migration to GA4 easy while also answering some of the top GA4 FAQs.
If you don’t have the resources or time needed to ensure an easy and accurate Google Analytics 4 migration, our team has tons of experience and is happy to help.
What is the difference between Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4?
As mentioned in previous insights, GA4 processes user data in different ways than Universal Analytics. In Universal Analytics the data was processed around sessions. Now, with Google Analytics 4, data will be processed around users and events.
This change is significant as the switch from sessions to events will give marketers and their campaigns a boost. For example, now with cross-platform reporting that utilizes GA4’s event-based model, marketers can better optimize and understand the responses in terms of user behaviors.
What if you didn’t migrate in time to GA4?
If users failed to migrate to GA4 prior to July 1, 2023, Google was prepared to automatically create a Google Analytics 4 property for you, based around your Universal Analytics configurations. Users also had the ability to opt out of this as Google even suggested this route by reminding users that “not all UA configurations have an obvious GA4 counterpart, and the automated process might not make the same choices as you would.”
If you didn’t opt out in time and don’t want your GA4 property that was configured automatically you can follow the following steps to remove it:
- Go to your Google Analytics account.
- Click Admin.
- Select your analytics property.
- Click on the Property column, then click GA4 Setup Assistant.
- On the side of the “Connected property”, click Disconnect.
- Go to the GA4 property and delete it.
To learn more about this, Google documentation can be found here.
How to setup Google Analytics 4
Google has included tips and tools related to specific processes of the GA4 migration. Some of these processes include GA4 Setup Assistant, along with tools used for Google Ads links, goals, and users.
Advanced setups needed to involve employing UserIDs for cross-platform reporting, linking to BigQuery, importing data, mapping custom events, and more.
But no GA4 migration resources are complete without our FREE GA4 migration checklist that will help make sure no details are missed.
Enhancing your business with GA4 Audiences
Our team understands the importance of audience data, which is why we wrote this blog titled “Understanding GA4: Google Analytics Audience.” In that, we go over what GA4 audiences are and how they can best help your digital marketing initiatives through reporting.
For example, some topics that we go over are:
- How many audiences can you have in GA4.
- Understanding the different GA4 audiences.
- How and where GA4 audiences are used.
- Differences between segments and audiences in GA4.
Understanding the GA4 Analysis Hub and Reporting
There are many different types of reports in Google Analytics 4. Knowing which reports to use and when can save you a lot of time and effort. Report types include real-time, life cycle, and a ton of explorer reports within the GA4 analysis hub. So, our team wrote an in-depth blog about all of the different GA4 reports in our blog “GA4 Reports and Analysis Hub.”
What is an event in GA4?
Event tracking in Google Analytics 4 provides you the ability to measure distinct user interactions on your website or app. A few examples of GA4 events are page loads, downloads, link clicks, etc.
Knowing what actions users take on your website is crucial for many online businesses, as your site should be optimized for the outcome you desire the user to take. Read more about Google Analytics 4 events by reading our in-depth blog “Maximize your website’s performance with GA4 events.”
What are the latest Google Analytics updates?
Also, on top of the above GA4 migration resources, below are some of the latest updates around Google Analytics 4.
Google announced a GA4 and Google Adsense integration:
Google now allows integrations between Google Analytics 4 properties and Google Adsense accounts. This will improve the quality of data that is captured through ad interaction, though some discrepancies may arise.
GA4 has introduced new conversion attribution settings:
Digital marketers are happy about this, as GA4 now provides users the ability to customize conversion attribution for paid/organic channels. However, providing better ROI insight, with the updates said to take 2-3 days to be seen in Google Ads accounts.
AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) are now supported by GA4:
Currently, there are still limitations to this. Some limitations are the absence of e-commerce tracking and consent mode. However, GA4 now allows AMP analytics integration which enables data flow and is a step in the right direction.
Embracing GA4 Benefits
Google Analytics 4 is officially here, and here to stay. We hope these GA4 migration resources help you have a better understanding of your property. Because if businesses or marketers are serious in 2023, they’d be smart to ensure a smooth migration to GA4 from their Universal Analytics properties. Utilizing enhanced features with a more flexible audience builder, combined with web and app data, the insights that are available across devices are too valuable to pass up. By partnering with HAVOK Consulting, you can unlock the full potential of GA4 and gain a competitive edge in your industry. Our dedicated team specializes in full-funnel marketing strategies and implementation. Additionally, by leveraging GA4’s advanced audience features, we help you refine your targeting, segment your audience, and create tailored marketing campaigns that resonate with your customers. Schedule a FREE consultation today without the worry of any obligation.
Additionally, you can learn more about how else we can help your business by visiting our services page.
