READY FOR GA4?


MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY FOR THE BIG CHANGE IN GOOGLE ANALYTICS

The older version of Google Analytics will stop collecting data on July 1, 2023. If you haven’t upgraded by the GA4 Deadline, you will no longer be able to find out what your users are doing.

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“Change is always hard, but I really think this switch is going to be a good thing. For starters, it provides a ton more data and is more customizable—which means you can track what matters to you, not just what Google thinks might matter to you.”

-Neil Patel, neilpatel.com

Google Analytics 4 FAQs

There are a ton of questions about the switch over to GA4

What’s this Google Analytics 4 all about?

Google Analytics 4 (or GA4, for short) is the newest edition of Google’s top-notch website analysis tool. Launched in 2020, GA4 employs some brilliant machine learning to provide in-depth insights, fantastic user tracking, and a tighter connection to Google’s marketing world. The cool thing is GA4 is all about ‘events’ and ‘users,’ giving you a comprehensive and accurate snapshot of how users interact with your website or app.

How does Google Analytics 4 stand out from the previous versions?

GA4 brings in a whole new approach. It’s got an event-driven data model, which is way more flexible when tracking user interactions. Plus, it has this excellent integration with Google Signals, which gives you a more comprehensive picture of user behavior across devices. Oh, and not to forget, each GA4 measurement ID has its unique JavaScript file, making it easier for Google to add features and deploy code to your site dynamically.

What are some new features in GA4 compared to Universal Analytics?

Google Analytics 4 has many new features that make it a step up from Universal Analytics. GA4 offers more comprehensive cross-platform tracking, advanced AI-powered insights, enhanced privacy features, and flexible event-based tracking. It also provides a more complete picture of the customer journey. It enables you to act on those insights directly within the platform.

Find out more about the benefits of GA4 for your business.

So, is GA4 taking over Google Analytics?

Yes, absolutely! Google has officially announced that Google Analytics 4, or GA4, is the next big thing, and it’s all set to replace Universal Analytics, the current version of Google Analytics.

Is GA4 just a repackaged version of Firebase analytics? 

Nope, GA4 is more than just a repackaged version of Firebase Analytics. Although they share the event-based data model, GA4 merges the best web and app analytics parts into a single platform. It has many new features tailor-made for the evolving needs of marketers and analysts.

How frequently does Google Analytics 4 refresh its data?

While there isn’t specific information available, traditionally, Google Analytics is updated every 24 hours and provides real-time reports. GA4 may follow a similar pattern. Still, it’s best to consult the latest documentation or community resources for the most accurate info.

Is there a deadline for jumping into GA4? 

Absolutely! The clock’s ticking, and you’ve got until July 1, 2023, to switch from Universal Analytics (UA) to GA4. If you miss the deadline, you risk losing data; trust me, you don’t want that.

How do I determine if I’m using Google Analytics 3 or 4?

That’s pretty simple. Your property ID will give it away. If it starts with “UA” followed by a bunch of numbers (like “UA-XXXXXXXXX-1”), you’re on Universal Analytics. GA4 IDs, on the other hand, are just numbers. You’ll find your property ID in Google Analytics; click the down arrow next to the Analytics logo on the top left. Your property ID is right under the property name. Or, if you want a quick answer, our free GA4 Checker tool at the top of this page!

Do I really have to switch to Google Analytics 4?

Yes, indeed! Google has clarified that GA4 is the future of its analytics game. Support for Universal Analytics is on the way out, and GA4, with its superior data insights, better user tracking, and privacy-first mentality, is taking center stage.

How do I upgrade to Google Analytics 4?

To switch to GA4, you’ll need to create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. Don’t worry; this won’t replace your current Universal Analytics property; it’ll just run alongside it. Just set up some basic configurations like data retention and linking to other Google accounts, and you’re all set!

How do I update to Google Analytics 4?

To update to GA4, you need to set up a new Google Analytics 4 property in your Google Analytics account. This doesn’t replace your current Universal Analytics property but runs alongside it. Configure basic settings such as data retention and linking to other Google accounts.

Can I use both Universal Analytics and GA4 at the same time?

Yes, you certainly can. When you upgrade to GA4, you’re setting up a new GA4 property that runs alongside your existing Universal Analytics property. This allows you to use your Universal Analytics while getting the hang of GA4 and its features.

What happens to my Google UA historical data after the GA4 deadline?

Good news! After the GA4 deadline (remember, that’s July 1, 2023), Google will still hold onto your Universal Analytics (UA) historical data until July 1, 2024. So you’ll have a year to breathe easily. Initially, Google planned on keeping it for only six months post-deadline, but they’ve kindly extended it. However, to ensure your data remains at your fingertips, we suggest exporting your UA data before July 1, 2024.

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