Google Analytics 4 help – Peak District SEO
If you run a website and you are interested in tracking its performance, the chances are you will have already heard of Google Analytics.  In the summer of 2023, Google forced businesses worldwide to upgrade to the latest version of Analytics, known as GA4. This caused quite a lot of angst in both the business community, the web development and SEO communities as it was widely felt that the new version of the app was too different to understand and lacked many familiar features of the “Universal Analytics”, the app we’ve all come to know.

Regardless of the pushback, Google went ahead and stuck to its deadline of July 31st 2023 and from that day on, Universal Analytics ceased to work, *in most cases. (There are some sites where we know it still works, but this is just Google Catching up with the switch off.)

Now, Google’s default analytics program is GA4, so getting to understand it and use it with some confidence is important if we want to understand more about our website traffic.  As an SEO company, we are committed to helping people with their analytics.

This article sets out to provide business owners with a basic understanding of what Google Analytics is. Using and understanding how Google Analytics works can help your business to generate more leads and sales.

What is Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) presents a revamped approach to data collection and reporting.
and whilst many of us marketers and business owners are still grumbling about GA4, Google highlights that GA4 boasts multiple benefits compared to the existing Universal Analytics.

Since 1st July 2023, Google Analytics 4 has replaced Universal Analytics (UA or GA3). Although your Universal Analytics data will remain accessible for half a year post-transition, it’s imperative to note that this data won’t be migrated to GA4.
Google thus advises users to export their current data. *Although this is still a process in transition and far from straightforward.

What’s Changed in Google Analytics 4 from Universal

So, now you’ve jumped ship from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), if now you’re feeling a tad like a fish out of water? We get it! Trawling through GA4, here are some hiccups we’ve spotted that might be throwing you off:

• “Which metric do I look at now?” Things have changed
• Getting your head around tracking the important data
• Getting integrated with Google Ads and the Search Console
• A wee bit of trouble tracking those crucial conversion figures
• Scratching your head looking at assisted conversions and bounce rates

If you’re nodding your head, don’t fret! You’re not alone in this GA4 maze.

Remember those early days with Universal Analytics? The good old days? Well, diving into GA4 can feel a smidge like that. It’s like trading in your trusty old car for a newer, shinier model. The buttons aren’t where you remember, and the radio’s all digital. But, oh, the ride’s smoother!

So, what’s missing in our shiny new GA4?

• The Universal analytics views? Gone.
• Solid IP filtering? It’s a bit hit-and-miss.
• Certain reports you’ll have to create manually.*this is expert stuff really
• Some bumps with custom dimensions.*expert stuff
• Those reliable recurring email reports? Sayonara. Phew, thank goodness.

But hold on, here’s the silver lining – the perks of GA4:

• Crisper, clearer data tailored for you and Google’s hungry algorithms.
• Supposedly seamless tracking, whether on your site or app.
• Ditch the coding with codeless event tracking.
• Fancy, tailor-made reports, that once you learn them are pretty powerful.
• A sprinkle of AI magic for top-notch insights and predictions.
• Upgraded audience integration with Google Ads.
• An emphasis on the whole customer journey.

And here’s the cherry on top: most of these snazzy features are geared to help us in a future where cookies crumble (or just don’t exist).

Google Analytics 4 Help

Alright, folks, here’s the hard truth: We all need to future-proof our digital analytics game, so getting familiar with Google Analytics 4 (GA4) isn’t just a suggestion – it’s essential.

Embracing and mastering GA4 now ensures you’re getting ahead of most of your competitors. After all, it’s not just about adapting; it’s about thriving in tomorrow’s digital landscape.

Get help with analytics 4
Have you already established Google Analytics 4 but feel a tad overwhelmed about your next steps? We can help you by carrying out a Free Analytics Audit. That will check to see that your website is currently set up on Google Analytics 4 in the correct manner and that you are tracking all the relevant metrics properly.

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Peak District SEO

I’m Phil Gregory, the MD and founder of Peak District SEO.

I’m an SEO & Google Ads Consultant with 28+ years of experience in I.T and helping UK Businesses improve website performance.
I built my first website in 1998, then I discovered the joys of website optimisation and never looked back.

If you want a no-nonsense, no-hard-sell approach and to actually get your website fixed with a solid, affordable, long-term approach, hit the contact button today.

Peak District SEO  is a UK-based Digital Marketing Company.
We help businesses make more money, using traditional Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) , Ai Search / GEO and paid advertising (PPC).

Why Peak District SEO?

27+ years of experience.
80+ 5* reviews on Google
Our customers have hundreds of page one and position 1 rankings, and we can prove it.
We’ve helped hundreds of SMEs in the UK
We have numerous articles published across the web discussing SEO.
We regularly publish case studies about the work we’ve done
Customers trust our service  – See our reviews on Google, Trustpilot and Facebook
Our customers have hundreds of page one and position 1 rankings and we can prove it.