What is the difference between Universal (UA or GA3) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4)?
The primary difference between UA and GA4 is their data model. UA uses a session-based model, where user activity is tracked in sessions. GA4 uses an event-based model, where user interactions are tracked as individual events. In GA4, user interactions are tracked more granularly, making it easier to analyze user behavior across different touch points. But what else can you expect? Here are 3 differences to get you prepared for the new platform.
Customize Your Interface
Google Analytics 4 has a library where you can control what reports you see and name them whatever makes the most sense for your business. If you don’t have an eCommerce site then you can easily remove the “Monetization” section. Do you have 3 different subdomains, create a collection for each one. It’s up to you.
Acquisition Split
GA4 has split your acquisition reports between users that are visiting your site for the first time versus all users on your site (new and returning). It’s important to pay attention to which report you’re looking at as well as using the correct dimensions if you’re using an external reporting source. There’s an important distinction between the first user dimensions and session dimensions.
Event Tracking Options
When setting up your stream in Google Analytics 4 you will already have access to built-in event tracking via Enhanced Measurement. You can turn these events on or off depending on if it’s something you want to track and/or if it doesn’t work for your site out of the box. You also have an almost endless list of possible custom events you could track (if you know how). My suggestion: use Google Tag Manager for custom event tracking. Avoid using the Create Event feature within GA4, unless you only need to track a handful of simplistic events.
These are only a few of the many differences you can expecting when switching from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4. If you’re looking for help with creating reports, analyzing your data or creating custom event tracking- I’m your girl! Contact me for help.
