Google Analytics 4 (GA4) vs Universal Google Analytics (old version)

Google Analytics 4 (also known as GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics, which was released in October 2020. It introduces several significant changes and improvements compared to the previous version, which is now known as "Universal Analytics." Here are some of the main differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics:

• Data model: One of the biggest differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics is how data is collected and organized. GA4 uses a "data model" that is designed to be more flexible and scalable, allowing website owners to collect and analyze a wider range of data about their visitors and their interactions with the website. In contrast, Universal Analytics uses a more rigid data model that is based on the concept of "hits," which can make it more difficult to collect and analyze certain types of data.
• Event-based tracking: GA4 is designed to be more event-based, meaning that it focuses on collecting data about specific actions that visitors take on the website (such as clicking a button or filling out a form). This allows website owners to get a more detailed understanding of how visitors are interacting with their website, and to create more targeted and effective marketing campaigns. Universal Analytics, on the other hand, is more page-based, meaning that it focuses on collecting data about pageviews and other metrics that are associated with individual pages on the website.
• Machine learning: GA4 includes several machine learning capabilities that are designed to help website owners better understand and optimize their website's performance. For example, GA4 can use machine learning to automatically identify trends and patterns in visitor behavior and to make recommendations for improving the website's performance. Universal Analytics does not have these machine learning capabilities.
• Cross-device and cross-platform tracking: GA4 is designed to be more flexible when it comes to tracking visitors across different devices and platforms. It includes several features that are designed to help website owners track visitors as they move between different devices and platforms, such as the ability to link together multiple device-specific user IDs. Universal Analytics does not have these cross-device and cross-platform tracking capabilities.
• New reporting interface: GA4 includes a completely redesigned reporting interface that is designed to be more intuitive and user-friendly. It includes several new features and tools that are designed to make it easier for website owners to understand and analyze their data, such as the ability to create custom reports and dashboards.

In summary, GA4 introduces many significant changes and improvements compared to Universal Analytics, including a more flexible and scalable data model, event-based tracking, machine learning capabilities, and improved cross-device and cross-platform tracking. It also includes a completely redesigned reporting interface that is designed to be more user-friendly and intuitive.

Explain how to migrate from the old GA to the new GA4

Migrating from the old version of Google Analytics (Universal Analytics) to the new version (GA4) involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Set up a GA4 property: The first step in migrating to GA4 is to set up a GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. To do this, log in to your Google Analytics account, click the "Admin" button, and then click the "Create Property" button. Follow the prompts to create a new GA4 property for your website.

2. Install the GA4 tracking code: Once you have set up your GA4 property, you will need to install the GA4 tracking code on your website. This code will collect data about your website's visitors and send it to your GA4 property. You can find the tracking code in the "Implementation" section of your GA4 property's settings.

3. Configure your GA4 property: After you have installed the GA4 tracking code, you will need to configure your GA4 property to collect the data that you want to track. This includes setting up events and parameters to track specific actions and data points, as well as setting up goals and conversions to measure the performance of your website.

4. Migrate your data: If you have been using Universal Analytics to track your website's traffic, you may want to migrate your data to your new GA4 property. To do this, you can use the Google Analytics Data Import feature, which allows you to import data from Universal Analytics into GA4. You can find instructions for how to do this in the "Data Import" section of your GA4 property's settings.

5. Monitor your data: After you have set up your GA4 property and migrated your data (if applicable), you will want to monitor your data to ensure that it is being collected and reported correctly. This may involve comparing your GA4 data to your Universal Analytics data to ensure that the numbers are similar, and checking for any errors or discrepancies.

In summary, migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4 involves setting up a GA4 property, installing the GA4 tracking code, configuring your GA4 property to track the data you want, migrating your data (if applicable), and monitoring your data to ensure that it is being collected and reported correctly.

Jeff M.

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.