Google Analytics 4 is our next-generation measurement solution, and it’s replacing Universal Analytics. On July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will stop processing data. We strongly encourage you to make the switch to Google Analytics 4 as soon as possible.
If you had prior knowledge of GA4, you would be aware of the substantial disparities between the two platforms. However, despite these differences, there are still a few shared aspects. One notable similarity lies in the data and reporting capabilities of both platforms. Anything you can measure in UA can also be measured in GA4, and you can generate the same reports. In fact, you might find that GA4 offers a broader range of reporting options, although many of these options already exist in UA, albeit organized differently.
Another thing the two platforms have in common is the price. Just like Universal Analytics, GA4 will be completely free to use.
However, Google Analytics 4 has a built-in eCommerce tracking feature that can be used to track sales and conversion data. This feature is not available on Universal Analytics.
Unlocking the Power of GA4: Exploring Key Differences from UA
1. Event-Based Tracking
GA4 introduces a significant change in how data is measured and modeled compared to Universal Analytics. In UA, page views tracked user interactions effectively but had limitations as it didn’t account for other interaction types like video views or clicks. GA4 categorizes each interaction as an event, offering a more comprehensive view of user behavior.
This event-based approach enables greater flexibility in analyzing and measuring interactions. The reporting tools available in GA4 provide valuable insights into user engagement on your website or app. Furthermore, events are tracked independently of sessions, giving you the ability to activate or deactivate them as needed, granting greater control over your collected data.
2. Mobile App and Website Tracking
With Google Analytics 4, tracking mobile app data has become more seamless and integrated with traditional website tracking. This means that businesses no longer have to create a separate Property to collect mobile app data as everything can be tracked in one platform. This has made it easier for site owners to gain a comprehensive understanding of how customers interact with their business across all channels, including mobile apps and websites.
As a result, site owners can gain deeper insights into customer behavior and use this data to make informed decisions about marketing and website optimization. Furthermore, with the rise of mobile usage, having the ability to track mobile app data is becoming increasingly important for businesses to stay competitive and relevant in today’s digital landscape.
Source: GA4 – Google Demo Account
3. Machine Learning
One aspect that has generated significant excitement among users in GA4 is the integration of machine learning capabilities. GA4 leverages machine learning to predict future user actions, offering valuable insights for businesses.
Within GA4, there are three predictive metrics that can be tracked to enhance decision-making:
- Purchase Probability: This metric analyzes the likelihood of customers who was active in the last 28 days will log a specific conversion event within the next 7.
- Churn Probability: The probability that a user who was active on your app or site within the last 7 days will not be active within the next 7 days.
- Predicted Revenue: This metric provides an estimate of the revenue that a user is expected to generate in the next 28 days from a user who was active in the last 28 days.
By leveraging these predictive metrics, businesses gain a deeper understanding of user behavior and can take proactive measures to optimize their marketing campaigns, improve user engagement, and drive business growth. The integration of machine learning in GA4 empowers businesses with actionable insights, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
4. Better Product Integration
Google Analytics 4 offers seamless integration with Google tools and services such as Google Optimize, Google Tag Manager, Google Ads, Google Merchant Center, and Big Query.
The integration between GA4 and BigQuery has become a hot topic among Google Analytics users. In the past, this integration was only available for enterprise users with GA360, which started at $150,000 per year. However, with GA4, this enterprise feature is now available for free to all users, making it a valuable addition to the platform.
What are the Benefits of GA4 and BigQuery?
Firstly, it allows you to merge your GA data with data from other sources, like CRM systems and email providers, giving you a more comprehensive view of your business. When all the data is in one place, it’s easier to identify patterns and insights that would be hard to find otherwise.
Moreover, you don’t need to worry about data sampling since raw data from GA4 goes directly to BigQuery. However, custom reports in GA4 might undergo data sampling. Additionally, BigQuery lets you ask high-level questions using SQL queries and create reports with various metrics.
While you can send your GA data directly from GA4 to Looker, BigQuery offers more metrics and dimensions. Although on-demand queries may have a cost, it’s usually not a concern for most small websites. Ultimately, using BigQuery alongside GA4 can provide significant benefits, and there’s no fixed cost to begin with.
Enhancing User Experience: Unveiling the GA4 Search Bar for Deeper Insights
Thus maybe the best is the intuitive search feature present in GA4. Navigation through the GA4 has never been easier and more user-friendly even to those that are not familiar with GA in particular.
Search bar can now be used similar to how you propose a question into the Google bar and GA will suggest an answer- destination to the answer on the GA platform.
You can search for actual questions, like: Give me sales by country for feb 10,2022- may 10,2022. Google will direct you to the answer.
Source: GA4 – Google Demo Account
Search is available in all languages supported by Google Analytics 4 properties in Google Analytics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GA4 is a powerful web analytics tool that empowers website owners to delve deeper into user behavior and gain valuable insights. As we discussed throughout this blog, making the switch to GA4 is a significant step towards obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of your audience and website performance. To support your journey with GA4 implementation, it is crucial to partner with a reliable web hosting company that understands the intricacies of data integration and analytics.
AltusHost.com, a trusted web hosting provider, offers top-notch hosting services designed to ensure a seamless transition to GA4. Their expertise in hosting and commitment to exceptional customer support make them an ideal partner for businesses seeking to maximize the benefits of GA4. By choosing AltusHost.com, you can confidently navigate the transition, knowing that your website’s data and analytics are in capable hands.
To learn more about how AltusHost.com can assist you in optimizing your GA4 implementation, visit AltusHost today. With their reliable hosting solutions, you can harness the full potential of GA4 and make data-driven decisions that will enhance your online presence.
