Understanding Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) represents a major shift in how we track and analyze website data. Unlike its predecessor, Universal Analytics, which was session-based, GA4 is event-based. This model allows for more flexible and comprehensive tracking of user interactions across both websites and apps. LumaCore Design uses these insights to drive growth for our partners.

Key Differences

One of the biggest changes is the focus on "events" rather than "hits." Every interaction, from a page view to a button click, is tracked as an event. This provides a more granular view of user behavior. GA4 also utilizes machine learning to fill in data gaps and provide predictive insights, such as churn probability and purchase probability.

New Metrics

GA4 introduces new metrics like "Engaged Sessions," which gives a more accurate picture of user interest than the old "Bounce Rate." It also emphasizes user lifecycle reporting, helping you understand how users move through the funnel from acquisition to retention.

Getting Started with GA4:

• Set Up Events: Define the custom events that are important for your business goals (e.g., form submissions, video plays).
• Explore Reports: Familiarize yourself with the new reporting interface. It's more customizable but may require some learning.
• Link Google Ads: Integrate GA4 with Google Ads to optimize your campaigns based on richer audience data.

While the transition to GA4 may seem daunting, it offers powerful new tools for understanding your audience and making data-driven decisions to grow your business. Need help with analytics? Contact our marketing team.