Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest iteration of Google’s analytics platform which is designed to provide deeper insights into user behaviour across various devices and platforms.
Below we give you a step-by-step guide to getting started with GA4:
Create a Google Analytics Property:
If you have a Google Analytics account, you need to sign into the account, if you do not have a Google Analytics account, you will need to create one.
Once you have logged into your Google Analytics account, navigate over to the admin section, and under the Account column, you need to select the account where you wish to create the GA4 property. Once you have done this, you then click on “Create Property” and choose either web or app depending on your needs.
Set up Data Streams:
After completing the following step and creating the property, you will need to set up data streams for each platform you wish to track, for example, a website or a mobile app.
Install the SDK or Tracking Code:
Depending on the platforms you wish to track, you will either need to install an SDK or a Tracking Code.
GA4’s focus is event-based tracking, this means you will need to define the events that you want to track on your app or website.
Events you wish to track can include video views, form submissions, page views, button clicks and so much more.
You can use the event builder in GA4 to use predefined events or create your own custom events.
Set Up Conversions and Goals:
Conversions and goals can help you track specific actions that are important to your business. These can be things such as newsletter sign-ups, form submissions, or purchases.
GA4 gives you the option to set up goals based on session duration, page views and events.
Explore Insights and Reports:
Once you have your data streams, property, and tracking set up, you can start exploring the insights and reports in Google Analytics 4.
GA4 offers a range of features and reports which include user demographics, conversion tracking, user engagement, and more.
Segment and Customize Data:
GA4’s customization options should be taken advantage of to help you tailor data and reports to your specific needs.
You can create custom metrics and dimensions, set up segments and filters, and create custom reports to help you analyse your data in more detail.
Learn and Iterate:
Once you start using Google Analytics 4, you should take the time to learn about its capabilities and features.
Experiment with different event configurations, reports and tracking settings and continuously monitor these results to help you make informed decisions that will improve your website or app.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily get started with Google Analytics 4 and begin analysing and tracking user behaviour across all your digital properties.
Don’t forget to regularly review your analytics data and make any adjustments you feel are needed to optimize your online presence and help you achieve your business goals.
Below we give you a step-by-step guide to getting started with GA4:
Create a Google Analytics Property:
If you have a Google Analytics account, you need to sign into the account, if you do not have a Google Analytics account, you will need to create one.
Once you have logged into your Google Analytics account, navigate over to the admin section, and under the Account column, you need to select the account where you wish to create the GA4 property. Once you have done this, you then click on “Create Property” and choose either web or app depending on your needs.
Set up Data Streams:
After completing the following step and creating the property, you will need to set up data streams for each platform you wish to track, for example, a website or a mobile app.
- Website: If you wish to set up a data stream for a website, select the “Web” option and follow the instructions to add your website URL and configure data settings.
- Mobile App: If you wish to set up a data stream for a mobile app, select the “Apps” option and choose your platform, which will either be IOS or Android, then follow the instructions to set up the data stream.
Install the SDK or Tracking Code:
Depending on the platforms you wish to track, you will either need to install an SDK or a Tracking Code.
- Websites: For websites, you will need to install the GA4 tracking code on the pages of your website. Google will provide the tracking code snippet that you can copy and paste into the <head> section of your website’s HTML.
- Mobile Apps: For mobile apps, you will need to integrate the Google Analytics SDK into your app's codebase.
GA4’s focus is event-based tracking, this means you will need to define the events that you want to track on your app or website.
Events you wish to track can include video views, form submissions, page views, button clicks and so much more.
You can use the event builder in GA4 to use predefined events or create your own custom events.
Set Up Conversions and Goals:
Conversions and goals can help you track specific actions that are important to your business. These can be things such as newsletter sign-ups, form submissions, or purchases.
GA4 gives you the option to set up goals based on session duration, page views and events.
Explore Insights and Reports:
Once you have your data streams, property, and tracking set up, you can start exploring the insights and reports in Google Analytics 4.
GA4 offers a range of features and reports which include user demographics, conversion tracking, user engagement, and more.
Segment and Customize Data:
GA4’s customization options should be taken advantage of to help you tailor data and reports to your specific needs.
You can create custom metrics and dimensions, set up segments and filters, and create custom reports to help you analyse your data in more detail.
Learn and Iterate:
Once you start using Google Analytics 4, you should take the time to learn about its capabilities and features.
Experiment with different event configurations, reports and tracking settings and continuously monitor these results to help you make informed decisions that will improve your website or app.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily get started with Google Analytics 4 and begin analysing and tracking user behaviour across all your digital properties.
Don’t forget to regularly review your analytics data and make any adjustments you feel are needed to optimize your online presence and help you achieve your business goals.
