Google Analytics 4 was released in October 2020. Since its launch Google announced that starting July 1st, 2023 it will no longer process data using the standard Universal Analytics properties. Instead, data will now flow through GA4.
With this shift in analytics properties, a significant change will surely be felt when collecting data. Throughout this blog we are going to explain what GA4 is and how this change may impact your business.
Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google’s analytics platform. It is designed to be a more flexible and powerful tool when measuring website and app traffic.
GA4 is significantly modified from previous versions of Google Analytics. It uses a different data model, different reports, and different terminology. If you’re currently using Universal Analytics, there are some new things you will need to learn if you want to get the most out of GA4.
The Benefits of Using GA4
There are many benefits to using GA4 which include flexibility, power, privacy, and reporting. GA4 is more flexible than previous versions of Google Analytics. It is able to be used to measure website traffic, app traffic, or both. It also can measure data from other sources, like your social media platforms and email marketing. GA4 is a lot more powerful than previous versions of Google Analytics. It uses machine learning to provide more insights into user behavior. It can also be used to create predictive models that can help you make better business decisions. GA4 is more privacy-friendly than previous versions of Google Analytics. It offers more control over how data is collected and used. GA4’s roll-up reporting is much more accurate than the previous versions of Google analytics.
Reporting Types with Google Analytics 4
GA4 has a different set of reports than previous versions of Google Analytics. The main reports in GA4 include:
Acquisition: This report focuses on how your visitors arrive on your website or app. This includes Acquisition overview, User acquisition, and Traffic acquisition.
Engagement: Engagement reports focus on what they do after they arrive on your website or app. The standard Engagement reports include an Engagement overview, Events report, Conversions report, and Pages and screens.
Conversions: This report shows you how users are taking action on your website or app.
Audiences: This report allows you to segment your users and create custom audiences.
Exploration: This report allows you to explore your data and create custom reports.
Using GA4 to improve Website or Apps
GA4 can be used to improve your website or app in a number of ways. For example, you can use GA4 to:
Track user behavior: GA4 can help you track user behavior on your website or app. This information can be used to improve the user experience and make it easier for users to find what they’re looking for.
Measure conversions: GA4 can help you measure conversions on your website or app. This information can be used to track the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and make sure that you’re getting a return on your investment.
Create custom audiences: GA4 allows you to create custom audiences based on user behavior. These audiences can be used to target your marketing campaigns more effectively.
Explore your data: GA4 allows you to explore your data in a number of ways. The information can be used to gain insights into user behavior and improve your website or app.
Website Privacy Policy
While it is exciting that the changeover to GA4 is near, now might be the time to review whether your website has a privacy policy easily accessible on each page of your site.
This privacy statement is a legal document that discloses how the website collects, processes, stores shares and protects user data. It reveals the reason for this collection of data and the rights of the user in that regard. Every website needs one.
All websites interact with and collect data, whether it is through Google Analytics, website forms, product purchases or newsletter sign ups. A privacy policy is important to protect website owners and its visitors.
In fact, third-party apps such as Google requires that you have an up-to-date privacy policy in place on your website or app in order use its services.
Conclusion
Make the move over to Google Analytics 4 as soon as possible to build the necessary historical data before Universal Analytics stops processing new hits. Google Analytics 4 is a powerful new tool that can help you improve your website or app. If you’re not already using GA4, we would encourage you to give it a try.
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