The launch of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), the new model of Google's popular analytics platform, is coming fast. Since more than half of all websites on the internet use Google Analytics, that means millions of websites — likely including yours — are facing a major transition to GA4.
Learn why you need to make the switch to GA4, what's changing, and how you can prepare for a smooth journey (with a little help from your friends at Click Rain).
If you're still using Universal Analytics (UA), you're heading toward a dead end!
UA is shutting down and being replaced by GA4 on July 1, 2023.
You'll lose all your past data unless you have a historical data management strategy.
Your existing account, properties, and any custom configurations won't automatically carry over.
Compared to UA, GA4 is more challenging to learn, implement, and use to glean insights. It's a major transition, so let's look closer at what's changing and how you can prepare.
GA4 introduces a new data model, new metrics, new UI, and a whole lot more. Here are a few key changes you should know about.
The underlying data model is changing from session-based in UA to event-based in GA4. Data is collected differently, so some metrics you're used to won't mean exactly the same thing in GA4.
UA collected and reported data based on how people used the internet more than a decade ago. GA4 is based on how people use the internet across devices today, so your metrics in GA4 should provide a more accurate view of your traffic and users.
A few familiar metrics are going away or changing names, while some helpful new metrics are being added. And Google could keep making changes and adding features as the rollout continues.
Site visits of 10+ seconds, 2+ pageviews, or containing a conversion event
Ratios of daily, weekly, and monthly active users showing user retention over time
Average of total engagement time per user
Number of engaged sessions divided by total sessions
Even data for familiar metrics like Users and Sessions might change slightly between UA and GA4 since the data is collected differently. Use both UA and GA4 for a while to understand how your website data differs and set realistic benchmarks.
The out-of-the-box configuration, events, and reports in GA4 will only get you so far, but just about everything can be customized. Custom events and reports bring more depth and insight to your data.
Easily segment your users based on dimensions, metrics, and events and connect those audiences with Google Ads.
AI-powered insights are built in throughout GA4, and you can set up custom insights and alerts based on metrics that matter to you.
Create flexible, intuitive reports to explore and compare your data.
GA4 is complex, but we can make it simple for you. Click Rain is your expert GA4 transition partner, here to ensure an easy ride ahead.
Click Rain has transitioned 81 websites to GA4 so far. Ready for yours?
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