GA4 Update: What Advertisers Need To Know
Data & Analytics
Dec 08 2023
The great shift to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is underway and offers users a plethora of tools and features that go beyond what was possible with UA. The recently launched GA4 platform has created quite a buzz in the digital marketing world, and advertisers are already weighing in on the advantages (and pitfalls) of the new platform.
Here’s the latest on GA4 for brand marketers.
Benefits of GA4
GA4 introduces new features for advertisers and revamped tracking methodology to ensure data is collected and stored in compliance with today’s widespread privacy regulations.
Marketers will immediately benefit from GA4’s new data acquisition and management model, which is better equipped to track every detail of the customer journey without the need to implement Google Tag Manager. GA4 also refines the process of cross-device tracking but does not collect or store IP addresses (meaning an easier time for users looking to keep personal data secure).
GA4 is built to make the most of first-party cookies as third-party data makes its inevitable exit. The introduction of the parameters tab and new data visualization tools gives marketers additional tools to efficiently manage and act upon first-party data.
While familiar functions may appear under new labels, the ability to filter this data through reports and explorations makes the platform a powerful home base for marketing metrics and insights.
Challenges With GA4
As with any new technology, there is a learning curve when it comes to navigating the layout and functions of GA4. This can be especially true for those who are familiar with the old UA layout. Although GA4 offers numerous benefits for improving your data-driven marketing efforts, there are some hurdles users have faced with the new platform.
One of the biggest changes between GA4 and its predecessor is the limited data that can be collected. With a partial view of user interactions and behavior, it can be challenging to gain a holistic view of your audience’s needs and wants. This means you will need to explore how to leverage the limited data to your advantage.
Another major hurdle that marketers have mentioned is the difference between hit types and events. UA has hit types, while GA4 has events. These two are not the same, so understanding the difference between hit types and events is crucial in getting the most out of your analytics.
GA4 has definitely shaken things up in the world of data tracking and attribution, with the loss of multi-touch models causing concern among users. The change in access to only last-click and data-driven methods for attributing conversion metrics means data and tracking visibility may be impacted.
Growing pains are to be expected after nearly a decade with UA as the default marketing tool for many digital teams. However, GA4 is designed to give you deeper insights into your customers and how they interact with your products and services. With its advanced features and capabilities, GA4 helps you optimize your marketing strategy and create better customer experiences.
In the ever-changing digital ecosystem, GA4 provides marketers with an even more sophisticated solution to gain greater insights, allowing for more targeted and personalized marketing strategies. GA4 can be a bit tricky to navigate, but with the right approach and some diligence, you’ll be able to make the most out of the platform and boost your analytics game.
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