GA4 vs Universal Analytics: The Key Differences

Hi {NAME}, Himanshu here from OptimizeSmart. I hope you are doing well. I have couple of updates for you... # Get helpful tips on daily basis If you are the type of person who finds it helpful to receive short tips on building your website traffic, improving conversions, fixing attribution issues and learning about analytics in general, then follow me on LinkedIn. I post a few short tips each day. [Click here and follow me on LinkedIn.]( Our Newsletter Sponsor of the week. Safeguard campaign clicks from getting lost in GA4 Direct or Unassigned traffic with [CampaignTrackly](. Save time and_money by automating UTM parameter work and integrating campaign data with the tools you need. #1 [GA4 vs Universal Analytics: The Key Differences.]( You probably know that both Universal Analytics and GA4 use different data models. Universal Analytics data model is based on sessions and pageviews. In contrast, the GA4 data model is based on events and parameters. Thus, both Universal Analytics and GA4 can collect, process, and report the same data differently. However, that should not stop you from comparing Universal Analytics and GA4 data. It is a good practice to do such comparisons. The following are the main benefits of comparing GA4 and Universal Analytics data: 1) You can quickly detect feature gaps between the two platforms. 2) You can explain data discrepancies between GA4 and Universal Analytics to your client/boss. 3) You learn a lot about how GA4 works. Identifying what is available in one version but not the other helps you decide what additional configurations are necessary for GA4. Comparing GA4 and Universal Analytics data equips you with the information needed to explain discrepancies between the two platforms to clients or higher-ups. Articulating why the numbers differ, whether due to different tracking methods, new features, or data interpretation, adds credibility to your analytics process. It can also help set proper expectations for data reporting and decision-making. Even if you choose not to compare GA4 and Universal Analytics data, the decision-makers will likely do such a comparison and ask you questions about data discrepancies. So, it is in your best interest to do such a comparison and improve your understanding of GA4. Knowing how dimensions and metrics are defined differently in each platform ensures you are comparing like-for-like, avoiding misinterpretations. GA4 handles conversions differently, so understanding this will improve your reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs). #2 Do you want better skills in digital analytics and marketing? If yes then register for the free_training. Hurry, seats are limited. Here’s what we’re going to cover… #1 Why digital analytics is the key to online business success. #2 The number 1 reason why most marketers are not able to scale their advertising and maximize sales. #3 Why Google and Facebook ads don’t work for most businesses & how to make them work. #4 Why you won’t get any competitive advantage in the marketplace just by knowing Google Analytics. #5 The number 1 reason why conversion optimization is not working for your business. #6 How to advertise on any marketing platform for FREE with an unlimited budget. #7 How to learn and master digital analytics and conversion optimization in record time. [Click here to register for this class]( Set Up Your Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Account Correctly And Fast Table of Contents GA4 Setup Planning GA4 Basic Setup 1) Upgrade to GA4 (Google Analytics 4) ​2) Set up Enhanced Measurement Tracking in GA4 ​3) Activate Google Signals for your GA4 property ​4) Exclude internal traffic in GA4 ​5) Connect your GA4 property with Google Ads ​6) Set Up Site Search Tracking in GA4 ​7) Set up Scroll Tracking in GA4 ​8) Import conversions from GA4 property to your Google Ads account ​9) Connect your GA4 property with Google Search Console ​10) Set up Cross Domain Tracking in GA4 11) Connect your GA4 property with BigQuery 12) Transfer GA3 (Universal Analytics) data into GA4 13) Save your Universal Analytics data from being deleted 14) Setup GA4 test property 15) Setup referral exclusion in GA4 16) Install Google Analytics 4 on Shopify GA4 Intermediate Setup 1) Set up GA4 Custom Events ​2) Rename Events in GA4 ​3) Use the debug view report in GA4 ​4) Set Up Goal Conversion Tracking in GA4 ​5) Setup Content Grouping in GA4 ​6) Create User properties in GA4 ​7) Create custom insights in GA4 ​8) Create remarketing audiences in GA4 ​9) Build comparisons (advanced segments) in GA4 10) Create custom audiences in GA4 11) Create Audience Triggers in GA4 12) Upload data from external data sources via GA4 Data Import GA4 Advanced Setup 1) Set up predictive metrics in GA4 2) Create Predictive Audiences in GA4 ​3) Set up Ecommerce Tracking in GA4 4) Set up Enhanced Ecommerce Tracking in GA4 5) Set up Sales funnels in GA4 6) Export data from GA4 to BigQuery 7) Track Single Page Apps in GA4 8) Setup GA4 via GTM Server Side Tagging Website Audit for Universal Analytics Set up Universal Analytics Account Level Setup Universal Analytics Property Level Setup Universal Analytics View Level Setup Other Universal Analytics Configurations Get_FREE_lifetime updates of this ebook So your checklist never gets out of date. I update this checklist every couple of months. FAQ: Do you show “How” to do each item on the checklist? If so, with screen shots? Yes. There are links to the articles with detailed step by step instructions. FAQ: Does this ebook cover GTM too? Yes. [Get the 62 points GA Checklist ebook (70 pages)]( Looking for Google Analytics 4 & Google Tag Manager Consulting Service? If you are not sure whether your GA4 property is setup correctly or you want expert help migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4 then [contact us](. I hope you find all these updates helpful. Talk soon, Himanshu Sharma Founder, OptimizeSmart.com You got this email because you subscribed to OptimizeSmart.com OptimizeSmart, Alford, Aberdeenshire, UK [Unsubscribe](