What is GA4 and how is it different from Universal Analytics?
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is Google's next-generation analytics platform that replaces Universal Analytics. The key differences include:
1. Event-based data model: GA4 uses a flexible event-based model instead of session-based tracking, allowing for more granular data collection.
2. Cross-platform tracking: GA4 can track users across websites, apps, and devices in a unified way.
3. Privacy-focused: Built with privacy in mind, GA4 works without cookies and adapts to new privacy regulations.
4. AI-powered insights: GA4 uses machine learning to surface automated insights and predictive metrics.
5. Different interface: The reporting interface is completely redesigned with new exploration tools and customization options.
6. New metrics: GA4 introduces engagement metrics like engaged sessions and engagement rate, while some familiar metrics like bounce rate work differently.
Related Questions
Setting up conversion tracking in GA4 involves marking specific events as conversions. Here's how: 1. **Navigate to Configure > Events** in your GA4 property. 2. **Identify or create the event** you want to track as a conversion (e.g., purchase, form_submit, sign_up). 3. **Toggle the conversion switch** next to the event to mark it as a conversion. 4. **For e-commerce**: Use the recommended events like purchase, add_to_cart, begin_checkout with proper parameters. 5. **For custom conversions**: Create custom events using GA4's event builder or Google Tag Manager. 6. **Test your conversions** using DebugView to ensure they're firing correctly. 7. **View conversion data** in Reports > Engagement > Conversions or create custom explorations. Remember: GA4 allows up to 30 conversions per property, and changes can take 24 hours to appear in reports.
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