Free Google Analytics 4 Consultation
Protect your data and prepare your business for the newest version of Google Analytics.
In your 30 minute consultation, expect to get:
Access to our Strategic Account Manager and Digital Marketing Strategist for all your questions and concerns
Information on why it's important to establish a Google Analytics 4 property sooner than later
A detailed breakdown of what’s included in each of our Google Analytics 4 implementation plans
FAQs
Can't I just merge my current Universal Analytics (UA) with the new Google Analytics 4 (GA4)?
Unfortunately, no. The two platforms use fundamentally different data models. This lack of integration makes setting up a GA4 property important in order to begin building up that historic data for when you need it.
Will I need to create a new Google Data Studio report as well?
Sort of. Changing the data source in Google Data Studio is simple. However, each dashboard element will need to be updated to reflect the new Google Analytics 4 dimensions and metrics. In this sense, it is essentially a new report.
What are the key dates to know?
Until July 1, 2023, you can continue to use and collect new data in your Universal Analytics properties.
After July 1, 2023, you'll be able to access your previously processed data in your Universal Analytics property for at least six months.
What's changing from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4?
Tracking code: Google Analytics 4 has a different tracking code and a different template tag in GTM. You cannot “migrate” or “upgrade” a property from Universal Analytics to GA4. Instead, you must create a separate property altogether. This also applies to advertising audiences (they will need to be recreated in GA4, too).
Event-based: Universal Analytics is session-based, while GA4 is event-based. In other words, the ability to track certain events like video plays and outbound clicks is easier to set up. This comes from the premise that page views aren’t the sole important metric.
Cross-device tracking: UA was built around desktop web traffic, while GA4 gives businesses visibility into the customer journeys across all of their website and apps.
Machine learning: GA4 uses machine learning technology to share insights and make predictions.
Privacy-friendly: UA data relies heavily on cookies, GA4 does not (source: wordstream)
Why should I establish a Google Analytics 4 property now?
Historic data: The data in your old properties will continue to be available in a read-only state, but this data cannot be imported into your new GA4 properties. Eventually, this historic data will not be readable, which is why you should at least get a GA4 property setup asap to run concurrently with your UA property.
Tagging update: Google Analytics 4 tags collect data in a different way than Universal Analytics. As such, you'll need to set up new tags with the latest version of Google Analytics. Proper tagging ensures that you have visibility on all your data and that your website communicates properly with third-party properties.
Team training: Google Analytics 4 is significantly different from Universal Analytics. Most teams will benefit from carving out time to familiarize themselves with the new tool. Even if you do not actively manage Google Analytics 4, there is new terminology that will be important to understand.
Media platform integrations: Each Google Analytics property is unique in that it has filters, audiences, and goals specific to a particular business. The goals and audiences that you have created in Universal Analytics will need to be recreated in GA4 and shared with your media buying platforms.
It's simply better: Google has had a decade to figure out what the new and improved version of Analytics will look like. GA4’s improved data model provides a more accurate and complete picture of how users are interacting with your website or app. In short, the data is more predictive, useful, and accurate. Don't worry, GA4 is still free.