The Ultimate GA4 Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Understanding GA4

We are thrilled to announce the release of our highly anticipated GA4 handbook, now available to everyone for FREE! Our dedicated digital analytics team has worked tirelessly to create a comprehensive resource that will make your transition from Google Analytics Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) as seamless as possible. Whether you’re part of an analytics team or a media team, this handbook is a valuable tool that will help you harness the full potential of GA4. Let’s delve into what you can expect to find within the pages of this essential guide.

Table of Contents:

1. GA4 Handbook: What’s Inside?
   • Section 1. Key Differences between GA4 & GA UA
   • Section 2. Brief Overview of GA4
   • Section 3. GA4 Reports
   • Section 4. GA4 Equivalents for GA UA Most Common Reports for Media Team
   • Section 5. GA4 Attribution
   • Section 6. GA4 Events
   • Section 7. GA4 Conversions
   • Section 8. GA4 Audiences
   • Section 9. GA4 Filters
   • Section 10. GA4 & BigQuery Integration
   • Section 11. GA4 vs. GA UA Data Storage
2. Download Our GA4 Handbook

GA4 Handbook: What’s Inside?

As we kick off this GA4 handbook, we will provide you with a breakdown of what you can expect to find in each section. From understanding the fundamental differences between GA4 and GA UA to exploring the reports, attribution models, events, conversions, audiences, filters, and integration with BigQuery, we will cover everything. Get ready for a comprehensive exploration of GA4.

Section 1. Key Differences between GA4 & GA UA

When transitioning from Google Analytics Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), understanding the key differences between the two platforms is crucial. In section 1, we will dive into the fundamental disparities that set GA4 apart from GA UA. We will also explore the shift from a session-based data model to an event-based data model, differences in measurement scope, and changes in how conversions are measured. Understanding these key differences between GA4 and GA UA sets the stage for a successful transition.

Section 2. Brief Overview of GA4

The next section provides a brief overview of Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and highlights some of its key features. We will explore how GA4 emphasizes data privacy, enables cross-device and cross-platform tracking, and introduces the standard report view. Besides we will take a glimpse into the GA4 feature developments.

Section 3. GA4 Reports

By exploring GA4’s standard reports, customizing them to your specific needs, and effectively utilizing them, you can gain valuable insights into user behavior, campaign performance, and overall website or app success. In section 3, we will dive into the world of GA4 reports, exploring the standard reports available, customization options, and how to effectively utilize them. We will cover the different types of reports in GA4 and provide insights into how you can use these reports to gain valuable analytics insights.

Section 4. GA4 Equivalents for GA UA Most Common Reports for Media Team

To effectively transition from GA UA to GA4, media teams need to identify the equivalents of their most commonly used reports. While GA4 may have a different structure, there are analogous reports that fulfill similar purposes. In section 4, we will focus on the needs of media teams during the transition from Google Analytics Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and explore the GA4 equivalents for the most common reports. Understanding these equivalents will enable media teams to continue tracking their key metrics and make data-driven decisions in GA4.

Section 5. GA4 Attribution

GA4 offers various attribution models that determine how credit is assigned to different marketing touchpoints along the customer journey. It is important to select an attribution model that aligns with your business objectives and provides a clear understanding of the customer journey. In section 5, we will explore the different types of attribution models available in GA4 and provide examples to illustrate how attribution works in practice.

Section 6. GA4 Events

In the next section of our GA4 guide, we will focus on GA4 events, which play a crucial role in tracking user interactions and capturing valuable data in Google Analytics 4 (GA4). We will discuss the limitations of GA4 events, explore their structure, and examine how events are used in both standard reports and explore reports within GA4. By understanding the limitations of GA4 events and exploring their presence in both standard and explore reports, you can effectively track and analyze user interactions within your website or app.

Section 7. GA4 Conversions

GA4 conversions represent specific actions completed by users that are significant to your business. These actions can include form submissions, purchases, downloads, sign-ups, or any other key events that indicate user engagement or achievement of your desired goals. Tracking conversions in GA4 allows you to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns, optimize user experiences, and drive business growth. In section 6, we will explore the concept of GA4 conversions, discuss their limitations and structure, and look at how conversions are measured and reported in both standard and explore reports within GA4.

Section 8. GA4 Audiences

GA4 audiences are groups of users with similar characteristics or behaviors. These audiences are created based on specific criteria, such as user interactions, demographics, or interests. By segmenting your audience, you can tailor your marketing efforts to deliver relevant content and experiences, ultimately improving engagement and conversions. We will explore what GA4 audiences are, how they are created and used within GA4, and their integration with Google Ads for enhanced advertising capabilities.

Section 9. GA4 Filters

GA4 filters enable you to apply specific rules and conditions to your data, allowing you to segment and refine your analysis. Filters can help exclude internal traffic from your reports, focus on specific segments of your audience, or enhance data accuracy by removing unwanted or irrelevant data. To use GA4 filters effectively, it is important to understand their application and potential benefits. In our GA4 handbook, we will focus on what GA4 filters are, how they can be used to improve data accuracy and analysis, and provide guidance on implementing them effectively.

Section 10. GA4 & BigQuery Integration

BigQuery is a cloud-based data warehouse and analytics platform provided by Google Cloud. It offers a highly scalable and flexible infrastructure for storing, querying, and analyzing large datasets. Connecting GA4 to BigQuery is a game-changer for businesses seeking deeper insights and advanced analysis capabilities. By integrating GA4 with BigQuery, you can perform complex queries, build custom reports, and leverage the full capabilities of BigQuery for data-driven decision-making. We will discuss it in more detail in section 10.

Section 11. GA4 vs. GA UA Data Storage

As you transition from GA UA to GA4, it is essential to preserve your historical data for benchmarking, trend analysis, and continuity. While GA UA data cannot be directly transferred to GA4, there are several ways to preserve your historical data. By
doing it, you can maintain continuity in your data analysis and reference past performance as you move to GA4. In section 11, we will compare the data storage approaches between Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and Google Analytics Universal Analytics (GA UA) and discuss different ways to export data.

Download Our GA4 Handbook

The release of our GA4 handbook is a significant milestone in assisting businesses and digital practitioners with their transition to GA4. With this comprehensive guide, you will gain the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate GA4 effectively, unlock valuable insights, and make data-driven decisions with confidence.

Download the GA4 handbook for FREE and empower your analytics and media teams with the knowledge to thrive in the GA4 era.