If you’re currently using Universal Analytics to track your website’s traffic and user behaviour, you might be aware that Google has announced that they will be ending support for Universal Analytics on July 31, 2022. This means that if you want to continue using Google Analytics to track your website’s traffic and user behaviour, you will need to upgrade to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) before July 23, 2023. In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to do to upgrade before the deadline.
Create a New GA4 Property
The first step in upgrading to GA4 is to create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. This is because GA4 is a completely new platform, and it cannot be retrofitted onto your existing Universal Analytics property. To create a new GA4 property, log in to your Google Analytics account, click on the “Admin” button, and select “Create Property” from the drop-down menu. Follow the steps to create a new GA4 property.
Install GA4 Tracking Code
Once you have created a new GA4 property, you’ll need to install the GA4 tracking code on your website. The GA4 tracking code is different from the Universal Analytics tracking code, so you’ll need to update your website’s code accordingly. If you’re using a tag manager like Google Tag Manager, you can create a new tag that fires the GA4 tracking code.
Migrate Your Data
Migrating your data from Universal Analytics to GA4 requires some effort. GA4 uses a new data model and event tracking system, which means that you’ll need to reconfigure your tracking settings and update your tags to reflect the new data model. Additionally, you can’t simply copy your Universal Analytics data to GA4 since the data models are different.
To migrate your data to GA4, you’ll need to create new events and set up new tags to track those events. You’ll also need to create new goals in GA4 and set up conversion tracking accordingly.
Set up Custom Dimensions
GA4 allows you to set up custom dimensions, which are additional pieces of information that you can track about your users. This can include things like user demographics, user interests, and more. Custom dimensions are powerful tools for understanding your users better and tailoring your marketing efforts accordingly.
Explore New Features
Finally, once you’ve upgraded to GA4, you’ll want to explore the new features that are available to you. GA4 offers several new features, including predictive analytics, cross-device tracking, and improved reporting capabilities. By taking the time to explore these features, you’ll be able to gain deeper insights into your website’s performance and user behaviour.
In conclusion, upgrading from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 before the July 23, 2023 deadline is crucial if you want to continue using Google Analytics to track your website’s traffic and user behaviour. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to upgrade to GA4 smoothly and take advantage of new features and capabilities that can help you gain a better understanding of your website’s traffic and user behaviour.
As of July 2023, Universal Analytics will no longer process data. Not prepared? Let us handle the configuration, setup and testing of your GA4 build. Make the switch today to ensure you get the biggest data lookback window possible.
