Google Analytics 4 is the latest iteration of Google Analytics, the industry-leading web analytics software. Although originally released in 2020, the adoption of GA4 hasn’t been very encouraging. According to a poll by Search Engine Land, less than a quarter of website managers have fully adopted GA4 as of 30th June 2023, a day before the official sunset date for Universal Analytics, aka GA3.
However, now that Google has finally phased out Universal Analytics, there’s little option but to jump on the GA4 train if you haven’t already done that. Globalgraphics Web Design understands the need to build great websites and is also passionate about helping clients turn their business websites into lead magnets. Continue reading to discover more in this detailed beginner’s guide to Google Analytics 4.
What is GA4 or Google Analytics 4?
GA4 is Google’s latest version of their proprietary website analytics tool, succeeding Universal Analytics. GA-4 relies mainly on event tracking to generate user behavior data, unlike Universal Analytics which focused primarily on pageviews and sessions. GA4 measures user interactions such as clicks, downloads, form submissions, video views, etc. and uses these events to provide a comprehensive understanding of how visitors engage with your website or mobile application.
What are the Key Features of GA4?
GA4 boasts a number of key features that can help marketers and business owners analyze their website performance better. Below are some of them:
Enhanced Cross-Platform Tracking: GA4 allows tracking of user interactions across various platforms such as websites, web apps, mobile apps, and even offline data tracking. This ensures marketers can gain useful insights into the user journey regardless of the channel or device used.
Machine Learning Capabilities: GA4 is integrated with machine learning capabilities that enable it to provide valuable marketing insights. The new platform is capable of using existing visitor data to generate model audiences that allow for better-targeted ads. Also, it has an anomaly detection feature and can identify trends and issues that affect user behavior.
Simplified Reporting: Although it might take some getting used to, the user interface in GA4 is more user-friendly. Plus, website managers have access to pre-built reports and dashboards that can guide them when making data-driven decisions.
Privacy and Data Control: GA4 places great emphasis on user privacy and data control, allowing website owners to seek consent before tracking customer data and also collecting data without collecting visitors’ IP addresses. These features ensure compliance with recent data privacy laws.
Greater Data Accessibility: Apart from the ability to measure novel user behavior data, GA4 allows all customers to export the generated data to Big Query. This creates endless possibilities for complex data analytics.
How to Get Started With GA4?
If you’re ready to start collecting data and gaining valuable insights with GA4, here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your account:
Step 1: Sign in to Google Analytics
- Go to analytics.google.com and sign in using your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.
Step 2: Set Up a New Property
- Click on the “Admin” tab in the bottom left corner of the screen. In the “Property” section, click on the drop-down menu and select “Create Property.”
Step 3: Choose Your Property Type
- You’ll be presented with two options: “Web” and “App.” Select the appropriate property type based on whether you want to track a website or a mobile app.
Step 4: Fill in Property Details
- Enter the required information for your property, such as the property name, business objectives, reporting time zone, currency, and the website or app URL.
Step 5: Select Data Sharing Settings
- You’ll be asked for your data-sharing preferences. Review the options and choose what you’re comfortable with. These settings determine how your data is used by Google and other associated parties.
Step 6: Configure Data Streams (For Apps)
- If you’re setting up tracking for a mobile app, you’ll need to configure data streams for each platform (iOS and Android). Follow the on-screen instructions to set up data streams correctly.
- You can enable/disable Enhanced Measurement at this point. This feature allows you to get event reports such as Page view, Scroll, Outbound Link Click, and Site Search without…
Step 7: Install GA4 Tracking Code
- After creating the property, Google will provide you with a Global Site Tag (gtag.js) tracking code snippet. You’ll need to add this code to every page of your website or app to enable tracking.
Step 8: Verify Tracking Status
- After installation, it might take a few hours for data to start populating in your GA4 property. You can verify if the tracking is working correctly by going back to the Google Analytics dashboard, clicking on “Real Time” in the left menu, and then “Overview.” Afterward, visit your website or app to see if you’ll get the Real-time report.
Step 9: Customize Your GA4 Setup
- You may want to further customize your GA4 setup to suit your specific tracking requirements. Typically, this may involve setting up custom events, defining goals, enabling Enhanced Measurement, and more.
- Explore the GA4 interface to get familiar with the platform and enable or disable the available customization options.
Endnote
It’s not uncommon for avid Universal Analytics users to have some trouble adapting to GA4. However, the earlier you understand that GA4 is here to stay, the better. Plus, we have no doubt you’ll come to love it once you’re over the lag phase. The event-based tracking and machine learning capabilities give it a clear edge over Universal Analytics and most other analytic platforms on the market.
If you need any help understanding GA4 and how to leverage the platform to track user data and increase conversions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Globalgraphics. Our team of expert website designers and digital marketers is always available for consultation. Contact us today, and we’ll be glad to discuss how we can help.
I’m a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, digital marketer and professional blogger equipped with skills in Digital Marketing, SEO, SEM, SMM, and lead generation. My objective is to simplify technology for you through detailed guides and reviews. I discovered WordPress while setting up my first business site and instantly became enamored. When not crafting websites, making content, or helping clients enhance their online ventures, I usually take care of my health and spend time with family, and explore the world. Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or read my complete biography.