Preparing for the End of UA: What You Need to Know About UA to GA4 Migration

As a website owner or digital marketer, you may have heard about the upcoming migration from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4).

This change is significant because UA is set to disappear, and all Google Analytics accounts will eventually have to move to GA4.

If you rely on Universal Analytics (UA) for your data insights, it’s important to be aware that the platform will stop collecting data as of July 2023.

To ensure a smooth transition, it’s recommended to start planning your migration to GA4 as soon as possible. By doing so, you can avoid any disruptions to your data collection and analysis and be better positioned for success in the future.

In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about the UA to GA4 migration and the steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition.

First, let’s briefly compare UA and GA4.

UA is the current version of Google Analytics that has been in use since 2012. It is a mature and widely used analytics tool that offers robust reporting and customisation options.

On the other hand, GA4 is a newer version of Google Analytics that was introduced in 2020. GA4 offers several new features, including cross-device tracking, event-driven data collection, and machine learning-powered insights. GA4 also provides more accurate data tracking for mobile apps, which is a growing area of focus for many businesses.

Now, let’s discuss the UA to GA4 migration process.

Don’t Get Left Behind: Why The UA to GA4 Migration is Critical for Your Business

Migrating from UA to GA4 is not a simple task, and it requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps involved in the UA to GA4 migration process:

Assess your current tracking setup:

Before you begin the UA to GA 4 migration, you should assess your current tracking setup to identify any issues or gaps that need to be addressed. This includes reviewing your current UA tracking code, setting up conversion tracking, and identifying any custom dimensions and metrics you have created.

Create a new GA4 property:

Once you have assessed your current setup, you can create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. This property will be separate from your existing UA property and will allow you to track data in GA4.

Install the GA4 tracking code:

Once you have created the new GA4 property, you will need to install the GA4 tracking code on your website or app. This code is different from the UA tracking code, and it requires some customisation to ensure that it tracks the data you need

Configure data streams:

In GA4, data is collected through data streams, which are linked to your website or app. You will need to configure data streams to ensure that your GA4 property is collecting the data you need.

You can transfer some data from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) using the Data Import feature in GA4. The Data Import feature allows you to upload data from external sources, such as UA, and map it to corresponding events, users, or custom dimensions in GA4.

However, it’s important to note that not all data can be transferred directly from UA to GA4.

GA4 uses a different data model and tracking approach compared to UA, which means that some data may not be compatible between the two platforms. Moreover, GA4 offers several new features and tracking capabilities that are not available in UA, so it’s recommended to review your tracking setup and goals carefully before migrating to GA4.

If you need assistance with transferring data from UA to GA4 or want to learn more about the migration process, contact us and we can help you.

Migrate your customisations:

If you have created any custom dimensions, metrics, or other customizations in UA, you will need to migrate them to GA4. This may require some additional customisation to ensure that the data is collected and reported correctly.

Once you have enabled data import, GA4 will start importing data from UA based on your mapping settings. It’s recommended to review your data regularly and refine your mapping settings as needed to ensure accurate and consistent data reporting in GA4.

Set up reporting and analysis:

Once you have completed the UA to GA4 migration process, you can set up reporting and analysis in GA4. This includes creating custom reports, setting up goals and conversions, and using the new features and insights available in GA4.

If you are not comfortable with the migration process, you can consider using GA4 migration services. These services can help you with the migration process, including setting up the GA4 property, installing the tracking code, configuring data streams, and migrating customisations. They can also provide training and support to ensure that you can use GA4 effectively.

Can UA and GA4 work together?

Yes, Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) can work together. You can implement both tracking codes on your website simultaneously to collect data on both platforms. However, it’s important to note that UA and GA4 are fundamentally different in terms of their data models and tracking capabilities, so you may end up with data discrepancies between the two platforms. To minimise such discrepancies, it’s recommended to plan your migration to GA4 carefully and avoid making any major changes to your tracking setup during the migration process. Once you have fully migrated to GA4, you can retire your UA tracking code and focus solely on GA4 for your analytics insights.

The Demise of UA is Driving the Shift to GA4

In conclusion, the UA to GA4 migration is an important change that all website owners and digital marketers should be aware of.

While the UA to GA4 migration process can be complex, careful planning and execution can ensure a smooth transition.

Whether you do it yourself or use GA4 migration services, migrating from UA to GA4 can provide new opportunities for tracking and analysing your website or app data.

Consider starting the migration process now to avoid any potential disruptions in the future. Additionally, using GA4 templates can help make your migration process simpler and more efficient.

If you’re a business owner in Singapore and want to ensure a smooth transition from UA to GA4, you may want to consider hiring a digital marketing agency in Singapore that provides GA4 migration services. Such an agency can not only help you with the migration process but can also offer other services such as search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your website’s visibility on search engines like Google.

Migrating to Google Analytics 4 sooner rather than later can yield several benefits for your business. By making the switch early, you can keep more of your historical data and gain better insights into your customers’ journey. With the new features and improved tracking capabilities in GA4, you can gain a more comprehensive view of user behavior across multiple devices and channels.

To learn more about the benefits of migrating to GA4 and how to get started, contact us today.

Our team can provide the expertise and support you need to ensure a smooth transition. With the help of a digital marketing agency in Singapore, you can ensure that your website is fully optimized for GA4 and is set up for success in the future.

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