GA4 and What You Need to Know

Google launched Universal Analytics back in October of 2012. This was a huge shock to digital marketers across the globe, but an adjustment that needed to be made to keep up with the latest trends. Ten years later, Google made the announcement that their newest version of Universal Analytics, also known as Google Analytics 4, will be fully launched in July of 2023 and replace the previous version that digital marketers are currently using. 

As we move forward in preparation for the newest version of analytics, Google Analytics 4, we want to help you prepare for it and help you understand what you need to know about GA4.

What to know about GA4?

Google Analytics 4, or GA4, will have a lot of similarities that you are used to having with the current version of Analytics, but there will be a slight difference in user interaction. There will definitely be a learning curve for users with this new version, ranging from where you find your reports to different terminology and more. 

The most important item to note is that the only analytics program that Google will be supporting come July of 2023 is going to be Google Analytics 4, so ready or not, change is coming. 

What does this change mean to you?

As a digital marketer, this means that you have to learn and adapt to the new analytics that Google is launching. This is crucial for three main reasons:

1. Learn how to navigate the updated features of GA4.
2. Learn and understand some of the new terminology presented within GA4.
3. Set up your GA4 property as soon as you can to get as much historical data as possible. (*This is crucial because no one knows exactly how long Universal Analytics will keep the previous data you have recorded).

These three reasons will be crucial for your comparison data not only year-over-year but period-over-period as well. 

As you set up your GA4 property, it is important to remember that GA4 is still in the works and will have changes that you should stay up to date on. Also, remember to still utilize Universal Analytics until GA4 is in total effect come July of 2023.

If you have any questions, contact the Top Floor team with any questions you may have regarding the process to see how we can help guide you through this change that Google is bringing.