An Introduction To Google Analytics 4

Avatar for Matthew Matthew 7th December 2022 0 Comments

Google Analytics 4 is here, but what is it, how does it differ to Universal Analytics, and what do you need to do to prepare? We outline the basics.

 

What is Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4, or GA4, is the next generation of Google Analytics. It replaces the existing version of Google Analytics, known as Universal Analytics, and has a different interface and features. Google Analytics allows you to collect data about traffic and engagement across your website or app, giving you a clear picture of performance, traffic drivers, conversions and more.

 

Why is Google Analytics changing?

Universal Analytics has been around for many years, and when it was originally built it was centred around desktop website visits and cookie measurements. Now, more people are visiting websites from mobile devices, user behaviour has changed over time, and Google Analytics needs to change too in order to be as useful as possible for marketers. Another thing that has changed is reliance on cookies as a method of gathering data. As users’ concerns over privacy have mounted, companies have looked to move away from it and GA4 therefore does not rely exclusively on cookies. Instead, it uses an event-based data model to deliver user-centric measurement, and machine learning to fill in data gaps.

 

What is the difference between Universal Analytics and GA4?

Aside from moving away from cookies, there are plenty of other changes to see in the new Google Analytics. It offers more granular controls for data collection and usage, and to comply with today’s privacy expectations, it does not store IP addresses.

You’ll notice that GA4 looks very different to its predecessor, so it will take some time to find your way around and get used to everything. Here are some of the changes:

  • Data is event-based instead of session-based, with page views, transactions and social interactions unified under the “events” umbrella
  • It offers helpful behavioural and conversion modelling
  • Direct integrations to media platforms can drive actions on your website
  • It collects both website and app data to understand the full customer journey
  • It features new views for reporting in the “Analysis Hub” with increased customisation

Ultimately, GA4 is an entirely new analytical tool that approaches data differently – hopefully for the better as you get to know it. Find out more about GA4.

 

When will you need to make the switch to GA4?

GA4 is here already, so you can start using it as soon as you like – and the sooner, the better. Universal Analytics will no longer process data from 1st July 2023. While you will be able to view your Universal Analytics reports and data for a certain amount of time after this date (at least six months according to Google), any new data will only appear in GA4 properties.

 

What do you need to do?

If you haven’t already set up GA4 for your website, it’s important that you do so as soon as possible. GA4 is already here so you can start using it straight away, and the sooner you set it up, the more data you’ll have available to you after the deadline. It isn’t a case of GA4 suddenly being available, but Universal Analytics going away – so if you want to be ready, armed with data and not scrambling around, it’s important to act now if you haven’t already.

If you don’t currently use Google Analytics at all, you can get started by setting it up for the first time here. If you are currently using Universal Analytics, you can add GA4 alongside Universal Analytics. You can also add GA4 to a platform or CMS such as WordPress, Drupal, Shopify, Magento and others.

 

If you would like help with any aspect of your digital marketing, get in touch with Square Media.

Wait... Before you go…

We're hosting a FREE WEBINAR on the steps you need to take to avoid failure and how to grow your business using digital marketing.

On the 25th May at 10:00 am

Wait.. Before you go…

We're hosting a FREE WEBINAR on Why HR and Marketing have to run hand-in-hand

On the 6th May at 10:30am

Wait.. Before you go…

We're Crunching the Numbers on the 2021 Budget in our next Webinar!

Interested?

FREE January Content Plan

Writing Social Media posts and blogs can often seem like a mountainous task - our free January Content Plan will help you to take the first steps for the new year.

With our Calendar, you'll be writing Social Media posts like a pro in no time! Plus, check out our blog for monthly tips & Social Ideas.

DOWNLOAD NOW

FREE Marketing Consultation

Our clients tell us that their number one headache isn’t in selling their products or services, recruiting staff or keeping up to date with their industry; it’s the age-old problem of marketing their business!

Whether you need help with marketing planning, web/graphic design, content writing, blogs and social media help, SEO & PPC reviewing or a combination of all of the above, book your FREE no-obligation marketing consultation with Steve now!

BOOK NOW

Our FREE Secret Links

Most agencies won't tell you, but a lot of the tools they use on a day to day basis are actually FREE!

We've put together a handy guide to the free tools we use every day to make our lives easier - and we're giving it to you!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Perfect Blog Post Template

A frequently updated Blog is one of the best ways to create extra content for your website; it also keeps your visitors coming back regularly, attracts new visitors and Google loves fresh content!

But did you know that how you structure your blog post can make all the difference?

Download our FREE Blog Post Template to see how to make your content stand out from the crowd!

FREE BLOG POST TEMPLATE

TikTok Guide

TikTok is a social media channel that is growing very fast. It has more than 3 billion downloads.

As a marketing agency that specialises in social media, we’ve put together our very own TikTok guide for you to use.

FREE HubSpot Consultation

At Square Media we specialise in helping businesses to make the most of their inbound and outbound promotional opportunities – working as a HubSpot CRM Partner we can help you to automate and analyse your business to the nth degree.

Why not let one of our HubSpot experts have a quick chat with you and get you started with a FREE account – no obligation, no pressure and no hard sell tactics (it’s not our style).

BOOK NOW

Image Size Cheat Sheet

When it comes to Social Media, visual content always works better than just text. But it's a bit of a headache keeping on top of all of the sizes you need to use to get the best from each channel.

Download or print our handy Image Size Cheat Sheet and keep it by your keyboard, so you know what size image to use whatever the situation.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Our Marketing Tips Infographic

Considering 2021 has been eventful with new trends and new marketing techniques arising we’ve made 2022 a lot easier for you!

We’ve put together our own marketing tips infographic especially for you to make your new year a little bit less stressful.

Download our FREE infographic here to find all of our best tips and watch your marketing rocket.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Get your Guide to Google Ads!

Everyone knows that SEO is important to any website, but often we forget about the power of paid Google Ads.

It needn't cost the earth, can be targeted well and can bring in business easily from Day 1!

Our FREE downloadable Google Ads Guide will help you to hit the ground running.

DOWNLOAD NOW

5 Killer Marketing Emails!

One of the most valuable tools in your online arsenal is your email/newsletter subscription list, yet it’s one of the ones that is most easy to ignore.

Simply put, if someone has signed up to your email list, they have given you permission to contact them, and how you use the first few emails that you send can be the deciding factor in whether they stay on your list and eventually become a customer, or hit the unsubscribe button so fast that you never get a chance to pitch your business.

So let’s look at 5 killer e-marketing email types, what they do and how to use them!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Start 2022 as you mean to go on!

Every great marketing campaign starts with the basics of getting your brand focused and clear.

Use our free brand guideline template to ensure that your brand is consistent across all of your content!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Christmas fun with Dino Bounce!

It's Christmas Day so let's start with some fun - how far through Dino Bounce can you get?

Don't forget to share your score at the end with the hashtag #dinoBounce (our convenient Twitter button will do this for you)

PLAY NOW