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ga4 key steps

UA to GA4 Transition: Key Steps

Table of Contents

With the introduction of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Google has embarked on a significant transformation in the world of website and app analytics. While GA4 offers a variety of new features and powerful capabilities, there are several elements that will not be automatically updated. Understanding these is vital as you navigate the transition. Read our full guide here.

The New GA4 Landscape

Google Analytics 4 is the latest iteration of Google Analytics, designed to provide a more holistic view of user interactions across websites and apps. It is event-based rather than session-based, focusing on user interactions and offering powerful new AI-driven insights. A move that many analytics companies such as Amplitude already provide.

Manual Update Considerations

When transitioning to GA4, there are several areas that you’ll need to manually update. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Goals: Unlike Universal Analytics (UA), GA4 does not use the “Goals” feature. Instead, GA4 uses conversions, which are similar but not identical. Your old goals will not be automatically transferred to GA4, so you will need to set up your conversions in GA4 manually. If they are already in the right format, you can import them. See instructions.

2. Custom Dimensions and Metrics: Custom dimensions and metrics in UA will not automatically be migrated to GA4. In GA4, these are replaced with custom definitions, and these will need to be set up manually. See Instructions.

3. E-commerce Setup: If you’re using e-commerce tracking in UA, you’ll need to set up e-commerce tracking in GA4. It’s important to note that GA4 uses a different event schema than UA, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly. You can wait to completely move to GA4, but it’s recommended to move it over sooner rather than later. See Instructions.

4. Custom Audiences: The custom audiences that you might be integrating with Google Ads, for example, won’t be carried over to GA4. They offer a plugin to help but you’ll need to reconfigure these in the new even-based schema. See Instructions.

Preparing for the Transition

To ensure a smooth transition to GA4, here are some steps you can take:

1. Dual Setup: Run GA4 in parallel with your existing UA setup. This will allow you to understand the differences between the two and gather valuable data before the complete switch.

2. Learning Resources: Familiarize yourself with GA4’s new features, reporting, and navigation by using Google’s official resources and training programs.

3. Data Migration: Plan and execute the manual migration of your customizations such as custom dimensions, metrics, goals (now conversions), filters, etc.

4. Implementation and Testing: Properly implement GA4, especially focusing on the manual setup considerations, and test thoroughly to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

The Google Analytics to GA4 transition represents a significant leap toward a more integrated and insightful digital analytics environment. While the manual update requirements may seem challenging, they also offer an opportunity to review and refine your tracking setup for better outcomes. Embrace this change, understand its nuances, and leverage GA4’s advanced capabilities to drive your digital success.