Imagine waking up one day and realizing that your trusty analytics tool can no longer help you navigate the digital landscape. That day is fast approaching, as Universal Analytics (UA) will cease tracking and data processing. Nonetheless, fear not – Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is here to usher us into a new era of data-driven success. It’s time to migrate to GA4, which brings more advanced features and benefits. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to set up your GA4 account with ease.
How to Migrate to GA4
Contrary to popular belief, breaking up with UA is quite simple. In fact, you might have already migrated to GA4 without realizing it! Google created GA4 properties for existing UA accounts back in March (unless you opted out). However, their standard basic setup might not include all the data you’re used to seeing in your UA reports, so there’s still more work to do (thanks, Google!). To fully migrate, follow the five steps below. Additionally, if you use Google Data Studio’s dashboard, don’t forget to update it.
Step 1: Create a New GA4 Property
- Log in to your Google Analytics account.
- Navigate to the Admin section.
- Under the Property column, click on “Create Property” and choose “Web” or “Apps,” depending on your needs.
- Fill in the necessary details for your new GA4 property, such as the property name, time zone, and currency. Voilà – your GA4 property is now set up!
Step 2: Set Up Data Streams
- Access the Data Streams section in your GA4 property.
- Click “Add Stream” and select the appropriate data source (e.g., website or mobile app).
- Follow the instructions to integrate the GA4 tracking code or use Google Tag Manager for streamlined setup.
- Verify data collection by checking Real-Time reports.
Step 3: Configure GA4 Settings and Set Up Events and Conversions
- Enable Google Signals (required for Demographics reports) and change Data Retention settings.
- Add IPs to traffic filters using the Data Streams configuration.
- Turn on standard events in the Enhanced Measurement section; note that it takes 24-48 hours for data to appear.
- Track events as conversions by matching event names precisely or adding new Conversion events.
Step 4: Adjust Your Reporting and Dashboards
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- Navigate to the Reporting section in GA4.
- Customize your reports and dashboards with relevant metrics, dimensions, and filters.
- Take advantage of data export and sharing options.
- Update Google Data Studio if necessary.
Bonus Step: Export Your Historical Data
Export your historical data from UA and store it safely. Access to UA reports might be limited in the future, so prepare for any potential roadblocks.
Customizing GA4
GA4 provides next-level flexibility and customization, allowing you to tailor your reports and dashboards according to your business’s unique goals.
User Privacy and GDPR in GA4
GA4 respects users’ privacy while ensuring compliance with GDPR and other regulations. It optimally balances data collection with user consent, offering valuable insights without infringing upon privacy.
The Beginner’s Guide to GA4
To help you embrace GA4, we’ve compiled a ‘Beginner’s Guide to GA4,’ designed to assist you in navigating its features and fully utilizing the wealth of data at your disposal.
Goodbye, Universal Analytics
Parting with UA may be difficult, but GA4 paves the way for advanced tracking, customization, and user privacy. Embrace the future of analytics by completing your migration to GA4 and enriching your data-driven strategies.