What Do I Need to Know About Google Analytics 4?

Simplified Questions and Answers to the Google Analytics 4 Transition.

If you’d have asked me this question six or so months ago, I probably wouldn’t have had much of a clue what you were asking. Yes, I know what Google Analytics is, but my knowledge around the transition was non-existent. However, I’m so glad I did some research, as the changes are really going to impact your business more than you think – that’s if you use the data from Google Analytics of course…

Google Analytics should be at the heart beat of your business as it collects all your data from your website, apps and helps provide further insights into your business.

Below are a few key questions and answers which I hope you find very useful, but not scary.

What is the Difference Between Google Analytics 3 and 4?

Google Analytics 3’s (GA3 or Universal Analytics) data model is based on page views and sessions. E.g. your golf membership page has had X number of views. 

GA4’s (Google Analytics 4) is based on events and parameters. E.g. within your membership page you can create different sections as events. Pricing – event 1. Testimonials – event 2. Contract form – event 3.

Therefore, the two analytics platforms collect, process and report the same data differently.

When is the Transition Happening?

From 1st July 2023, GA3 will be transitioning to GA4

What Happens if you Don’t Transition?

After 1st July 2023, GA3 will stop processing any data in your website, therefore you will not receive any insights from your google accounts.

Why are they Making this Transition?

Ultimately Google believes GA4 will offer greater flexibility and better insights than GA3, however, it does require businesses to adapt to the changes and make the most of the new features. Through time and adapting to the changes, businesses will benefit as they will start to understand their business even more.

How do you Know if you Even Have Google Analytics?

If you don’t know whether you have Google Analytics installed on your website then follow the below steps:

• Open up your web browser (preferably Google chrome) and go to your homepage
• View the source of the page. You can do this by pressing ‘ctrl u’ or right clicking and selecting ‘view source’
• Select ‘ctrl f’ to bring up your search bar at the top
• Search for any of these texts:

ga.js

analytics.js

UA-

GTM

Gtag.js

If you cannot find these on your website then it’s unlikely you Google Analytics installed. If you can find any of these texts then you likely do have Google Analytics and you’ll need to find your username (email address) and password to access the data.

Have We Confused You?

If you’re still unsure about Google Analytics and the transition, the worst thing you can do is nothing at all. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact and we’ll offer some advice completely free.