In this blog post, we’ll explain how to set up and get the most value out of the new Google Analytics 4. Google Analytics 4 isn’t a new version of Universal Analytics but a completely new software that has been available for quite a while.

If you’re using GA3, switching it over to the new version is not obligated. It’s important to remember that Google has revealed the date at which Google Analytics 4 is expected to replace GA3.

What are Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4, the 4th edition of Google’s popular online tool for data analysis. It’s also known as GA4 (or G4) since that’s how numbers function.

The giant of data and search has announced its new platform as “the “next generation of Google Analytics.” GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics. GA4 is built upon the “App + Web” property and is fundamentally distinct from their previous “Universal” Analytics.”

Mainly in the manner that it monitors data, as well as the way it displays data. It also provides the metrics of users who use websites, apps, or both simultaneously. Check out this announcement to find out more.

If you’re not steeped in GA legends and history, you may not be aware of the three previous versions of Google Analytics. The versions that before included:

GA1 is also known by the name Classic Google Analytics
GA2 is also commonly referred to by the name of Universal Google Analytics
GA3 Sometimes, it is also referred to as “Universal Google Analytics
GA4 – catchy name TBD

GA’s goal has remained the same for all versions of GA: to monitor and report on website traffic data as efficiently as a pro. The only difference between GA and other versions is how they manage the data. In another way, Google Analytics 4 tracks web data in a new method.

How to Set Up Google Analytics 4?

Because Google Analytics 4 can be used to create a website or app (or both), There are two different setup procedures. These are described below.

Alongside an Existing Property

Suppose you already have a Universal Analytics property for your website. In that case, the setting up of a Google Analytics 4 property can be accomplished using an assistant called the GA4 Setting up Assistant.

To access Google Analytics, click “Admin” at the bottom left side of the screen.

In the column Account, Select the account you want to use:

In the Property section, you can select that Universal Analytics property that currently gathers information for your website:

In the column for Property, choose GA4 Setup Assistant:

Go to “Get started” under “I want to create a new Google Analytics 4 property:”

If your site uses tags like the gtag.js tag, you may choose “Enable data collection using your existing tags.”
Click “Create Property.”
If you’re not able to be able to “Enable data collection using your existing tags,” it’s because of one of three causes:
Your CMS/website builder can’t support the Gtag.js tag. gtag.js tag.
You use Google Tag Manager.
Your site is registered with analytics.js.

Why Should you Use the new Google Analytics 4?

In the end, yes, it is recommended to create the Google Analytics 4 property. Do you have to utilize it? You don’t need to if you don’t want to. If you’ve got it in place and are collecting data, you’re ready to be ready for any updates or new features Google announces.

Although it may be intimidating and difficult to navigate, it is clear that GA4 could be the new Analytics platform, and you must be ready. There’s no reason not to operate a Universal Analytics property simultaneously to enjoy both advantages. We would recommend using both!

4 Benefits the New Google Analytics 4 Brings to Your Marketing Strategy

1: Google Analytics 4 helps you predict sales.

The ML feature that comes with Google Analytics 4 is, by all accounts, one of the best features. ML will amass your data and then learn from it as time passes.

This way, you’ll be able to identify which audience segments will most likely make conversions based on previous trends.

For example, you may find that people who make specific routes will buy the product “X.”

Therefore, if you can lead people through the same path, you’re likely to sell a predetermined quantity of “X.” As good as it may have been, Universal Analytics didn’t offer such an ability to monitor behavior in real-time.

2: Google Analytics 4 delivers ‘identity spaces

Identity spaces allow you to identify consumers with other means than cookies. The person who opts into your website’s cookies could be provided with a first-party device ID. In addition, the user may have an account ID that allows them to be tracked across all your channels, including your app or website.

If someone opts into an ad-based personalization option, the user is tracked using many browsers or devices. Identity spaces let you better understand how your customers traverse through your interactions.

3. Google Analytics 4 lets you label every touchpoint

In terms of contact points, Google Analytics 4 offers the ability to show how customers are moving through your sales funnel. Through Universal Analytics, you might have needed the ability to draw educated conclusions in regards to the attribution model you used for your marketing.

On the contrary, the latest version of Google Analytics 4 allows you to be more confident about knowing what and where to attribute every marketing digital message you distribute.

4: Google Analytics 4 serves up codeless event tracking.

No coding backgrounds? Problem solved. The events are recorded by the time they occur within Google Analytics 4. All you need to do is sign in and monitor what’s happening while it occurs.

For instance, you can see exactly how many people are watching your most recent video blog post. Do not fret about tinkering with back-end programming, however.

Google has integrated an event-tracking feature in GA 4, so it’s closer to being a customized experience.

Conclusion

Google Analytics 4 is a powerful tool that gives you valuable insight into your customers. There are many benefits of GA4, such as the ability to track across platforms, greater control over the data you collect, and AI-driven insight.

Luckily, creating a GA4 website or app site or app is simple. These steps should take under 10 minutes, and there’s no reason to delay the process.

FAQ about How to Set Up & get the most from the new Google Analytics 4

What is the difference between Google Analytics 4 and the old GA?

The major distinction that Google Analytics 4 has over older GA is how the two property types are monitored. Google Analytics 4 can track the analytics of both applications and apps, whereas GA’s predecessor GA can only track the analytics of websites.

Is Google Analytics 4 free?

Similar to Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4 is a free property type. No charges are associated with using any (or several) GA4 properties on your account.

Can you run Google Analytics 4 and Universal Analytics at the same time?

Yes, you can operate both platforms concurrently with one. UA will stop collecting data by 2020 in the summer. Therefore, ensure that there’s been installed GA4 even if you’re not yet ready to make the switch.

Why is Google Analytics 4 so hard to use?

GA4 is extremely flexible and can be difficult to master. Once you’ve got an understanding of the program and you’ll be able to gain access to more information that you can utilize to increase the growth of your business.