GA4 is Here! So What?
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics, which was released in October 2020. It is a complete overhaul of the previous version, Google Universal Analytics (UA). Google has continued to emphasize it plans to sunset support for Google Universal Analytics in July 2023.
Some key differences between GA4 and UA include:
Data collection: GA4 uses machine learning to automatically collect and classify data, while UA requires manual tagging and configuration.
Data modeling: GA4 uses a flexible data model that allows you to create custom events and parameters, while UA has a fixed set of dimensions and metrics.
Integration with Google Ads: GA4 is closely integrated with Google Ads, allowing you to easily import and analyze data from your advertising campaigns.
User privacy: GA4 includes new features to help you comply with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Overall, GA4 is a more advanced and flexible version of Google Analytics that offers a range of new features and capabilities.
Will Google Universal Analytics be Phased Out?
Google has announced plans to phase out Universal Analytics (UA) in Summer 2023. They have stated that GA4 is the future of Google Analytics, and they have been focusing their development efforts on this new platform.
It is likely that UA will continue to exist after July 2023 but it will not supported, and it will be phased out at some point in the near future. This means all data including lookback windows, historical, and conversion will no longer be available. It will need to be migrated to BigQuery or another data storage solution.
If you are currently using UA, it is a good idea to start familiarizing yourself with GA4 and plan to migrate to GA4. While UA will continue to work until July 2023, GA4 offers a number of new features and capabilities that are extremely useful for your business.
How Can GA4 Benefit My Business?
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) offers a number of features and capabilities that can benefit businesses of all sizes and industries. Here are a few examples:
Cross-device and cross-platform measurement: GA4 can help you understand how customers interact with your business across different devices and platforms, such as web, mobile, and app. This can be particularly useful for businesses that have a multi-channel presence.
Machine learning-powered insights: GA4 uses machine learning to automatically classify data and provide insights about customer behavior. For example, it can identify trends and patterns in data that may not be immediately apparent to humans, and provide recommendations for optimization.
Integration with Google Ads: GA4 is closely integrated with Google Ads, allowing you to easily import and analyze data from your advertising campaigns. This can help you understand the effectiveness of your ads and optimize your targeting and budget.
User privacy: GA4 includes new features to help you comply with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
Overall, GA4 offers a range of powerful tools and capabilities that can help you better understand your customers and optimize your business.