Making the Change from Google UA to GA4

Author: | 3 min read

 

Google recently announced that it is transitioning from its Universal Analytics (UA) platform to the new Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This is a big shift for the analytics space, and all website owners and CMOs need to know when, why, and how to make this change. So, let’s dive in and get you up to speed on what you need to do.

Why Did Google Do This?
Google made this change because they wanted to provide website owners with more accurate data about their visitors. With the new GA4 platform, users will be able to track user engagement more accurately across devices and platforms. Additionally, GA4 will give users better insights into how their visitors are interacting with their content through machine learning-based analysis of user behavior. In other words, GA4 is designed to help website owners better understand their customers so they can create a more personalized experience for them.

What’s Different?
The biggest difference between UA and GA4 is that the latter takes a more holistic approach to measuring user engagement. While UA tracked pageviews and other metrics like time on page and bounce rate, GA4 actually looks at how users interact with your content over time, including across different devices and platforms. It also uses machine learning algorithms to gain insights into how users are engaging with your content so you can tailor your strategy accordingly.

Why Is It Important?
Making the switch from UA to GA4 is important because it allows website owners to have a better understanding of their visitors’ behaviors. By having access to comprehensive data about these behaviors, website owners can create more personalized experiences for their visitors that ultimately lead them down the conversion path faster and easier than ever before. Additionally, using AI-driven analysis from GA4 can help website owners identify trends in customer behavior so they can adjust their strategies accordingly without having to waste time manually analyzing data or manually segmenting visitors into different groups.

How Do I Make The Change?
Making the switch from UA to GA4 isn’t difficult but it does require some planning ahead of time in order for it go smoothly. Start by setting up an account in GA4 – you’ll need an email address associated with either a Gmail or G Suite account – then configure your settings up within your existing property in Universal Analytics (UA). Next, create an audience list based on user profiles that show interest in specific products or services – this will allow you target those people who are likely interested in what you have offer – then set up events tracking like page views or clicks within each page of your site so that any changes are tracked correctly when they happen in real-time within the new platform. Finally, ensure that all tags associated with each property are updated as needed within both systems – this will ensure smooth transition of data between both platforms when traffic begins flowing through both systems simultaneously after launch day has come around!

Making the transition from UA to GA4 may seem like a daunting task but taking the time now will pay off dividends down the line as you gain greater insight into what makes your customers tick! With its powerful AI-driven tools and comprehensive data gathering capabilities, GA4 provides website owners with valuable insights that allow them craft personal experiences for each visitor while still keeping track of key metrics like pageviews or event tracking along the way! So don’t delay; upgrade now!

About Morrison

Headquartered in Atlanta, Morrison is a full-service agency with deep technology and creative capabilities that help national and global clients solve business problems, enhance relevancy, and accelerate sales. Morrison is a partner in the ICOM network, a global alliance of more than 80 independent advertising and marketing communications agencies in over 60 countries.

For more information: morrison.agency | @wearemorrison