The long-awaited Google Analytics 4.0 is almost here! Starting July 1st, 2023, all new analytics accounts will automatically be upgraded to the GA4 version or Google Analytics 4 property. With this change, there are several significant updates that you need to be aware of and prepare for in order to ensure a smooth transition.
How is Google Analytics 4.0 Different?
The main difference between GA 4.0 and Universal Analytics is the data collection method. With GA 4.0, you’ll be able to collect more data points due to its event-based model. This means that it allows you to capture user interactions on your website more accurately than with Universal Analytics.
Another major change is its Machine Learning capabilities; with GA 4.0, you’ll be able to use automated insights and recommendations to get a better understanding of your digital performance. You’ll also have access to predictive analysis, which can help you make decisions in order to improve your results.
With G4.0, third-party cookies will be a thing of the past, but it is not yet clear what will replace them. With Google Analytics 4.0, Google is able to deal with the future without cookies. Google is predicting that data scarcity will become a bigger issue for online brands. TO fill in this gap, GA 4.0 is using machine learning models where there is incomplete data, meaning that it is likely Google will hold more data than ever before, but we will be unable to see it. With the machine learning models, you will get more insight into your users and the places where they are converting.
What are the New Features of Google Analytics 4.0?
Google Analytics 4.0 comes with a variety of new features, allowing you to get more valuable insights into your customers’ behavior and journey across different channels.
The most significant updates include enhanced insights that allow you to better understand user behavior across their omnichannel journey. This will allow you to see when a person visits your site on their phone and then uses their computer to make a purchase or vice versa.
The interface is also being updated, eliminating the confusing language, vague terminology, and overall difficulty of use that the current Google Analytics interface is known for. This update will make it easy to put Google Analytics Data in BI programs outside of Google Analytics, eliminating the need to always have to look at and use it. This interface will be cleaner and more intuitive, and you will also see a unified user view between your app and your website.
Furthermore, GA 4.0 also includes an analysis hub where you can throughout explore your data, view users, and create custom conversion funnels for your business. Hit limits, which restricted websites to 10 million hits under the free version of Google Analytics, will be eliminated with GA 4.0. This update will have a hit limit on the number of different events that can be captured, which will be set at 500, but there will be no limit on the volume of users who visit your website.
Steps to Take Before Google Analytics 4.0 Take Over
First and foremost, you should begin implementing Universal Analytics tracking code on all your sites as soon as possible. This will allow you to start collecting data from both the old and new versions of Google Analytics at the same time. With this method, you’ll have more options when it comes time to make changes and switch over completely to GA4.0 later on down the line.
You’ll also want to create a data migration plan. This will ensure that all your historical data is migrated into the new GA4.0 accounts so you can have access to meaningful analytics and insights.
Finally, take some time to familiarize yourself with the new features of Analytics 4.0 before it officially launches in July. This way, you won’t be caught off guard when the switchover occurs and can quickly begin taking advantage of its powerful capabilities.
How Higher Images Can Help Navigate Google Analytics 4.0
Analytics 4.0 is bringing exciting changes and opportunities for businesses, but only if they are prepared! Take the steps necessary now so you won’t be left behind come July 1st! If you need help understanding the changes to Google Analytics, the experts at Higher Images can help! Our team of Google experts has the knowledge and the tools needed to help ensure your business is prepared. Contact us today to learn more!
Bryan Thornberg founded Higher Images. 22 years ago. As Owner and Chief Marketing Officer, he leads his team in all digital projects, consultations, development, marketing, public relations, sales, analytics, account management, and product support.
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