The deadline to switch to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) passed on July 1st. If you're still feeling unsure about using GA4, or haven't finished setting it up, don't worry!
GA4 is a different platform from Universal Analytics.GA4 uses event-based tracking,it tracks user interactions with your website or app as individual events. On the other hand, UA reported on individual user sessions as a series of hits.
If you're not yet a confident GA4 user or haven't had much time to get used to it, keep reading. I'll explain some of the main differences between Universal Analytics (UA) and GA4, point out the cool new features, and share some useful resources to help you become an expert in no time.
Top Tips To Become A GA4 Pro
Understand the difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics
Firstly, understand why GA4 differs from Universal Analytics (UA) due to shifts in browsing behavior and privacy regulations. GA4's event-based model provides a unified measurement across user journeys, necessitating a new approach to analysis.
Set up properly
Secondly, ensure a successful setup by confirming Google Ads links and validating goals and conversions migration. Utilize tools like the GA4 Setup Assistant and Setup Guide for a personalized and comprehensive setup.
Explore Google's resources
Thirdly, familiarize yourself with GA4 through resources like Skillshop modules and Analytics guides tailored to different experience levels. These materials offer a solid foundation in GA4's concepts and structure.
Master GA4 exclusive features
Fourthly, explore GA4's new features such as Business Objectives, Customized Home Page, and Analytics Intelligence. These enhancements provide deeper insights and streamline analytics workflows.
Customize events
Fifthly, take advantage of GA4's ability to customize events without coding, allowing for tailored data collection and reporting.
Utilize the advanced audience-building capabilities
Sixthly, maximize GA4's integration with Google Ads for audience building and campaign optimization.
Understand reporting identity and data thresholding.
Lastly, understand reporting identity and data thresholding to ensure accurate insights while respecting user privacy.
There are three reporting identity options:
- Blended, which runs through each of the four methods, in the order above, to identify users.
- Observed, which evaluates the first three identity methods but not behavior modeling.
- Device-based, which, you guessed it, only uses device ID.