Universal Analytics, farewell
Google revealed last year that Google Analytics 4 (GA4), a new and better tool, would take the place of Universal Analytics (UA). In a nutshell, it's an improved analytics tool that enables you to gauge website traffic, track user engagement, and better comprehend user behaviour overall.
Everyone will have to make the changeover by July 1, 2023, either by building a GA4 property themselves or allowing Google do it for them - unless, of course, you choose to opt out. Alternately, you could make the change right away. Confused? Probably. GA4 continues to feel a little bit mysterious despite all the explainer pieces available. This blog examines the GA4 timeframe and the key upgrades you can anticipate.
What are the GA4 deadlines?
- March 2023: Unless you want to opt out, Google will automatically construct or assign you a brand-new GA4 property.
- Up until July 1, 2023, you may use UA as usual.
- Data processing for UA properties will stop on July 1st, 2023.
- You will continue to have access to your UA reports beyond July 1, 2023. Nobody is exactly sure how long for; Google hasn't confirmed this (so you'd be wise to export your previous data as soon as possible). All new data will only enter GA4 attributes as of this date.
What makes GA4 unique?
- fresh data GA4 employs event-based data as opposed to UA, which uses session-based data.
- A different measurement method is used by UA, which depends on page views and hits. A hit is essentially a collection of user interactions, to put it simply. a few pageviews and an online purchase, for instance. GA4 contrasts this by focusing on events and parameters. If you're feeling adventurous, you can learn more about how to compare UA and GA4 data, but when it comes down to it, what were once considered "hits" in UA are now considered "events" in GA4.
- The "engagement rate," which emphasises the quantity of engaged interactions, has taken the role of the former "bounce rate" UA indicator. The percentage of sessions that were not engaged (i.e., those that lasted less than 10 seconds) will serve as a substitute for the bounce rate if you do start to miss it.
- Google Tag Manager's ascent: Google Tag Manager has grown to be very important in GA4, unlike with UA. Why? Since all objectives are now event-based, it will no longer be able to measure some of them in the past without using GTM.
What has changed with GA4?
- Better personalization Expect a lot more options that are more sophisticated.
- On the majority of line charts, anomaly detection is an option. For identifying statistical discrepancies in your data, it's a useful tool.
- Forecasting analytics Predictive analytics are difficult to apply to UA. A different tool must be purchased separately or made by you. Predictive analytics is hot with GA4, which is fantastic news. You can view a wide range of information, including purchase probability, churn probability, and likely top spenders.
- plus more!
Our goal is to assist you.
The good news is that you don't have to understand GA4 on your own if you're one of our Site Care clients. While Google will automatically set up your new GA4 account, our qualified staff will review it to ensure that it is configured properly and contains all the information you want.
Our Site Care clients receive a customised Google Data Studio (GDS) dashboard with every website launch, which we set up and maintain for them. We'll ensure that all of your tags and events are carried over, configured correctly, and updated on your GDS dashboard in accordance with the new GA4, enabling you to extract the maximum value from your data.
So…
GA4 is coming, whether we like it or not. Is that advantageous? In our opinion, yes. Predictive analytics are included as standard, along with improved capabilities. It's essentially a matureized version of UA. Therefore, even though it might feel like another Google-shaped obstacle to overcome today, it will be worthwhile. Additionally, a baptism of fire is typically the greatest method to learn with new Google products. Our opinion? Now is the time to upgrade to GA4 and begin learning how to use the new features. And take it easy as everyone becomes hysterical on July 1.
Interested in working with The Cold Company? Drop us a line at hello@wearecold.com.
