Many website owners are scrambling to make the switch to Google Analytics 4. But why is this upgrade so important? And what kind of insights can you expect to gain from the new version?
I spoke with Matt Lubaroff, a certified StoryBrand Guide and Google Analytics expert, to find out.
Why Upgrade to Google Analytics 4?
Google Analytics has been a staple for most website owners for over a decade, providing valuable insights into user behavior and website performance. However, as technology and user behavior continue to evolve, so must the tools we use to measure them. Google recognized the need to update their analytics platform and introduced Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in October 2020.
GA4 isn’t just an update to the existing platform; it’s a complete overhaul. The new version is designed to be more flexible and scalable, with a focus on cross-device tracking and machine learning capabilities. Google has stated that the new platform is built to help businesses navigate the rapidly changing digital landscape and provide meaningful insights into user behavior.
The transition to GA4 is not optional; website owners who want to continue collecting data will need to make the switch. Google has set a deadline of July 1st, 2022 for all website owners to transition to the new platform. While the migration process can be daunting, it’s important to make the switch sooner rather than later to ensure that you don’t lose valuable data.
The GA4 upgrade is essential if you want to have access to the latest features that can improve the accuracy of your data collection and analysis.
July 1st is the deadline for upgrading to Google Analytics 4. If you’re still using the legacy version of Google Analytics and you don’t convert, you won’t be collecting data.
Insights to Expect from Google Analytics 4
Matt shared in our conversation how he uses the data to help with the customer journey. The data ties into how he helps his clients StoryBrand their sites.
Even if you’re not versed in what to do with the data, you should be looking at it. But you don’t have to get too deep in the weeds. He shares three key data points to track and review to get you started.
Matt recommends focusing on three key areas:
- Overall Traffic Trends: Look at how many people are visiting your website each month, and how that number changes over time. This can help you identify seasonal trends or changes in user behavior.
- Traffic Sources: Understand where your traffic is coming from, whether it’s from search engines, social media, or other sources. This can help you optimize your marketing efforts and target the right audience.
- Page Performance: Analyze which pages on your website are most popular, and how long people are spending on the top pages. This can help you identify areas for improvement and optimize your website for better user engagement.
By focusing on these areas, you can gain valuable insights into your website’s performance and user behavior. And with the improved tracking capabilities of Google Analytics 4, you can feel confident that you’re getting a better picture of your customers’ journey to serve them better and grow your business.
Final Words
Upgrading to Google Analytics 4 may seem daunting, but the benefits are clear. By gaining better insights into your website’s performance and user behavior, you can make informed decisions and optimize your marketing efforts.
And with the July 1st deadline here, now is the time to make the switch.
If you find yourself lost in converting, since Matt is GA4 Certified, he can help. Contact him for GA4 set-up and analysis packages.