GA4 migration. If it isn’t yet on your radar, it should be. And with the June 30 deadline looming, the time to do it is now. Many people have asked us about GA4 migration, so we’ve compiled a list of your most frequently asked questions, answered by our search marketing experts. 

Why do I need to migrate to GA4?

Google Analytics 4 is a web analytics service provided by Google that helps businesses and organisations understand how their website is being used by their customers and visitors. From July 1 this year, GA4 will replace Universal Analytics, which will no longer be used to to process website data.

How is GA4 different to UA?

One of the most significant benefits of GA4 is its ability to integrate with other Google services like Google Ads and Google Tag Manager. (Pullquote). This means that you can see all of your data in one place, making it easier to understand your customer’s journey and make better decisions about your website.

GA4 uses event-based data instead of session based and includes privacy controls such as cookieless measurement, and behavioural and conversion modelling. 

Will I still be able to use UA after July 1?

No. While you will be able to see your Universal Analytics for a limited period after July 1, no new data will be captured and your data will be deleted within 6 months (according to Google’s advice). 

Migrating to GA4 also brings a host of additional analytics benefits, many that we are already seeing in the analytics services we offer our clients, so don’t hold off migrating your analytics. The benefits far outweigh the migration effort. Whether you’re new to web analytics or have been using it for years, GA4 is a great tool to help you make decisions about your website and improve your results.

How long does a GA4 migration take?

GA4 migrations managed by a professional can have you setup on Google Analytics 4 GA4 and with live reporting dashboards with social media and advertising feeds integrated within 3 to 10 business days including setup and testing.

Do I really need analytics?

If you are interested in growing your business online, analytics are essential.  

All social media, advertising and SEO systems are run by algorithms now.  If you cannot feed these systems reliable data you will be penalised and disadvantaged leading to los performance and inability to compete with other businesses effectively.

Leading Advertising managers have already noted that Google are putting people on Universal Analytics at a disadvantage with accounts post migration to GA4 performing up to 30% better immediately on Google Ads.

How do I migrate my analytics from Universal Analytics to GA4?

While businesses and organisations can manage their own migration, we strongly recommend that you seek out a search marketing expert to manage the process for you. An agency with expertise in analytics can ensure a smooth migration process and maximise the benefits of GA4. 

For those who want to go it alone, here are the basics steps you need to follow to migrate from Universal Analytics to GA4.

Step 1: Evaluate your current setup

The first step in the transition process is to evaluate your current setup. Take a close look at your Universale Analytics (UA)  account and identify any goals, reports, or tracking that you currently use. This will help you determine what you need to transfer over to GA4.

Step 2: Create a GA4 property

Once you have evaluated your current setup, you will need to create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. To do this, log in to your Google Analytics account and navigate to the Admin section. From there, click on the Create Property button and select Google Analytics 4.

Step 3: Set up tracking

After you have created your new GA4 property, you’ll need to set up tracking for your website. There are a few different ways to do this, but the easiest way is to use the Global Site Tag (gtag.js) tracking code. 

Step 4: Configure data streams

Data streams are a new feature in GA4 that allow you to track different types of data, such as website traffic or mobile app usage. To configure your data streams, navigate to the Data Streams section of your GA4 property and follow the prompts to set up your data streams.

Step 5: Set up goals

Goals are an important part of any Google Analytics account, as they help you measure the success of your website. To set up goals in GA4, navigate to the Goals section of your property and follow the prompts to create your goals. You can set up goals based on actions, such as purchases or form submissions, or based on specific metrics, such as time on page or the number of pages per session.

Step 6: Migrate data

Once you have set up your GA4 property and configured your tracking, you can begin the process of migrating your data from your Universal Analytics account. To do this, navigate to the Admin section of your GA4 property and click on the Data Import button. From there, select the data you want to import, such as your goals, reports, or audiences, and follow the prompts to complete the import.

Step 7: Test and verify

After you have completed the migration process, it’s important to test and verify that everything is working correctly. This includes testing your tracking, goals, and reports to make sure that they are accurately reflecting your website’s performance. Once you have verified that everything is working correctly, you can officially switch to using GA4 as your primary analytics tool.

Switching from Universal Analytics to GA4 may seem like a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can make the transition as smooth and easy as possible. By evalutating your current setup, setting up tracking and data streams, and migrating your data, you can begin using the powerful new features of GA4. In return, you’ll improve your website’s performance and get better insights into your users’ behaviour.

How can Hydra Digital help with your GA4 migration?

We offer a range of services that can help businesses make the most out of their online presence. Our services include migration from Universal Analytics to GA4, conversion tracking, monitoring, and eCommerce activities and purchases tracking. With our Universal Analytics to GA4 migration service, businesses can easily make the transition to the latest version of Google Analytics and take advantage of its powerful new features. 

Our conversion tracking service allows businesses to track the effectiveness of their online advertising campaigns and optimise them for better results. 

We also provide monitoring services to help businesses stay on top of their website’s performance and identify any issues that may arise. Finally, our eCommerce activities and purchases tracking service allow businesses to track their customers’ purchasing behaviour, enabling them to optimise their online stores and boost their revenue. 

Our services are designed to help businesses get the most out of their online presence, by providing them with the tools they need to analyse their website’s performance and improve their online marketing strategies.