Why Websites Need to Switch to Google Analytics 4 Before July’23 

This article is specifically tailored for businesses that operate through websites, blogs and ecommerce webstores (SuiteCommerce, Adobe commerce, Shopify etc). 

Hey! Are you using Universal Analytics? If yes, have you geared up for the change that is coming up your way in July 2023? 

Check out our complete guide on preparing for the transition from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). We have got you covered with all the information that you need for a hassle-free migration. 

In October 2020, Google launched the latest version of Google Analytics 4 or GA4. GA4 is due to swap the current version of Google Analytics (Universal Analytics or UA) in June 2023. One of the key points to be careful is the data migration to GA4. It is crucial to prevent any data loss in the  migration. If you have not yet moved to GA4, then please continue reading. 

 Let us look at GA4 in more detail on why you should start migrating now. 

What is GA4? 

GA4 is the next gen of Google Analytics. GA4 represents a revolutionary approach to data collection and analysis, combining the successful elements of Universal Analytics with cutting-edge features that leverage the power of big data and machine learning. 

Some Critical Differences Between GA4 and Universal Analytics? 

Data Privacy: GA4 provides enhanced data protection and privacy controls, aligning with the growing importance of regulatory compliance such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for businesses. 

Cross-device tracking: GA4 enhances cross-device tracking capabilities, empowering marketers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey across various devices and touchpoints. 

Machine-Learning: GA4 incorporates powerful machine-learning algorithms that autonomously identify trends, generate valuable insights, and offer actionable recommendations. 

Bounce Rate: In GA4, a bounce is defined as a user visiting your website, briefly reviewing the homepage content for less than 10 seconds and leaving without engaging in any events or navigating to other pages or screens. However, you can adjust the conditions to extend the time limit to either 30 seconds or 60 seconds. 

Goals:  In GA4, goals are replaced by "Conversion Events." These events track vital actions on your website or app as conversions. They provide insights into user interactions and can be customized to meet your business needs, optimizing your strategies and understanding the customer journey better. 

Behavioral Modeling: GA4's real-time reporting functions extends machine learning to compensate for the absence of cookies or other identifiers.  

Custom Channel Grouping: In GA4, you will have the flexibility to choose and compare the aggregated performance of specific channels according to your preferences.  

Direct integrations: With GA4, you can seamlessly synchronize your Google Ads account, ensuring that conversion actions are accurately tracked and reflected in the GA4 reporting dashboard. This integration provides increased transparency and visibility into your account's performance, allowing you to easily monitor and analyze the impact of your advertising campaigns. 

Worried About Migrating to GA4? ‘No Problem’ – We Can Help! 

To ensure a seamless migration and prevent data loss, it's crucial to enlist the help of a GA expert who can handle the transition from Universal Analytics to GA4. As Google phases out Universal Analytics, your existing data will no longer be collected, making it essential to switch to a GA4 property. 

Due to the differences in data collection, there are several changes that need to be implemented and tested to accurately replicate your current dataset in GA4. 

In addition, the reporting interface in GA4 is new, so it may take some time to become familiar with it. By doing a side-by-side migration, you can navigate through GA4 with the familiarity of UA  while gradually building your knowledge. So, it is advisable to start the migration process sooner. It will allow you to retain more historical data before fully transitioning to GA4, reducing the risk of data loss. 

Here are Few Best Practices 

Structure Your Data: To make the most of GA4, organize your data effectively. Implement conversion tracking, use custom dimensions and metrics, and track user interactions. For example, a hotel can track bookings, cancellations, and amenity inquiries.   
Proper data structuring enables valuable insights and informed decision-making. 

Create Tailored  Reports:   Leverage GA4's customizable dashboards and advanced data visualizations to generate informative reports that address key business questions and highlight relevant KPIs aligned with your objectives. 

Regularly Review Your Data:  Regularly review your GA4 data to proactively identify trends, patterns, and growth opportunities. By dedicating time to this task, you'll stay ahead of the curve and drive ongoing improvements. 

Integrate GA4 with Other Tools: Leverage GA4's hassle-free integrations with Google products and third-party tools, such as Google Ads and Tag Manager, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the online customer journey. By utilizing these integrations, you can effectively measure the impact of your marketing efforts on conversions and make data-driven optimizations. 

Get a Free Quote for a GA4 Migration Project 

If you find the above article useful, please share it with your friends and colleagues. Write to us if you need any assistance to migrate from our end.