Welp, Google Analytics 4 is starting to get *seriously* tempting. In my opinion, actually, it's becoming necessary.
If you're unaware, Google Analytics 4 was announced in October of 2020. Right away, Google was pushing people to be all in. Any new property created from then on was going to be encouraged to be a Google Analytics 4 by default.
Before getting too far into anything, you have to understand, this is what Google does. They release new products and push it on new users, and aggressively encourage current users to use it. Universal Analytics will continue to be around for awhile, but functionality will dwindle while Google pushes people to Google Analytics 4. It's just the circle of analytics life.
If that isn't reason enough to get started with Google Analytics 4 then this ought to do the trick...
One day Google will FORCE you to use GA4. Whether or not you have any data to work with at that point, is up to present day you.
It's true. GA4 brings in zero retrospective data. Zero. Have 5 years of data in Universal Analytics data? Too bad, it ain't transferring. Everyone starts with a bunch of 0s.
So, even if you aren't going to use GA4 today, tomorrow, or even this year SET. IT. UP. Future you will appreciate it.
Setting up Google Analytics 4
The good new is set up is super easy. Just about anyone can do it.
Login to Google Analytics
Go to the admin module
Under property, select "GA4 Setup Assistant"
Create a Google Analytics 4 Property
If you are using "gtag.js" tracking will start automatically (ie-not with Tag Manager), if not collect the "Measurement ID" it will look like G-XXXXXXXXXX
Open Tag Manager
Create a Google Analytics 4 Configuration Tag
Fill in your Measurement ID, set the trigger for all pages
Save and Publish
Event Tracking in Google Analytics 4
Now, perhaps the best part of Google Analytics 4 set up is that most of your work is done as soon as you put the tag on your site. This is because there are over 100 events automatically collected in Google Analytics 4, even more if you turn on Enhanced Measurement.
You can see all of the events being tracked on your site in the events tab.
If you look at this list and don't feel that it's exhaustive for your site, you're in luck! Google Analytic 4 allows you to create custom events. IN PLATFORM!
How to Create Custom Events in Google Analytics 4
Go to the events tab of Google Analytics 4
Select the "Create Event" button in the top left corner
Name your event using either predefined names or a name of your own
Set the parameters/filters you want to trigger the event
Save your new event
How to Set Conversions in Google Analytics 4
Now, if you thought event tracking was easy, just wait and see how easy it is to set conversions.
Go to the events tab
Find the event that should be a conversion
Toggle it on using the toggle to the right of the event
Seriously, it's that easy! But fear not, if you're having any issues with anything, I am more than happy to help you out. We can work together to get GA4 doing exactly what you want it to. 👍