Getting Started with Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
This is a very quick guide on how to get started with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). In this step-by-step tutorial, we will explore the latest version of Google Analytics and the new GA4 interface. You will learn about the key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics, walk through essential reports and setup options, and also understand how to
upgrade to GA4 if you haven’t already done so. So, let’s dive in!
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Flexible Tracking
Google Analytics 4 is designed to offer greater flexibility in tracking the actions on your website and app. Unlike Universal Analytics, which is built around pageviews, GA4 is built around a flexible event structure. This means you can send various types of information to your reports as events, making it very versatile and easier to report on. To get started with GA4, you need to understand the concept of events and how they are collected. If you want to explore GA4 events in more detail, additional resources are provided in the video description.
Differences between Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Universal Analytics
If you have been using Google Analytics for some time, you might be more familiar with Universal Analytics properties. GA4 offers more flexibility in data collection and reporting, but it comes with fewer pre-configured reports compared to Universal Analytics. For this reason, it is recommended to set up both GA4 and Universal Analytics properties in parallel. This way, you can access the latest reports and features of GA4 while retaining the benefits of pre-configured reports in Universal Analytics.
Identifying Google Analytics Versions
To determine whether you are using a Universal Analytics or GA4 property, head to your Google Analytics account. In the Admin section, check the number of columns visible. If you have three columns (Account, Property, and View), it indicates a Universal Analytics property. If you have only two columns (Account and Property), it indicates a GA4 property.
Exploring Google Analytics 4 Reports
The GA4 interface comes with a new set of pre-configured reports. The “Home” report provides a top-level overview of your website, showing key metrics such as users, engagement time, and revenue. The “Realtime” report displays details about users who have recently visited your site. Other reports include “Acquisition” (for traffic sources), “Engagement” (user interactions), “Demographics” (audience data), and “Technology” (device usage). Each report provides valuable insights to help you understand your audience and website performance.
Creating Custom Reports and Visualisations
The “Explore” section in GA4 allows you to create custom reports and visualisations tailored to your specific needs. You can generate different types of custom reports, such as “Free Form,” “Funnel Exploration,” “Path Exploration,” “Segment Overlap,” “Cohort Exploration,” and “User Lifetime.” This section is valuable for businesses looking to delve deeper into their data and extract specific insights.
Utilising Advertising Reports
The “Advertising” section in GA4 focuses on
attribution for your marketing channels. Reports like “Model Comparison” enable you to compare different attribution models’ impact on conversions and revenue. The “Conversion Paths” report shows you the touchpoints that lead to conversions, helping you understand the customer journey.
Configuration Options in Google Analytics 4
Under the “Configure” section, you can manage various reporting configurations. The “Events” tab displays all events collected in your GA4 property, and you can mark individual events as conversions. “Conversions” shows enabled events that are counted as conversions in your reports. “Audiences” allows you to create custom segments to use in your reports, which can also be used for remarketing in Google Ads.
Congratulations! You are now well-equipped to
get started with Google Analytics 4. Remember, for those already using Universal Analytics, it’s best to keep tracking into your existing property and set up a new GA4 property in parallel. This approach allows you to benefit from both sets of reports and features. GA4 offers powerful and flexible tracking, providing deeper insights into your website and app’s performance.
