In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, having accurate and insightful data is crucial for making informed decisions. To help businesses gain deeper insights into user behavior and improve their marketing strategies, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has emerged as a powerful analytics platform. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions surrounding Google's next generation of Analytics.
What is GA4?
GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics, designed to provide a more holistic and cross-platform view of user behavior. It leverages machine learning and advanced tracking techniques to offer deeper insights into customer journeys, engagement, and conversions. Unlike its predecessor (Universal Analytics), GA4 focuses on event-driven data collection, allowing marketers to track specific interactions and events on their website or app.
What are the benefits of GA4:
1. Enhanced cross-platform tracking: GA4 allows you to track user interactions across multiple platforms, including websites, mobile apps, and even offline interactions, providing a unified view of your audience.
2. Improved privacy and data control: GA4 aligns with stricter privacy regulations by offering more granular control over data collection and sharing. It uses a privacy-centric approach, reducing the reliance on third-party cookies.
3. Streamlined data modeling: With GA4, you can access advanced analysis tools like predictive metrics, machine learning, and data exploration, making it easier to uncover valuable insights and patterns.
What's the difference between GA4 and Google Analytics?
Google Analytics measures screenviews in separate mobile-specific properties, whereas GA4 combines both web and app data in the same property. If you are tracking both web and app data in your GA4 property, be sure to take the additional app traffic into consideration when comparing pageview metrics between the two.
Do I need to switch to GA4?
Yes. On July 1, 2023, standard Google Analytics properties will no longer process data. You'll be able to see your Google Analytics reports for a period of time after July 1, 2023. However, new data will only flow into Google Analytics 4 properties. Learn more
How do I set up GA4?
Step 1: Create a GA4 property
- Sign in to your Google Analytics account or create a new one.
- Go to the Admin section and select "Create Property."
- Follow the prompts to set up a new GA4 property for your website.
Tip: Using the "Setup Assistant" will walk you through the set-up!
Step 2: Retrieve your GA4 tracking code
- Go to your Analytics home page and click the "Admin" setting from the bottom left corner
- Be sure the GA4 Property is select, and choose "Data Streams"
- Click on the data stream to open the information. If you do not see a data stream there, add one. You should add a data stream for each platform you want to track and define the event parameters and properties for each one.
- Copy your Measurement ID. This will start with a "G-".
Step 3: Add your Measurement ID to Wix
- Log into your Wix Dashboard
- Select "Marketing & SEO" > "Marketing Integrations"
- If you already have Google Analytics connected, you'll want to select "View" and then "Edit" to update the Measurement ID.
- If you do not already have Google Analytics integrated, click 'Connect' to add it.
Once you click Save, you can go back to Google Analytics to make sure that it was added properly.
What else does GA4 offer?
1. Enhanced measurements
GA4 offers enhanced measurement options, such as automatic tracking of common events like page views, scrolls, and outbound clicks. Enable these features to gather additional data without the need for manual tagging.
2. Customization of GA4 Features
You can also take advantage of GA4's powerful features, such as custom events, custom dimensions, and advanced analysis tools. Tailor these features to align with your specific business goals and tracking needs.
3. Seamless Google Integrations
Explore integrations with other Google products, such as Google Ads and Google BigQuery, to unlock additional insights.
Google Analytics 4 represents a significant shift in how businesses track and analyze user behavior across various platforms. By setting up GA4, you gain access to enhanced insights, improved privacy controls, and advanced analytics capabilities. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to ensure a smooth setup process and start harnessing the power of GA4 to make data-driven decisions that drive business growth. Embrace this new era of analytics and unlock a deeper understanding of your audience and their interactions with your website or app.
Need more detailed instructions? Follow this step-by-step guide from Wix Support.
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