In June of 2022, we wrote an article titled “Should I Switch to Google Analytics 4?” In that article, we discussed some of the benefits of going ahead and switching to Google Analytics 4 (GA4). We made this suggestion mainly because the updated features in Google Analytics 4 show valuable marketing insights that would help your small business. Here is the thing that you might not have known, though. On July 1st, 2023, Google Analytics 4 is replacing Universal Analytics. And there are some things that you need to do before July 1st to ensure that your small business is set up for marketing success. Continue reading to discover how to prepare for GA4 migration before July 1st, 2023. `
No Google Analytics Yet – No Problem. Install Google Analytics 4
To begin with, go ahead and create a Gmail account if you do not already have one or alternatively, you can use your current email to setup a Google Account. Once you have your Google Account setup, navigate to Google Analytics. Google Analytics 4 Support has provided an easy-to-follow tutorial that helps guide you through installation. The primary steps consist of:
- Creating an Analytics Account
- Creating a new Google Analytics 4 Property
- Adding a Data Stream
If you decide to take on the setup yourself, we recommend that you implement these steps soon so that you can start collecting data under the new Analytics 4 platform. By setting up events and conversions in GA4, you can measure what referral sources are performing the best. So if you are a small company that is looking to understand and measure traffic and engagement across your website, you need to act on Google Analytics 4 now.
Small Business Owners with Universal Analytics
You may have been keeping track of all your website data over the past few years with Universal Analytics and have gathered some essential data. That’s great. Universal Analytics is what we have all been used to using. However, while Universal Analytics has been a helpful tool, Google Analytics 4 will provide better insights into the customer journey. Before you get overwhelmed, let us show you what you need to do before July 1st on your Universal Analytics account to know how to prepare for the GA4 migration.
Login to Universal Analytics
It may have been a while since you checked your marketing data, so the first and most obvious step is to head to the Universal Analytics login page and sign in to your account.
High-level Steps to Converting to GA4
Now, click on the Admin tab on your Universal Analytics page. You will then be brought to a screen where you can click “Create property.” Insert all of your website information, and click next. You will be brought to a screen showing you have created a new GA4 property. The main thing that you will need to grab on this next page is your Measurement ID. Copy the ID, and head over to Google Tag Manager. This is where you will need to paste your Measurement ID. Once you have filled out all of the information and clicked “Save,” “Submit,” and “Publish” on the appropriate screens, your GA4 account is now set up and good to go. If you need help following the steps above, here is a more detailed guide that will help walk you through the process.
Some Information on What Happens After July 1st, 2023
Since Universal Analytics is going away, it would be best to follow the above steps as soon as possible. If you do not set up your GA4 account, your Universal Analytics account will cease collecting data from your websites. You will still have access to your previously processed data for six months, which is a great blessing. You must export all your data to access it once Universal Analytics is gone for good.
Your small business should now understand the importance of the GA4 migration. GA4 will be helpful to your company. At PersistSEO, we have switched all our existing clients to the GA4 platform. GA4 does many things that Universal Analytics does not do. There are many invaluable resources that GA4 brings to the table, so we hope your small business gets on board and starts benefitting from this tool.
If you’re busy running your small business and need help setting up GA4, call on the team at PersistSEO today. We provide various digital marketing services, including a Free SEO Analysis of your web presence.