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The rumors are true Google has set a date to deprecate Universal Analytics – July 1 2023. The marketing team here at InterCoastal Net Designs has been working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that we are at the forefront of this switch. Fielding questions about GA4 and assisting clients with this migration is a main priority. Understandably, there are lots of questions. So let’s talk about them. Our top 9 FAQ’s about GA4.
What is Google Analytics (GA4)?
It is Google’s data reporting and analytical platform of the future. GA4 will make measuring across devices easier & provide you with deeper audience insights.
Do I have to migrate to GA4?
Current Universal Analytics will stop collecting data sometime after July 1st 2023. If you use UA for data reporting it is in your best interest to migrate as soon as possible.
Do I have to migrate now?
If you want YOY data it would be in your best interest to migrate now.
The more data it has in the system the more it can draw data insights & behavior modeling in the future. The good news is that you can run the GA4 platform alongside your Universal Analytics without fully migrating. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the new layout, reports, and way in which conversions are set up and tracked.
What happens if I do nothing?
Eventually you will not have data inside UA and you’ll need to adopt GA4. By doing nothing now you will be behind. By choosing to migrate now you will be ahead of the curve, stay competitive, and have data flowing into GA4 to gain insights from modeled data.
Can we still use the (old) Google Analytics?
Technically yes. Universal Analytics and GA4 work parallel to each other. There is no cross-over between the dashboards. Taking time to learn more about the new platform now will benefit you in the future. Best practice is to start using GA4 to get your answers going forward.
What happens to my (old data)?
You can continue to use and collect new data in your Universal Analytics properties until July 1, 2023. After that, you will be able to access your previously processed data in Universal Analytics for a period of at least six months.
Use 2022 to focus on migrating over to GA4 and getting that new platform to answer all the questions that you are need it to.
Then in 2023 we will focus on a solution to grab the data that is necessary to hold onto for the future. This is complete migration away from Universal analytics to GA4. Have a progressive plan is ideal.
How will GA4 help me?
It’s going to help getting answers to specific questions easier. GA4 helps us with data modeling. This system is built knowing there will be less data provided in the future and it was built to accommodate that. As privacy laws change across the globe Google built this platform taking future changes into consideration. If Google is in compliance then you will be in compliance.
What can I do now?
If you have not migrating to GA4, start your GA4 migration today. This will allow you to gather the historical insights you need to measure your results over time when Universal Analytics stops processing hits. If you are already collecting the data you need in Google Analytics 4, you should ensure your remaining setup is complete.
I still have more GA4 Questions.
Understandable! Check out this in-depth article explaining more about the differences between Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4).
The full announcement from Google about GA4 can be found here.
