Why is Google switching to GA4
Privacy has been a big concern for consumers over the last few years and users' awareness of their privacy online has been increasing. The result of this has been changes in the law like GDPR in Europe and ITP. As we move into a cookieless world, Google has created GA4 with privacy front-of-mind.
Why upgrade to GA4 now
Improved data model
GA4 uses 'event-based tracking', which means that instead of relying on pageviews, it tracks user interactions—or events—as they happen. This gives GA4 much more flexibility and accuracy when tracking user behavior.
Should I switch to GA4
To maximize historical data and to ensure that Google Analytics 4 (GA4) meets your specific needs, we recommend you make the switch to Google Analytics 4 now. This will give you the opportunity to customize the setup including using the latest site tag.
What happens if I don’t switch to GA4
Google will officially sunset Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023. This means if you use Google Analytics and haven't switched over to GA4 by that time, you will no longer receive any website data and could lose access to your historical data for good.
Why GA4 is better than GA
In the case of GA4, both the web and app data use the same schema. Whereas in the case of GA3, this is not the case. Because of this reason, GA4 provides much more robust and reliable cross-device and cross-platform tracking than GA3.
Why is GA4 replacing universal analytics
Google Analytics 4 doesn't just offer more of what Universal Analytics offers. It's built differently to align with current and future needs for reporting and privacy. Here are some of the differences and benefits. Event-based: Universal Analytics is session-based, while GA4 is event–based.
Why is GA4 better than universal analytics
Universal Analytics measures screenviews in separate mobile-specific properties, whereas GA4 combines both web and app data in the same property. If you are tracking both web and app data in your GA4 property, be sure to take the additional app traffic into consideration when comparing pageview metrics between the two.
Will GA4 replace Google Analytics
360 Universal Analytics properties with a current 360 order (Google Analytics 4 or Universal Analytics) will receive a one-time processing extension ending on July 1, 2024.
What is the disadvantage of GA4
Limited Metrics and Reports
One of the drawbacks of GA4 is that it has a different way of handling data compared to UA. While UA focused on sessions and page views, GA4's measurement model is purely event-based.
Should I use GA4 or universal analytics
Mobile App and Website Tracking
While you could achieve this in Universal Analytics, you needed to create a separate Property. With GA4, everything can be tracked in one platform. As a result, site owners get a significantly more detailed and comprehensive picture of how customers navigate across your website.
Is GA4 replacing Google Analytics
360 Universal Analytics properties with a current 360 order (Google Analytics 4 or Universal Analytics) will receive a one-time processing extension ending on July 1, 2024.
Why should I use GA4
GA4 makes cross-domain tracking setup much easier. GA4 provides access to far more custom dimensions and custom metrics. GA4 provides predictive analytics capabilities. GA4 provides superior funnel creation and analysis capabilities.
Is GA4 banned in Europe
In a significant development, Google Analytics 4 is deemed legal in Europe following the recent adoption of the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework by the European Commission. The news comes amid warnings from the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) concerning potential surveillance risks associated with GA4.
