Heads up! If your website is utilizing Google Analytics, also known as Universal Analytics, you need to migrate your account to Google Analytics 4 before July 1, 2023, or risk losing all of your analytical information.
What You Need to Know
Universal Analytics was developed based on collecting data from desktop users. As the world has changed to incorporate much more mobile-driven internet usage, the analytical platform needed to adapt. According to Google, “Universal Analytics measures screen views in separate mobile-specific properties, whereas GA4 combines both web and app data in the same property.”
Another interesting note is that GA4 does not rely on cookies for data but instead looks at event-based data for measurement. In addition, GA4 doesn’t store IP addresses, which is very helpful for businesses to stay on the safe side of privacy concerns and requirements.
If your business relies heavily on your current Google Analytics information, you’ll need to take some time to familiarize yourself with some of the changes that are coming with GA4. For example, Universal Analytics allows for more filtering options than GA4 does. So if you filter your analytical information based on a geographic region, the page views may differ between the two applications.
How to Transition
If you’re already a Hammersmith Support maintenance client, you’re good to go! Your site has already been transitioned to GA4 and will be ready to roll on the July 1 deadline.
If you’re going it alone, you’ll find the step-by-step guide from Google HERE. This includes separate steps for both individuals and advertisers as well. Your Universal Analytical data will be available for 6 months after the July 1 deadline.
Learn More
We thought that this video from Chris Sietsema of Teach to Fish Digital gave a great overview of the changes in GA4 and how to transition interpreting your data in GA4. You can watch his video below.
Questions? We Have Answers!
Whether you’re a current maintenance client who wants to talk through how these changes will affect your data, or if you could use some help transitioning over to GA4, we’re happy to help. Hammersmith Support provides expert-level service for our clients—big and small—with the personal touch of a boutique company. Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss how we can help your business transition to GA4.