Google’s newest version of Google Analytics – GA4 – has been released. With this update, Google is attempting to fix the issues that come with tracking user data in an increasingly fragmented world. We will walk you through what you need to know about this new release, what changes are being made, and how it impacts your future marketing efforts by Best Digital Marketing Agency Melbourne.
What is Google Analytics 4?
Google Analytics 4 is a new version of Google Analytics. It will be available in 2020 and will be the default version of Google Analytics. This means that all users will be automatically upgraded to GA4 when it’s released, but you can also choose to stay on a previous version if you prefer.
There are two key differences between GA4 and its predecessor:
- All features are now united under one tool with one codebase (the same as other tools like Search Console). This means that at any time, any user can use any feature without needing an additional license—you won’t have to pay for both Classic & 360 together anymore!
- You’ll still have access to everything from Classic & 360 in this new unified toolset (except for security features).
What will change with GA4?
There are a lot of exciting changes coming to Google Analytics that will make it easier for you to gain insights, understand your visitor behaviour, and improve your site. Here’s what you need to know:
- GA4 will be more user-friendly. The new interface is more intuitive and will include helpful tooltips throughout the dashboard.
- GA4 will be more flexible. You’ll have more options when it comes to chart types and customizations, so if you have specific needs or want better control over how data is presented, you won’t have any trouble making this happen in GA4.
- GA4 will be mobile-friendly by default—not just on mobile devices but also for tablets and desktops! This means that every time someone accesses your website from their device (whether through desktop or mobile), they’ll see the same report or visualization regardless of which device they’re using at the moment; this makes it easy for users who may be looking at different things depending on what screen size they’re viewing from (e.g., checking sales info while browsing from home but analyzing engagement metrics while working with colleagues).
How are GA3 and GA4 Different?
Google Analytics 4 is more integrated with Google Search Console, Google Ads, and Google Tag Manager.
It also has a larger focus on experimentation and A/B testing. These are all great updates that will help you get more out of your data.
GA4 is also designed to be faster than previous versions of GA3, which is important because it’s not uncommon to have millions or even billions of data points in your account!
Do I need Google Analytics 4?
Yes, you do. GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics, and it’s being rolled out as a replacement for all previous versions. GA4 is more advanced than previous versions; it has new features, functionality, and reports that your business will benefit from using. For example:
- You can now see deeper insights into what your users experience on mobile devices by segmenting mobile devices by screen size or user agent string (the code computers use to identify themselves).
- All of your data will be stored in one place—the Google Cloud Platform—so you no longer have to worry about moving or hosting your data elsewhere.*Plus many other improvements!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, this new Google Analytics update should be seen as an opportunity by Digital Marketing Agency Melbourne. While it might be tempting to stick with what you know, the changes to Google Analytics are a great chance to reconsider your strategy and think more deeply about how you can use data to your advantage. Even if you decide that GA4 isn’t for you right now, there’s no doubt that it will be a major part of the future of digital marketing and online analytics. Whatever you do, don’t let this change scare or deter you from using analytics at all!