As you might already know, Universal Analytics (also called GA3 or UA, the old version of Google Analytics) will stop collecting data as of July 1st, 2023.
The new version GA4 will be your only choice if you plan on using Google Analytics.
So time to get up to speed on GA4 is now, even though you still have a few days before UA goes away.
Using GA4 now will give you enough time to get familiar with the new interface of GA4. Not only is the interface new but the underlying data model is different as well. From my experience and working with several clients, I can assure you that the new Google Analytics (g4) is better than the old version but it does lack many capabilities that the old version provided
However, it will take some time to get used to the new Google Analytics. If you are feeling overwhelmed with this version of Google Analytics then you are not alone. You will start to appreciate it once you properly learn it and use it.
To quickly get you up to speed and master GA4, I have a course that you can enroll to master GA4 - GA4 Zero To Hero - Complete Google Analytics 4 course.
Here are 5 action items for you that will make it easy for you to learn GA4:
- Reports: Click on the left-hand menu option called “Reports”. This is the section that shows you all the pre-defined reports that GA4 provides. As you will notice, the number of pre-defined reports is much smaller than the number of reports in the old version. Go through each report one by one and see what’s shown in each report/section. Take screenshots and mark things that don’t make sense or need clarification.
- Review your old metrics: Go through the old metrics that you are using in your reports and dashboards and see if you can go back to the reports and find them. It might take a few iterations. If you can’t find what you are looking for then add them to your list. If you are stuck but can’t afford a consultant then check out Optizent Academy, where you are supported by other members.
- Explore This is the interface that allows you to create your own report using dimensions, metrics, and segments. Though reports might not be the right way to think about them as the reporting capability is limited, however, you might be able to create the tables and charts that you need. You can learn about Explore in this video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0wfKrL3Qz0
- Dimensions and Metrics: Within Explore you will find a complete list of Dimensions and metrics that are available with GA4. Become familiar with them because they form the basis of all the reports that you have or can build in GA4.
- Ask Optizent: For the next several weeks, I am conducting live sessions to answer your GA4 questions, send me your questions (remember the list I asked you to create above, use that list to ask your questions) and join these sessions to get answers to your questions. I will try to answer as many questions as possible. Enroll for free at https://academy.optizent.com/courses/ask-your-ga4-questions. However, if you need proper plan and guidance then make sure to join Optizent Academy membership.