Google Analytics 4: Why and How to Transition Now
Hello to all website owners, Google has launched a new version of its web analytics service, Google Analytics 4 (GA4). From July 1, 2023, Google will cease processing new data with the old system, Universal Analytics. Therefore, it’s important to understand what this means for you and how you can prepare for it.
What is Google Analytics 4?
Google Analytics 4 is an evolution of Google’s former web analytics service. It’s a tool that allows you to measure traffic and engagement across your websites and apps. It provides a unified view of user journeys across your websites and apps, uses machine learning to generate new insights, and is designed to keep up with a constantly evolving ecosystem.
Why Migrate to Google Analytics 4?
GA4 represents a significant upgrade from Universal Analytics. While Universal Analytics was designed in a time when the internet was primarily accessed from desktop computers, GA4 has been designed for a world where users navigate across multiple platforms. Moreover, GA4 is designed with privacy in mind, offering more comprehensive and granular controls for data collection and use.
How to Migrate to Google Analytics 4?
Migrating to GA4 involves creating a new GA4 property within your existing Google Analytics account. While GA4 is different from Universal Analytics, there are many guides and resources available to assist you in this transition.
A Few Words on Privacy
GA4 has also been designed with privacy in mind. It offers more comprehensive and granular controls for data collection and use. Moreover, it no longer stores IP addresses, which is a significant advancement in respecting users’ privacy.
Key Dates to Remember
It’s important to note that standard Universal Analytics properties will stop processing new data from July 1, 2023, and 360 Universal Analytics properties will stop processing new data from July 1, 2024. Therefore, it’s recommended to start familiarizing yourself with GA4 as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Transitioning to GA4 might seem complex, but there are plenty of resources to help you navigate this process. And remember, even though this change might seem daunting, it represents an opportunity to enhance your understanding of user engagement on your site or app.
