Category: Google Analytics

Are you aware of the auto-update functionality of GA4?

Before you consider clicking that button, you need to understand the risks involved. Yes, there are risks. GA4 is different from UA in several aspects, especially in the way it is configured.

It is important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of auto-updating versus conducting a manual migration to ensure accurate and reliable data. When it comes to websites that require multiple attributions and tracking parameters, it is highly recommended to opt for manual migration rather than depending on an automatic upgrade to ensure data capturing operates without interruptions.

Why Choose Manual GA4 Migration Over Auto-Update?

It’s better to do a manual migration when upgrading to GA4 rather than an automatic update because you have more control over the process. This means you can make sure all your data gets transferred accurately and you don’t lose any important information.

Manual migration also lets you customize GA4 to fit your specific business needs, giving you better insights. It also reduces data discrepancies that can happen during an automatic migration, so it’s easier to compare data across both platforms.

A recent survey found that 30% of businesses that did an automatic update had these issues.

Learning how to manually migrate to GA4 can also help you understand the platform better and what it can do. Doing it this way can help minimize the risks of having data discrepancies and problems with data quality. 

Benefits Of Choosing Manual Migration Over Auto Update

Manual GA4 migration provides a more accurate, customizable, and informative experience compared to automated migration. Here are 9 benefits for you to understand why exactly Manual GA4 migration is essential over auto-update:

1. Accurate Mapping of Existing Metrics

UA and GA4 are different in several aspects, especially when it comes to certain properties like views. 

Existing properties of UA cannot be completely mapped to GA4 automatically. With manual migration, it is possible to ensure that the required metrics are obtained by using the tracking and reporting mechanism provided in GA4.

2. Preservation of Custom Tracking Code and Implementation

While GA4 provides enhanced reporting and tracking as compared to UA, custom configuration is always required to track specific events. 

For example, if you have an eCommerce site, then you would want a breakdown of user interactions at different stages to optimize the user journey. 

Manual migration gives an opportunity to configure custom tracking based on key business objectives..

3. Better Handling of Cross-Domain Tracking and Subdomain Tracking

With GA4, it is possible to get a consolidated reporting for domains and subdomains with better accuracy. 

The data is pulled into the central repository and presented via new reporting metrics which give better indication of user acquisition, behavior, engagement, and retention. 

With manual migration, it is easier to ensure proper setup of cross domain and subdomain tracking.

4. Ability to Define Custom User Properties and Audiences

With GA4, it is possible to define custom user properties that will help in creating different audience segments. 

Not only are these segments useful for analysis, but also for initiating retargeting campaigns for re-engaging with users. 

Custom property creation and configuration is usually not possible with automatic updates as the process involves mapping existing configurations in the new environment. 

5. Migration of Data from Multiple Sources and Platforms

The biggest change with GA4 is its ability to acquire metrics from multiple platforms (web and mobile), and provide a blended view of data that helps to understand user interaction and user journey better. 

Overall, this is crucial for understanding the engagement of target users with the brand through the available digital assets. If a particular brand had separate analytics for the website and mobile platforms, automatic update will not ensure collective tracking setup on GA4.

6. Implementation of Proper Data Governance and Privacy Settings

Over the last few years, data privacy and consent have gained significance, especially when it comes to acquiring metrics. 

With GA4, the implementation of data governance and privacy settings is easier, especially when it comes to monitoring multi-platform analytics. Manual migration ensures that the configuration is done in keeping with the applicable compliances and policies.

7. Preservation of Data Retention Policies and Data Deletion Settings

Google Analytics provides the option to define the retention time for data that is tracked by the system.

This option is driven by rules or policies that allow auto-deletion of data after a specific time duration. With the auto-update feature, the existing settings will be carried forward.

However, there is a possibility of setting up a new configuration based on the capabilities of GA4. With manual migration, you can ensure that the data deletion protocols are configured as per your business requirements (current and projected).

8. Better Alignment of Data Collection and Reporting with Business Goals

Whether it be GA4 or UA, the eventual outcome is alignment of data collection and business goals to help key stakeholders make informed decisions. 

Automatic updates to GA4 will not be sufficient in aligning things with the current as well as project goals of the business. 

This is why it is important to get the migration done by an expert who can understand the metrics required by you and configure the relevant properties to obtain the data.

9. Implementation of Proper Data Validation and Quality Control Checks

The GA4 auto-update is provided with the intention of assisting business owners migrate quickly to the new analytics environment without losing data. However, this does not guarantee data validation. 

It is possible that due to changes in the way GA4 is set up, some data may not come through as intended. With manual migration, you can be assured of validated and tested data collection which is usually done by the person or team undertaking the end to end migration of the analytics tool.

How Does Manual Migration Impact Reporting?

If you have a simple website that uses only the basic or standard parameters of data collection, then it really doesn’t matter whether you opt for manual or automated update. However, even if you have a single custom tracking implemented in the tool, it is important to proceed with manual migration.

Manual migration ensures:

• Preservation of existing tracking parameters
• Alignment of data collection with current and projected business goals
• Setting up of custom tracking events in keeping with the capabilities of the new GA4 tool
• Setting up for multi-platform and cross-domain tracking for unified reporting
• Ability to get enhanced tracking metrics and insights that can help in making data driven decisions
• Assisting in the identification of key areas which require optimization to ensure business progress.

Most importantly, the manual migration process allows the entire configuration to be validated based on different tests that are conducted for all applicable scenarios. This is really crucial for ensuring uninterrupted tracking of data as you move from UA to GA4. 

Moreover, with manual migration, you will usually get the option to get a documented backup of the historical UA data that can be stored and used as required. 

While this data cannot be integrated into GA4, it is definitely important from a business perspective to be able to evaluate past trends and prepare future forecasts. 

Is GA4 Migration Only About Adding The New Code?

Well, at the very basic level, the migration does involve replacing the analytics code. But that will not guarantee proper tracking of required metrics. So, GA4 migration is not only about adding the new code, but also about ensuring that it works as per expectations. 

The analytics team at Galaxy has been helping businesses like you migrate from their current analytics tool to GA4. As you read this, 150+ websites have already made a hassle-free migration to the new tool and have received the complete backup of their historical data.

If you are still unsure about clicking the auto-update button or negotiating with the right vendor to help you migrate to GA4, feel free to book a free consultation with our expert to know which option would be a better fit for your business.

Google Analytics (GA) has been a go-to tool for collecting and analyzing website data and user behavior. With the launch of GA4, many people now have to decide whether to switch over or stay with Universal Analytics. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the potential repercussions of not switching to GA4. You will gain insight into the risks associated with this choice and its consequences.

Why migrate to GA4?

The latest version of Google Analytics, GA4, was introduced in October 2020, and it is equipped with some exclusive features/benefits unavailable with Universal Analytics. These features include:

1. Enhanced User Analysis: GA4 gives you more accurate and in-depth insights into the behavior of your website visitors, allowing you to understand how they navigate and which pages they view.

2. Automatic Data Collection: With GA4, you don’t have to manually set up tracking codes to monitor user interactions on your website, like clicks, scrolls, and form submissions. It automatically collects this data for you.

3. Machine Learning Capabilities: GA4 utilizes machine learning algorithms to review your data and predict how users will act. This helps you make more educated decisions about your promotional tactics.

Risks and Consequences of not migrating to GA4

Failing to migrate to GA4 could have numerous consequences, such as

1. Limited Data Analysis: GA4 provides more detailed and accurate data, which helps to understand user behavior. Without GA4, you may not have access to new analysis tools, making it difficult to make effective decisions about your website or business.

2. Inability to Access New Features: You must upgrade to GA4 as many features are unavailable on Universal Analytics. This includes automated data collection, machine learning capabilities, and much more. You will benefit from all the advantages these extra features provide without migrating.

3. Loss of Data Access: Google has revealed that they will be phasing out Universal Analytics and will only provide technical assistance to those who still use it. If you switch over to using the GA4 version of Google Analytics, you could avoid a situation where your data and tracking information become inaccessible.

Conclusion

The switch to GA4 might appear intimidating, but its new functionalities and enhanced reporting make it worth considering. That being said, if you don’t migrate to GA4, your website will miss out on valuable data that can be used to optimize the user experience. Our team of experts at Galaxy Weblinks helps businesses like yours to make the transition of your data from existing Universal Analytics to GA4 easier and more efficient. With our help, you can rest assured that you will get all the essential insights and data.

To get started with us and to learn more about our GA4 migration service, get in touch with us today!

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics, which was announced on October 14, 2020. It replaces the previous version, Universal Analytics. It includes new features such as enhanced machine learning, improved data collection and processing, and the ability to analyze cross-device and cross-platform user behavior.

GA4 was developed in response to the increasing complexity of the modern digital landscape, which includes a wide range of devices, platforms, and interaction types.

It was designed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate view of user behavior across all of these channels and help businesses better understand and engage with their customers.

Take a quick look at some key differences between Universal Analytics and GA4.

Overall, GA4 represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of Google Analytics and is expected to become the primary version of the tool for businesses worldwide.

Steps you need to take for a successful migration to Google Analytics 4

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4.

Before we get started, it’s important to note that GA4 is a complete rewrite of Google Analytics, and as such, it requires a separate property in your Google Analytics account. This means you’ll be able to continue using your Universal Analytics property while you test out GA4 and make any necessary adjustments. With that said, let’s dive into the steps you need to take to migrate to GA4.

1. Set up a new GA4 property: The first step in migrating to GA4 is to create a new property in your Google Analytics account. To do this, log in to your account, click on the “Admin” tab, and then select “Create Property” from the menu on the right. Choose “Google Analytics 4” as the property type, and follow the prompts to complete the setup process.

2. Install the GA4 tracking code: Next, you’ll need to install the GA4 tracking code on your website. This code is similar to the tracking code used in Universal Analytics, but it includes some additional parameters that are specific to GA4. You can find the tracking code in the “Tracking Info” section of your new GA4 property.

3. Configure your events and parameters: In GA4, data is collected and analyzed using events and parameters. An event is a specific action taken by a user on your website, such as clicking a button or making a purchase. Parameters are additional pieces of information that can be associated with an event, such as the value of a purchase or the category of a product. You’ll need to configure your events and parameters in GA4 to ensure you’re collecting the data you need.

4. Set up your conversion goals: Conversion goals are specific actions you want users to take on your website, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter. You can set up conversion goals in GA4 using the “Goals” feature in the “Admin” tab of your property.

5. Test and verify your setup: Before you entirely switch over to GA4, it’s a good idea to test your tracking code and verify that it’s working correctly. You can use the “Realtime” report in GA4 to see if data is being collected and reported in nearly real-time. You should also check that your events and parameters are being collected and processed correctly.

6. Migrate your data: Once you’ve verified that your GA4 setup is working correctly, you can begin the process of migrating your data from your previous analytics tool. This can typically be done using the “Import” feature in GA4, which allows you to import data from various sources. Be sure to thoroughly test your data after the migration to ensure everything has been transferred correctly.

7. Turn off your previous analytics tool: Once you’ve successfully migrated all of your data to GA4 and verified that everything is working correctly, you can turn off your previous analytics tool and begin using GA4 as your primary analytics solution. Be sure to double-check that all of your tracking code has been removed from your website, and consider archiving any old analytics data that you no longer need.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully migrate to Google Analytics 4 and begin taking advantage of its new features and capabilities.

Conclusion

Google Analytics 4 can make all the difference in managing your organizational digital analytics. From setup assistance, data migration, and ongoing training, you can rely on our experts for all your needs. Contact our certified Analytics expert for a free consultation today – we’ll be happy to talk!

A lot is happening at Google, particularly on the analytics front with the new GA4 version. Apart from some practical UI choices, this Google Analytics update has made some much-needed amendments for user privacy, as well. A long-awaited successor to Universal Analytics, let us explore what this version has in store for all of us.

Web and Mobile analytics combined

GA4 will combine your web and mobile numbers for you. Your marketing team will be able to leverage this for their campaign results. And as a brand, you will be able to assess your user behavior across platforms in a single place. All this is possible because Firebase Analytics is now deployed in the backend by Google.

Increased focus on user privacy 

GA4 will not rely on tracking pixels (cookies). Instead, it will cash in on Google Signals and machine learning for the assessment of user behavior.

Changes in reporting and UI 

UI changes are visible in this update. Reporting categorization has changed, like the early Audience, Acquisition, Behavior, and Conversions groupings are replaced with Engagement, Retention, and Analysis. What remains unchanged is that data visualization is on the right and report selectors are on the left.

You will also find an ‘Analysis Hub’ that will assist in creating reports with ease. The region, device used, device model, user resource, age, language preferences, etc all can be seen in a single place under user properties. These changes reflect that shortly, your users and their experience is all that matters.

Enhanced Built-in event tracking capabilities 

This upgrade is all about tracking and measuring real time conversions. It includes page scrolls, video engagement, outbound link clicks, etc. Via this, you will be able to engage with your users right from the beginning and grab their attention for a longer duration.

This reporting is a major shift and focuses on event based tracking as opposed to session based tracking in Universal Analytics. Additionally, you do not need additional code for all this or even setting up event tracking in Google Tag Manager.

AI powered predictions 

GA4 will leverage AI and machine learning for predicting trends and decoding patterns in customer centric data. Marketers can benefit from this data in various ways, like seeing the surge in demands in a particular product, potential revenue and churn rate estimates, and plan their marketing campaigns accordingly.

Greater flexibility

GA4 enabled the option to create custom reports as per their requirements. Pre-made reports are a thing of the past now. You will see only the data relevant to your business and a clean dashboard that is also easy to get a hold of.

Some more noteworthy updates 

• There is no bar on the volume of data that you send to the GA4 property but there is a limitation on the number of unique events that you can use.
• Free BigQuery export for all (free version included) and you can access raw data and even run SQL queries.
• Cohort analysis will help in grouping your users with specific common characteristics, say the average time spent on your app/ website or users who signed up for your newsletter, etc.
• The bounce rate has now been replaced with the engagement rate. And many other new engagement metrics are seen like engagement time, engaged sessions per user, etc.
• You will find debugging in the reporting interface itself.
• You can also find total unique users from various platforms in the reporting view present in the GA property report.

The GA4 train is all set to jump into the future. It’s best to get on board as early as possible as  Google has ensured that the updates are done in anticipation of the future user needs. If you need someone to do the migration for you or handle analytics for you in the future, do get in touch with us.

About us 

We, at Galaxy Weblinks, are all for new ideas and experiments. We believe that being up-to-date in this fast-paced world gives us adequate time to explore and implement new changes. Our analytics team is proficient in building apps that are well aligned to our client’s and platform requirements. Contact us for a free consultation!