Data analysis, measurement and reporting are key to success in the digital marketing world. Google Analytics has been around for years to help with that and with GA4 we’re entering a new era of analysis and measurement.
So what does GA4 change in our lives? In this article, you will find detailed information about the innovations and features offered by GA4.
Unlike the previous version, Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4 has a user-centered and event-based data model. GA4 includes data collection and analysis methods that enable more detailed and holistic analysis of user behavior. With the compact data these methods provide, you can better understand how users interact with your website and mobile app.
Key Features of GA4
1. User-Centered Data Model
GA4 offers a data model that puts users at the center. This model gathers the interactions of users across different devices and platforms under a single user profile. This gives you a more holistic view of how users interact with your website and mobile app.
2. Event-Based Data Collection
GA4 has an event-based data collection method. This records any interaction that users perform (clicks, page views, conversions, etc.) as an event. This allows you to analyze in more detail how users interact with your website and mobile app.
3. Advanced Machine Learning
GA4 can perform predictive analytics using Google’s advanced machine learning technologies. In this way, you can make predictions about users’ future behavior and develop strategies based on these predictions. For example, you can predict which users are more likely to convert and create customized campaigns for them.
4. Integrated Reporting and Analysis
GA4 offers integrated reporting and analysis tools. In this way, you can perform comprehensive analysis by combining different data sources (website, mobile application, CRM system, etc.) on a single platform. This integration eliminates data silos and allows you to manage all your data from one place.
Advantages of GA4
1. Deeper User Analytics
GA4’s user-centric data model and event-based data collection method allows you to analyze user behavior in more depth. In this way, you can better understand how users interact with your website and mobile app and develop strategies based on this information.
2. More Comprehensive and Consistent Data
GA4 gathers data collected over different devices and platforms under a single user profile. This allows you to analyze users’ interactions across different devices and platforms in a more comprehensive and consistent way. This helps you better understand users’ journeys and develop appropriate strategies for these journeys.
3. Predictive Analyses and Forecasts
GA4 can perform predictive analysis using Google’s advanced machine learning technologies. In this way, you can make predictions about users’ future behavior and develop strategies based on these predictions. For example, you can predict which users are more likely to convert and create customized campaigns for them.
4. Integrated Reporting and Analysis
GA4 allows you to perform comprehensive analysis by combining different data sources on a single platform. This integration eliminates data silos and allows you to manage all your data from one place. In this way, you can perform more comprehensive and consistent analysis and develop strategies based on these analyses.
Installation and Use of GA4
1. GA4 Property Creation
To start using GA4, you first need to create a GA4 property. This can be easily done through your Google Analytics account. Once you have created your GA4 property, you can get the tracking code that you need to add to your website and mobile app.
2. Event Tracking and Tagging
Since GA4 has an event-based data collection method, you need to track any interaction that users perform as an event. You can use GA4’s tagging features to accurately track these events. These tags allow you to analyze user interactions in detail.
3. Reporting and Analysis
GA4 offers advanced reporting and analysis tools. Using these tools, you can analyze user behavior in detail and create reports based on these analyses. Thanks to GA4’s integrated reporting tools, you can perform comprehensive analysis by combining different data sources on a single platform.
Tips to Succeed with GA4
1. Set Your Goals
To use GA4 effectively, you first need to set your goals. Determine which metrics you want to track and which strategies you want to develop based on these metrics. In this way, you can use GA4 more effectively in your Web Analytics efforts.
2. Get Incident Tracking Right
Since GA4 uses an event-based data collection method, it is important to do event tracking correctly. GA4’s tagging features are used to track every type of interaction that users perform accurately. This allows you to analyze user behaviour in more detail.
3. Use Reporting Tools Effectively
GA4 offers advanced reporting and analysis tools. Using these tools effectively allows you to analyze user behaviour in detail and create reports based on these analyses. Thanks to GA4’s integrated reporting tools, you can perform comprehensive analysis by combining different data sources on a single platform.
4. Use Predictive Analytics
GA4 can perform predictive analytics using Google’s advanced machine learning technologies. Using these predictive analytics, you can predict users’ future behaviour and develop strategies based on these predictions. For example, you can predict which users are more likely to convert and create unique campaigns for these users.
Final Thoughts
Google Analytics 4 opens the doors to a new era for analysis and measurement in the digital marketing world. With its user-centric data model, event-based data collection method, advanced machine learning technologies and integrated reporting tools, GA4 allows you to analyze user behavior in more depth and develop strategies based on these analyses. Using GA4 effectively, you can take your digital marketing strategies to the next level.
GA4 is more than just an analytics tool; it is a powerful tool for understanding user behaviour and developing strategies based on that behaviour. To be successful in digital marketing, it is important to learn how to use GA4 effectively and incorporate this tool into your strategies.
Emre Ercan was born in 1983 in Eskişehir. After graduating from Hacettepe University, Department of Mining Engineering, he worked in various positions within Vodafone Turkey for 6 years. After his position there, he switched to the Media / Advertising sector and assumed reporting and planning duties at People Initiative. Since 2013, he has worked as an SEO and Digital Marketing Specialist at Stradiji. He also works independently as a photographer and musician.
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