web tracking just got easier.
As you may have heard, Google is in the process of rolling out a new version of Google Analytics: Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This new version of the platform represents a significant shift in how Google Analytics works and how data is collected, so it’s important for businesses and website owners to understand what’s changing and how it will affect them.
GA4 will officially take over as the de-facto Google Analytics platform in July 2023, bringing with it better-quality insights into data, tracking and performance. Let’s dig in and find out more!
Why are you transitioning us to GA4 now?
Although Google Analytics 4 doesn’t become the standard until July 2023 we have already started the process of migrating clients to this new platform. Any new clients that have joined us since GA4 was originally announced will find that they were automatically set up with GA4 tracking, however, we did provide clients with the option to run the original Universal Analytics alongside it.
Because Google Analytics 4 has changed so substantially from Universal Analytics it will not be possible to migrate older UA data to the new platform. Because of this, we have chosen to get a headstart on the process allowing our users the opportunity to have a larger dataset of GA4 data available to them.
Will we lose our data?
As it stands we are currently unable to transfer any data from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, however that doesn’t mean that your data will be lost. Once the transition is complete, your existing data will still be available on the Universal Analytics platform as a reference.
The only change will be that once July hits, Universal Analytics will stop collecting new data and Google Analytics 4 will start.
At the moment, any of our clients that are running both UA and GA4 side by side will be able to freely choose and chop and change which platform they use to analyse their data.
What do I need to do?
Current Sourcefour clients don’t need to do anything to update to Google Analytics 4, the team at Sourcefour will take care of everything for you. We’re also planning to ship a beginner’s guide to Google Analytics 4 to all current clients by email.
Not a client but need to update to GA4? Not a problem, reach out to Sourcefour today by phone or email on (01472) 348 400 or support@sourcefour.co.uk respectively and we will be happy to provide a no-obligation update quotation.
Is it a mandatory update?
Unfortunately yes, Google has ensured that Universal Analytics will stop collecting new data from July 2023, however, this isn’t a bad thing. Google Analytics 4 has been built from the ground up to provide a more powerful, faster and more efficient platform for data collection.
Want to signup for a video tutorial?
We will be sending all clients a Google Analytics for Beginners PDF by email once the switchover is complete, however, if you would like to sign up for a FREE video tutorial why not register your email with us below?
We will send you a link to a comprehensive Google Analytics 4 tutorial video based on common faqs for the platform.
This video is available to everyone, whether you are a client or not. To get access simply register below and we will provide a video link as soon as possible.