GA4 deadline is looming for Google Analytics

Google Analytics 4 (GA4), the latest version of Google Analytics, offers several new features and improvements over previous versions. One of the most significant changes in GA4 is how it handles data collection and processing. Google has a deadline of July 1st, 2023, to set up your GA4 account. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Google GA4 and discuss the steps you can take to convert your Google Analytics to it.

One of the main advantages of Google GA4 is its ability to handle large amounts of data more efficiently. The new version of Google Analytics uses a new data collection method called “Global Site Tag” (gtag.js), which allows for more accurate tracking of website visitors and their behavior. GA4 also has a new data processing engine capable of handling millions of hits daily, making it ideal for large websites and web applications.

Another major advantage of GA4 is its improved user interface. The new version of Google Analytics has a more modern and user-friendly design, making it easier to navigate and understand the data. The new interface also includes many new features, such as:

• A new “Real-time” report that provides instant insights into website traffic and visitor behavior.
• A new “Audience” report that provides detailed information about your website visitors, such as demographics, interests, and behavior.
• A new “Acquisition” report that provides information about where your website traffic is coming from and how it is behaving on your website.

If you are currently using an older version of Google Analytics, converting to GA4 is relatively straightforward. The process involves three main steps:

1. Create a new property in GA4: To convert your Google Analytics to GA4, you will need to create a new property in the new version of Google Analytics. This can be done by visiting the Google Analytics website and clicking the “Admin” button. You can create a new property by selecting “Create Property” from the menu.
2. Install the Global Site Tag (gtag.js) on your website: The next step is to install the new data collection method, the Global Site Tag (gtag.js), on your website. This can be done by adding a small piece of code to your website’s header. The code is provided by Google Analytics and can be found in your new property’s “Tracking Code” section.
3. Configure your new property: Once you have installed the Global Site Tag on your website, you will need to configure your new property. This includes setting up your views, creating goals, and linking your new property to other Google tools, such as Google Ads.

After completing these steps, you can start collecting data in your new GA4 property. However, to make the most of the new features and improvements in GA4, reviewing and updating your existing tracking code, goals, and filters is recommended.

To recap, Google GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics and offers many new features and improvements over previous versions. Its ability to handle large amounts of data more efficiently and the new user interface makes it easier to understand and make better decisions. If you’re currently using an older version of Google Analytics, converting to GA4 is relatively straightforward. It involves creating a new property in GA4, installing the Global Site Tag on your website, and configuring your new property. Remember to review and update your existing tracking code, goals, and filters to take full advantage of the new version.

Do you need help converting to GA4 by the July 1st, 2023, deadline?

If you are a current client and need help with a simple GA4 conversion, I can help. Please get in touch with me, and we can schedule and discuss your needs.

If you are a client with Google Ads and need assistance with a more advanced conversion, my colleague Matt Woicik at ML2 Solutions is a great resource. Just let me know, and I can make an introduction.