When Was Google Analytics 4 Announced and How to Migrate

Google Analytics 4 was announced on October 20, 2020, marking a significant shift in how we track and analyze user behavior online. This new version of Google Analytics aims to provide more accurate and comprehensive data.

If you're still using the classic Universal Analytics, you'll need to migrate to Google Analytics 4 eventually, as Universal Analytics will stop processing new hits on July 1, 2023. This means you have some time to prepare for the switch.

Google Analytics 4, or GA4, is a new kind of property in Google Analytics. It was previously known as "App + Web" in its beta phase. GA4 is the default version of Google Analytics now, replacing the original Universal Analytics.

GA4 tracks both website and app data, which means you'll see different reports compared to Universal Analytics. This is a significant change from the original Google Analytics, which only supported tracking websites.

Here are some key features of GA4:

This new tracking capability means you'll gain a more comprehensive understanding of your users' behavior across both your website and app. You'll be able to see how users interact with your app and website, and what channels are driving the most engagement.

Google Analytics 4 brought about a significant overhaul of the platform, introducing several key changes and features that impacted analytics users. The updated interface is a notable change, offering a fresh look and feel.

One of the major differences is the way data is tracked, shifting from session-based to event-based tracking. This change allows for more granular and accurate insights into user behavior.

A notable limitation of GA4 is the lack of support for filtered views, which may require users to adapt their existing workflows. On the other hand, predictive analytics are now available without complex configurations, making it easier to gain valuable insights.

Here are some of the key changes to expect from GA4:

Universal Analytics is the current version of Google Analytics that will cease to operate permanently as of 1 July 2024.

It's no longer equipped for the global privacy landscape, which means it can't keep up with the changing rules and regulations around data collection and usage.

Universal Analytics is being replaced by an entirely new "events-based" analytics system in the form of GA4, which is a major change for website and app owners.

GA4 is a fundamentally different system from Universal Analytics, and the migration process requires some action on your end.

One of the biggest changes to expect is a new, updated Google Analytics interface, which will be familiar to users who have already explored the beta version.

Event-based data tracking replaces session-based tracking, allowing for more granular insights into user behavior. This change will likely require some adjustments to your tracking setup.

Third-party cookies will no longer be tracked in GA4, which is a significant shift in how data is collected and processed.

Universal Analytics will be retired on July 1st this year, and data will cease to be collected and processed overnight.

Here are some of the key changes to expect:

GA4 places privacy front and center, taking a more proactive approach to data protection than its predecessor.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) brought a new generation of attribution with it, and understanding it is crucial for marketers.

In GA4, attribution modeling is a key feature that helps you understand how users interact with your website or app.

Lookback windows, another feature in GA4, allow you to set a specific time frame for tracking user interactions.

Data retention in GA4 is also important, as it determines how long your data is stored in the system.

You can learn more about these features and others by watching a webinar replay that includes a walk-through of a GA4 account.

Migrating to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) can be a relatively simple operation, but it can also be a more involved process depending on the level of customization required.

The four-step migration strategy provides a reliable starting point for tracking data after 1 July. This strategy will put you in a secure position to continue tracking data.

BigQuery provides a new world of possibilities with GA4 data, offering insights that go beyond what's possible in the GA4 UI alone.

Migrating to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a crucial step for businesses to continue tracking data. The migration process can range from simple to complex, depending on the level of customization required.

To start, it's essential to understand that GA4 operates across platforms, doesn't rely exclusively on cookies, and uses an event-based data model to deliver user-centric measurement. This is a significant departure from Universal Analytics, which was built for a generation of online measurement anchored in the desktop web.

The four-step migration strategy provided by Google is a reliable starting point for a smooth migration. Completing the core migration before the deadline will ensure that critical metrics and settings are preserved.

One of the key differences between Universal Analytics and GA4 is data privacy. GA4 offers more robust data protection and privacy controls, which are essential in today's international data privacy landscape.

Here are some essential differences between Universal Analytics and GA4:

By understanding these differences and following the four-step migration strategy, businesses can ensure a smooth transition to GA4 and continue to track data effectively.

Setting up your BigQuery integration with GA4 is a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of your data. BigQuery provides a new world of possibilities with GA4 data, allowing you to gain insights that go beyond what's possible in the GA4 UI alone.

The first step in setting up your integration is to know how to do it. To achieve this, you need to read more about the process.

BigQuery can be integrated with GA4 to enable advanced data analysis and visualization. This integration allows you to tap into the vast amounts of data collected by GA4 and use it to inform your business decisions.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics, replacing Universal Analytics. The switch to GA4 is happening on July 1, 2023, which is just under 8 months away.

GA4 is the newest version of Google Analytics, designed to give advertisers more insight into user behavior and conversion tracking. The platform is built on a new data model that uses events and user properties to track user interactions.

The switch to GA4 is a significant change for businesses that rely on Google Analytics for marketing and conversion strategies. To ensure a smooth transition, it's essential to understand the key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics.

Here's a brief overview of the timeline for the switch to GA4:

It's worth noting that GA4 has a different data retention policy than Universal Analytics. GA4 allows up to 14 months of data retention, with an additional 2-month option. This is a significant change for businesses that rely on historical data for analysis and decision-making.

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a fundamentally different platform from Universal Analytics, replacing the old session-based data model with event-based reporting. This change allows for more advanced cross-device tracking capabilities, making it easier to understand the customer journey across multiple devices and touch points.

One of the key differences between UA and GA4 is data privacy. GA4 offers more robust data protection and privacy controls, which are essential for brands due to data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. This is a significant improvement over Universal Analytics.

GA4 also includes built-in machine-learning algorithms that automatically identify trends, generate insights, and provide recommendations. This feature is a game-changer for marketers, allowing them to make data-driven decisions with ease.

Here are some of the key differences between UA and GA4:

Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4 have some key differences that are worth noting.

One of the main differences is data privacy. Google Analytics 4 offers more robust data protection and privacy controls, which is becoming increasingly important for brands due to data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Google Analytics 4 also provides more advanced cross-device tracking capabilities, allowing marketers to better understand the customer journey across multiple devices and touch points. This is a major improvement over Universal Analytics.

Machine-learning algorithms are also built into Google Analytics 4, automatically identifying trends, generating insights, and providing recommendations. This can be a huge time-saver for marketers who want to get more out of their data.

In Google Analytics 4, the definition of a bounce has changed. A bounce is now defined as a user visiting a website, reviewing content on the homepage for less than 10 seconds, and then leaving without triggering any events or visiting any other pages or screens.

Here are some key differences between Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4:

Google Analytics 4 is also designed with privacy at its core, providing a better experience for both customers and their users.

GA4 is a fundamentally different platform to Universal Analytics.

It replaces the old session-based data model with event-based reporting. This change can be a bit jarring for those used to the traditional way of tracking website interactions.

GA4 introduces an integrated cross-device tracking service to accommodate the use of mobile apps. This means you can now track user behavior across multiple devices, giving you a more comprehensive view of their interactions.

Google announced that Universal Analytics will stop collecting data on July 1, 2023, so you'll need to switch over by then to keep tracking current data.

The way we use the internet has changed dramatically since the current version of Analytics was introduced, making Universal Analytics outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

You have until January 1, 2024, to archive your data outside of Google Analytics, as UA data will be deleted entirely on that date.

Google is starting over with Google Analytics 4 because the reality is that Universal Analytics is simply not equipped to deliver a cohesive solution to the complex demands of modern data tracking.

Google Analytics 4 is a powerful tool that offers several benefits to marketers, including a machine learning-based data model that provides more accurate and actionable insights.

This helps businesses make data-driven decisions confidently, knowing that the data they are working with is accurate and up-to-date.

GA4 provides improved data privacy and security, giving businesses more control over their data and making it easier to comply with privacy regulations like GDPR.

GA4 provides enhanced cross-device tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to get a more complete picture of their customers’ online journeys.

This helps businesses to better understand their customers and make informed decisions about how to engage with them.

GA4 provides more advanced eCommerce tracking, making it easier for businesses to measure the success of their online sales efforts.

This helps businesses to understand what’s working and what’s not, and make data-driven decisions about how to improve their eCommerce strategy.

Google is changing Google Analytics because the way we use the internet has changed dramatically since the current version was introduced.

The internet ecosystem and user behavior were vastly different back then, with desktop browsers being the primary way to navigate the online space.

Fast forward to 2023, and most consumers now browse online via a combination of mobile apps, tablets, and traditional browsers.

This has resulted in much more data coming from multiple sources, making it a complex task to track.

Google is starting over with a new analytics iteration because Universal Analytics is no longer equipped to deliver a cohesive solution to modern data tracking demands.

Google is choosing to start fresh rather than continue to update an old system.