Beginning July 1, 2023, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) will be the default property on the Google Analytics platform for processing and analyzing data from websites and apps.  

GA4 offers superior measurements and data analysis. Here are the main updates and improvements to expect from the GA4 switchover:

• Event-based tracking instead of session-based tracking
• Simpler tools for marketing planning based on AI trend predictions
• Data gathered from both apps and websites that offer better insight into the customer journey
• New privacy options like behavioral and conversion modeling and cookieless tracking
• Powerful integrations with an expanded list of platforms and systems to help traffic continue to grow on your website
• Multi-touchpoint data analysis
• Data-driven attribution to boost ROI

GA4 is predicated by Universal Analytics. Come July 1, 2023, website data will automatically be filtered through the GA4 property instead of the Universal Analytics property. Data reports previously created by Universal Analytics will be available to users until July 1, 2024.

Here are a few ways to prepare for GA4!

1. Switch Your Site’s Data Collection Property

If your business’s website was already using Google Analytics to measure data, you’ll want to make sure you change the property to GA4 instead of Universal Analytics.

For websites on a CMS hosting platform such as Wix, Squarespace, WordPress or others, you’ll need to add the GA4 property code to your site through the host platform.

2. Use the GA4 Assistant to Help with Setup

Within Google Analytics, make sure to visit the property selector section under Admin and change the property to GA4 on your site. This option can work for custom built sites and sites on CMS hosting platforms.

3. Start Tracking with Google Analytics

If you haven’t been tracking your business’s website’s traffic, conversions and other important performance metrics, now is the perfect time to start! GA4 will offer your business and digital marketing team the best in class when it comes to analyzing and interpreting website data.

To learn more about the power of data analysis and Google analytics, check out our blog!  

Final Thoughts

GA4 will make data analysis easier and more powerful for your business. Using GA4 will allow you or your digital marketing team to make more informed decisions about where to allocate marketing dollars and will give greater insight into your target audience’s buying behaviors.

If GA4 and data tracking seem overwhelming, or you don’t have time to do it right, RevLocal handles data analysis and interpretation for small businesses and multi-location brands. To learn more about what it’s like to have RevLocal as your business’s trusted digital marketing partner, contact us or browse our resources!