Google recently announced a new version of Google Analytics, which we have named Google Analytics 4 in this article to avoid confusion between it and the previous versions (1, 2, and 3). As always with Google’s developments, their move to the fourth version of their analytics program has been met with both positive and negative reactions from the SEO industry at large. With that said, let’s take a look at the biggest changes between Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4, so you can figure out whether or not you need to upgrade your account and why you might be better off staying with Universal Analytics instead.
Things To Know Before Upgrading
There are a number of differences in data collection as well as some new functions that you’ll want to keep an eye on, especially if you’re currently using Google Analytics for your website. When upgrading from Universal Analytics, be sure to note these things before making a change! Here are five things to know before upgrading from Universal Analytics: -It’s more difficult to implement – You might have found it fairly easy to get started with Universal Analytics when compared with other analytics programs, but switching over could still prove difficult if you haven’t made changes recently. Make sure that all of your plugins have been updated and check whether or not any updates will be needed when making a switchover. -It offers less support – If you ever run into problems while trying to use Google Analytics 4, there won’t be many people around who can help out—at least not right away.
You will have access to more data
It has been pointed out that SEO Sydney, there is more information about users in GA4 than ever before. This is thanks to some of its features, such as user ID tracking, marketing attribution and cross-device activity. The latter might be particularly valuable for some businesses as it is known that many consumers access internet-connected devices throughout a single day. It means they can see how much each device contributes to online activity at any given time.
You will have access to more features
If you have a large website, that millions of people visit each month, Universal Analytics is your best bet. It’s simpler to configure and it allows you to use more features for free. If you’re using a service like Piwik (which I recommend), then you will be able to get much deeper insights into your visitors because it supports a lot more data sources than Google Analytics.
You don’t need additional tools
In June 2018, Google made some changes to its analytics platform. Its goal? Make it simpler for non-techies to access powerful analytics tools that were previously reserved for developers only. But if you’re not yet using Universal Analytics, should you upgrade to GA4? We asked Zibdigital about their recommendations for current GA users who want more information about how upgrading will affect their SEO strategy. You can read their answer below. Want to see what else we learned from our interview with SEO Sydney?
Universal GA has been around longer than the new version
Although you may be tempted to upgrade from Universal GA to new GA (even though it’s an extra $100 for a standard account) because of all its fancy bells and whistles, make sure you’re ready for them. The reason: It’s still being updated, so you don’t want to pay an extra $100 for something that might not be relevant in a year or two when it’s completely finished. After all, that sum could go toward developing your business –– which is exactly what SEO Sydney needs! If you have some extra cash on hand, hold off on upgrading until they finish getting everything just right. You can always sign up later once they release a final version. (I am waiting.)
Clean up your profile before upgrading
You’ll have to make sure you review your profile before upgrading. The most important thing is making sure that all of your goals are setup, configured, and tracked correctly. You’ll also want to make sure that your web property is setup correctly so that you don’t have a complete overhaul on your hands when you switch over from UA to GA4. This can be done by reviewing one of my previous posts: Google Analytics 4: Setting up Web Property Parameters Correctly.
What makes the new version better than Universal Analytics
The new version is faster than ever before; as a result, it takes less time to build your statistics. The new code helps run mobile-friendly sites on both large and small screens. It also lets you track e-commerce activities like in-app purchase conversion rates. With better user experience data, you can change or improve your site based on what users do on different devices or at different times of day.
Summary
For more than a year, Google has been pushing for website owners to upgrade from Universal Analytics to their new GA4.0 platform. But what makes it different from its predecessor? We’ve identified three key differences, both on tracking data collection and presenting the information. Here’s what you need to know about these upgrades before you implement them.