Google Analytics is a powerful tool that business owners have been using since 2005 to track activity on their website. The tool helps users make informed decisions about their marketing strategy by providing insights on traffic sources, website visitors, and conversions. Over the years, Google has introduced various updates to Google Analytics, including Universal Analytics and the latest version- Google Analytics 4 (GA-4). Starting July 1, 2023, Universal Analytics will stop processing website data. This means it’s crucial to understand the GA4 update and learn how to navigate the platform. In this blog post, we will answer frequently asked questions about the differences between Universal Analytics and Google Analytic 4, so you can be sure to migrate your data successfully.
What Is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is a free web analytics service offered by Google that allows website owners to track and analyze their website traffic. The tool provides valuable insights into user behavior, helping you understand how visitors are interacting with your site. Google Analytics collects data that allows website owners to optimize their site for better user experience and higher conversion rates. You can easily access a wide range of information about your audience, including age, language, and location. Using this data, you can create marketing campaigns that are targeted to specific demographics. Additionally, Google Analytics converts this data into simple reports that can be shared with your team. If you are looking to maintain a successful business, tracking your website analytics is essential. By understanding how individual visitors are interacting with your site, you can make more strategic decisions in your marketing plan.
What’s The Difference Between Universal Analytics and GA-4?
Universal analytics (UA) is a data collection and processing tool that was introduced in 2012, and it’s been widely used by website owners since. UA provides information on website visitors and tracks their interactions using cookies. With Universal Analytics, website owners can easily track pageviews, clicks, and conversions. As with most software programs, Universal Analytics was due for an update.
Google Analytics 4 (GA-4) is the latest version of Google Analytics that was introduced in 2020. This version is designed to provide more advanced insights into user behavior. As of July 2023, all analytics will be tracked using GA-4. Unlike Universal Analytics, GA-4 uses a new tracking code that tracks user interactions across multiple devices and platforms. One of the main differences between Universal Analytics and GA-4 is the way user behavior is tracked. UA uses cookies, whereas GA-4 uses an event-based model.
Some of the new benefits that Google Analytics 4 provides include:
- The ability to collect data from multiple devices, including websites, mobile apps, and connected devices
- A streamlined data model that makes it easier to analyze and understand your data
- New ways to visualize your data, including custom reports and dashboard
- Improved security and privacy controls
How Do I Transition My Web Data to Google Analytics 4?
If you are currently using Universal Analytics to track your website data and need to switch to Google Analytics 4, there are a few steps to follow to ensure a seamless transition. First, you need to create a new GA-4 property in your Google Analytics account. You can do this by navigating to the “Admin” tab and clicking on “Create Property.” Once the property is created, you will need to install the GA-4 tracking code on your website. This code is different from the Universal Analytics code, so be sure to update accordingly. Finally, you need to migrate any existing Universal Analytics tags and triggers to GA4. After you have set up Google Analytics 4 on your website, you can start collecting data and analyzing user behavior.
Contact Boston Web Marketing Today
It’s important to note that GA-4 is a new platform, so it’s probable that it will take some time to get used to. However, with its advanced integration abilities, Google Analytics 4 is an essential tool for website owners looking to optimize their site. Looking for a professional team to help you make the switch from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4? Look no further than Boston Web Marketing! Our digital marketing specialists are partnered with Google and can help you understand how to navigate the new platform and track your data successfully. Contact us today at 857-526-0096, or visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can help you track your website data.