Google Analytics 4 is a tool that has been causing a lot of noise since it was first talked about. As a replacement for Universal Analytics, it seems that it has arrived to do the job much better.
Read us until the end so that you find out not only what it is, or what new features it brings, but also the benefits of using Google Analytics 4 that will make you thank us for having explained how to start using it.
What is Google Analytics 4?
When talking about Google Analytics 4, we are referring to the most recent version of Google Analytics. It is a tool that is responsible for collecting data that is generated by those who visit a website or a mobile application.
In this way, it is possible for brands and businesses to understand the virtual journeys that their customers take, and use this information in order to achieve a greater number of conversions and sales.
Among the data analyzed by Google Analytics 4 are the number of users who access the website or the app, the pages that have had the highest number of views, the type of device from which it was accessed, the clicks that have been made, and conversions.
In addition, there is the possibility of integrating GA4 with other tools, so that its results can be enhanced, mainly this idea can be contemplated with Customer Relationship Management, or CRM.
Returning, this is a new generation of software that has been based on those events that make it possible to track visitor interactions, and are defined by clicking a button, watching a video or playing an audio, downloading a file, or complete a purchase.
In this way, in these events specialized and technical terms are used that allow the configuration of their measurement.
How is Google Analytics 4 different from previous versions?
Google Analytics 4 will be the replacement for Universal Analytics, which was launched in 2012, is session-based and uses user-generated cookies as a data source.
To help better separate the two tools, let’s evaluate the differences between Google Analytics 4 and its previous versions:
- On the one hand, UA only measures activity on the website, and on the other hand, it uses Firebase to measure activity in the mobile application. GA4 gives you the option to collect user data, both on websites and mobile applications, together or separately.
- UA is responsible for recording user activity using cookies. GA4 makes use of artificial intelligence machine learning to cover data that users do not share, complying with the General Data Protection Regulation already implemented in several countries.
- UA registers users with the device ID, and does not take into account that the same user can have access from different devices. GA4 is responsible for eliminating duplicate IDs, and integrates other indicators (such as an open Gmail account) that help you detect when the same user uses more than one device. This means that the analysis of the customer journey is carried out with more exact figures, which can include access from their mobile phone or computer.
- UA manages a list of useful reports to find a metric, or dimension of users. GA4 has the “Explorations” functions, which allows you to create personalized reports, which are based on various metrics and dimensions to make way for real statistics, such as the demographic data of a target audience.
- UA is based on sessions, it has a section called “Reports” with the options “In real time”, “Audience”, “Acquisition”, “Behavior”, and “Conversions”. GA4 has “Lifecycle”, which includes “Acquisition”, “Interaction” and “Monetization”.
- UA does not have e-commerce dimensions and metrics. GA4 includes “Item Brand,” “Item Name,” “Item Category,” “Item ID,” along with the metrics “Item Revenue,” “Items Added to Cart,” “Items Purchased,” and “Items Purchased.” Viewed articles”.
How to start using Google Analytics 4?
Now that you know what it is, and what it is for, let’s talk about how to start using Google Analytics 4 because, if you are an editor or administrator, you have three options:
- Set up Analytics data collection for the first time.This should be the ideal option for you in case you are starting to use Analytics, and you intend to collect data from your website, or application.
- Add Google Analytics 4 to a site with Universal Analytics.This is a GA4 setup wizard, which will take care of adding a Google Analytics 4 property along with the Universal Analytics property you already have. The Universal Analytics property will continue to collect data, and you have access to both through the property selector in the “Manage” area.
- Add Google Analytics 4 to a website building platform or CMS.You should choose this option if you use a website hosted on a CMS, for example, those that have been created with GoDaddy, WordPress, Squarespace, Drupal, Wix, Shopify, WooCommerce, HubSpot, Magento, Awesome Motive, among others. .
How do you know which one is right for you? Evaluate the options to start using Google Analytics 4 that you have available and identify which of them goes hand in hand with the characteristics of your site.
Are you convinced to start using Google Analytics 4?
With the information we have given you, you surely have a good answer as to why start using Google Analytics 4.
In addition to being at the forefront, the tool really provides value to its users.
But, perhaps, you may also be interested in knowing that it is more respectful of user privacy, gives you a more complete view of your visitors, allows you to more easily identify your potential customers, has good predictive functions, and can create various reports. in real time, and more.
Now that you know, are you ready to start using it?
