GA4 Migration - A Quick Guide

Attention Website Owners: It’s Time to Upgrade to Google Analytics 4!

Are you still using Universal Analytics to track your website’s performance? It’s time to switch to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), the latest version of Google’s analytics platform because Universal Analytics will stop working at the end of June 2023. Here is a quick guide to help your GA4 Migration.

Why Upgrade to GA4?

GA4 offers several new features and improvements over Universal Analytics, including:
Enhanced cross-device tracking: GA4’s new tracking technology allows you to understand better how users engage with your website across multiple devices and platforms, giving you a complete picture of your audience.
Advanced event tracking: GA4’s event tracking is more powerful than ever, allowing you to track various user interactions, including video engagement, scroll depth, and file downloads.
Improved data modelling: GA4 uses machine learning to provide more accurate insights into user behaviour and trends, allowing you to make more informed decisions about your website and marketing strategies.
Simplified data integration: GA4 integrates with Google Ads and other Google marketing tools, making it easier to analyze your data and optimize your campaigns.
And, well, you have no choice because Universal Analytics will stop working at the end of June 2023.

Can I still use my old Universal Analytics data in GA4?

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) uses a different data model than Universal Analytics (UA), which means that you cannot simply transfer your UA data to GA4.

Universal Analytics will cease data processing on the 1st of July 2023 and you will only have access to the historical data up to this point. GA4 data will only be available from the date you created your GA4 property and started tracking data.

Pre-GA4 migration steps for website owners

Before migrating to GA4, website owners should ensure that their website is compatible with the new gtag tracking code. This means checking that their website platform and any plugins or customizations are able to support GA4. They should also make sure that their website is using the latest version of the tracking code.

Another important step is to review their current data collection and reporting needs. Website owners should identify the key metrics and dimensions they need to track in GA4 and ensure that they are collecting the necessary data. They should also consider any custom reports or dashboards they currently use and how they can be replicated in GA4.

If you want to do the migration yourself, head over to the Google Analytics help pages for detailed steps.

GA4 Migration using a Google Tag

Migrating to GA4 with a Google tag (gtag) is a straightforward process and can be done in a few simple steps.

First, create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account.
Next, install the Google tag (gtag.js) on your website.
Use the GA4 Setup Assistant to complete your migration.
Finally, check and test your data streams to ensure that all relevant data is being tracked.

GA4 Migration using Google Tag Manager

Some sites may be using Google Tag Manager which can be updated in a few simple steps.

Open the Google Tag Manager account that has the GTM- tracking code on the site.
Add the Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration tag and set the “All Pages” trigger.
Add Google Analytics: GA4 Event tag if you want to track conversions.
Test to see if Tags are working.
Submit and Publish.
Use the Setup Assistant in Analytics to complete your migration.
Test to see if Analytics is tracking and recording visitor data.
Find out more about how to Configure Google Analytics 4 in Google Tag Manager

Need Help with Your GA4 Migration Process?

In conclusion, migrating to GA4 is a necessary step to stay ahead in the digital world and before Universal Analytics stop working. With its advanced features and improved user interface, website owners can gain valuable insights into their audience’s behaviour and preferences.

If you need help with the migration process or have any questions about GA4, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more and get started on your migration to GA4!

Happy tracking!