GA4 FAQ: Your Most Frequently Asked GA4 Questions, Answered

It’s time to say goodbye to UA and hello to GA4!

From July 1st, 2023, Universal Analytics has stopped processing data, and Google Analytics 4 is now the default platform.

To help users understand and utilize this new web property, we have created many comprehensive resources.

They cover everything from the basics of GA4 to the nuances of configuring and setting it up for data tracking and analytics:

Nonetheless, GA4 has a different data model and interface which may confuse users at first.

If you’ve just begun your GA4 journey, it’s natural to have a lot of questions regarding the transition.

To help you with these questions, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the most commonly asked questions about GA4, along with their answers.

Read through them to understand and utilize Google Analytics 4 for rich insight and business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About GA4

Question 1: How is Google Analytics 4 different from Universal Analytics?

Answer: GA4 is the new and improved version of Google’s web analytics platform and comes with several different features and capabilities. These include:

• Tracking Methodology: In Universal Analytics, a session is the foundation of reporting, which is basically user interactions in a given timeframe. GA4, on the other hand, uses an event-based data model where all hits are tracked as events. This means that besides session data, you get additional insights like button clicks, purchase value, and so on.
• Cross-Domain Tracking: Universal Analytics only tracks website data. Users have to employ Google Analytics for Firebase to measure mobile app activity separately. In contrast, GA4 enables you to create separate properties for a website and mobile app to track user behavior across multiple domains.
• Data Modeling: Universal Analytics relies on predefined data models along with a limited amount of automation for data analysis. GA4 uses machine learning to analyze data and provide predictive insight into user behavior. This allows for more dynamic and flexible analysis, enabling users to make informed decisions.

Learn more about the differences between UA and GA4, here.

Question 2: How do I set up GA4 on my website?

Answer: Setting up GA4 on your website is similar to setting up Universal Analytics. You’ll need to create a GA4 property in your Google Analytics account and add the tracking code to your website. You’ll also need to set up custom dimensions or metrics that you want to track.

Here’s a detailed guide to adding a GA4 property to your analytics account.

Question 3: Is GA4 better than Universal Analytics?

Answer: While GA4 may seem a tad difficult to use at first, it is the future of Google Analytics. Both UA and GA4 have their strengths, but GA4 offers several improvements over its predecessor. These include better cross-platform tracking, an event-based measurement model, and enhanced privacy controls. Furthermore, Google has been introducing improvements to GA4 since its launch to make the platform even more effective.

Check out the new enhancements made to GA4 in these release notes.

Question 4: Do I need Google Tag Manager (GTM) to set up GA4?

Answer: Using Google Tag Manager (GTM) can make setting up GA4 seamless, but it is not a requirement. Alternatively, you can implement the GA4 tracking code on your website or app but it would require constant updates. Therefore, the recommended approach is to use GTM to simplify the setup and speed up the deployment.

Here’s how to configure GA4 tags in GTM.

Question 5: What tools are available in GA4 for analysis?

Answer: GA4 comes with a variety of tools to help you analyze data and get insights. Some of these include:

• Exploration: Perform ad hoc data analysis. Using its flexible interface, you can explore various dimensions, metrics, segments, and filters to analyze and understand user behavior.
• Analysis Hub: Get access to pre-built analysis templates for deeper insights. The templates help you answer specific questions and perform advanced analysis without the need for setup.
• Funnel Analysis: Track and analyze user journeys through a defined sequence of steps. Identify where users drop off in the conversion process and optimize your marketing funnel to improve user flow.
• Path Analysis: Visualize and analyze common paths users take on your website or app. Understand the most popular ones, identify potential roadblocks, and optimize user flow for better engagement and conversions.
• User Lifetime Analysis: Examine user lifetime value. Track key metrics such as user retention, revenue generated per user, and engagement over time.

Learn about these GA4 analysis tools in-depth, here.

Question 6: How do I troubleshoot issues with GA4?

Answer: There are several steps you can take:

• Check Data Collection: Verify that the tracking code is implemented correctly on your website or app. You can use browser extensions or debugging tools to inspect network requests and confirm that data is being sent to GA4.
• Examine Data Reporting: Review reports in GA4 to identify anomalies or unexpected results. Look for patterns or inconsistencies by comparing data with other sources, such as server logs or other analytics platforms.
• Monitor Data Quality: Keep an eye out for sudden drops or spikes in data, unusual patterns, or other inconsistencies that indicate data collection issues.
• Consult Google Analytics Help Center and Community: Refer to Google Analytics Help Center. It has a ton of resources to assist you in resolving common issues. Additionally, you can engage with Google Analytics community forums or support channels to seek advice and assistance from other users or Google experts.

Check out the Google Analytics Help Community, here.

Question 7: What are the limitations of GA4?

Answer: While Google Analytics 4 is a next-gen web analytics platform, it has certain limitations that you should be aware of.

• Data Continuity With Universal Analytics: GA4 uses a different data model and reporting interface than Universal Analytics. It doesn’t have seamless compatibility with UA. As a result, historical data in UA cannot be migrated directly to GA4.
• Limited Third-Party Integrations: GA4 has fewer third-party integrations compared to Universal Analytics. However, you can use Google Tag Manager or custom implementation to bridge this gap in some cases.
• Learning Curve: Since GA4 has a new data model and user interface, there could be a learning curve for users. It may require additional effort to become proficient in interpreting and using new features and reports.
• Limited Historical Data Analysis: Historical data prior to its implementation date is not available in GA4. This may affect long-term trend analysis and comparisons with past records.

Learn how to import user data in GA4, here.

Question 8: How can I leverage machine learning in GA4 to gain deeper insights into user behavior?

Answer:  GA4’s machine learning capabilities reveal hidden patterns in user behavior, allowing for targeted marketing strategies.

Predictive churn analysis helps identify users likely to leave. For example, if certain users are flagged as at risk, you can implement retention strategies, such as personalized offers or re-engagement emails, to encourage them to stay.

User segmentation enables you to tailor campaigns based on predicted behaviors. If a segment frequently purchases specific products, you can target them with relevant promotions or exclusive discounts.

By leveraging these insights, you can enhance user experiences and drive better engagement.

Question 11: What are the best practices for setting up and using custom dimensions and metrics in GA4?

Answer: When setting up and using custom dimensions and metrics in GA4, following best practices is essential for maximizing the effectiveness and accuracy of your data collection.

1. Clarity: Choose clear and descriptive names for your custom dimensions and metrics. For example:

a. Custom Dimension: “Purchase Category” (e.g., “electronics,” “clothing,” “books”).

b. Custom Metric: “Time Spent on Product Page” (e.g., average time, median time, time spent by new users).

2. Relevance: Track data that aligns with your business goals. Avoid overloading your analytics with unnecessary information. For instance, if your goal is to improve user engagement, consider tracking metrics like “scroll depth” or “clicks on promotional banners.”

3. Consistency: Ensure consistent data collection across platforms (website and app) for accurate comparisons. Use the same naming conventions and definitions for dimensions and metrics across all platforms.

4. Testing: Test custom dimensions and metrics before widespread use to ensure they capture the intended data. For example, validate that “Time Spent on Product Page” accurately reflects user behavior by comparing it against session recordings or user feedback.

Question 12: How can I effectively measure user engagement and retention in GA4, especially for mobile apps?

Answer: To effectively measure user engagement and retention in Google Analytics 4 (GA4), focus on these key metrics:

For Websites:

• Track Key Events: Monitor page views, scroll depth, and video engagement.
• User Session Length: Analyze the average session duration to gauge interest.
• Bounce Rate: Assess the bounce rate to identify how many users leave without interaction.
• Conversion Rate: Measure the percentage of users completing desired actions (e.g., purchases).

For Mobile Apps:

• In-App Events: Track screen views and button clicks to understand user interactions.
• User Retention Reports: Analyze data to identify user churn and drop-off points.
• User Session Length: Measure how long users engage with your app.
• Conversion Rate: Evaluate how many users complete specific actions, like purchases.

Question 13: What are the key differences between the Data Stream property type and the App + Web property type in GA4?

Answer: Understanding the differences between Data Streams and App + Web Property types in GA4 is crucial for effective data management and tracking across your digital platforms.

• Data Stream: This option is ideal for collecting data from various sources, including multiple websites, apps, and IoT devices. It offers greater flexibility in data collection and is suitable for organizations that need to track data from several digital assets. However, it requires additional configuration to set up.
• App + Web Property: This pre-configured option is specifically designed for tracking data from a single website and app together. It is easier to set up and manage, making it suitable for organizations focused on a single digital platform. However, it offers less flexibility in data collection compared to Data Streams.

Question 14: How can I use Google Signals to improve the accuracy of my GA4 data while also ensuring user privacy?

Answer: Google Signals leverages anonymized data from signed-in Google users across devices to enhance user measurement in GA4. Here’s how it can improve your data accuracy:

• Improved Cross-Device Attribution: Google Signals enables better tracking of user interactions across multiple devices, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of user journeys.
• More Accurate Audience Targeting: By utilizing the aggregated data, you can create more precise audience segments based on user behavior across platforms, improving your marketing effectiveness.

Question 15: What are the best strategies for migrating from Universal Analytics to GA4, considering data loss prevention and historical data access?

Answer: Migrating from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) requires careful planning and strategy to ensure a smooth transition and continued data integrity.

• Start Now: Set up GA4 alongside UA to collect historical data while preparing for the UA sunset.
• Data Export: Export historical data from UA for future reference (consider export options like BigQuery).
• Focus on the Future: Prioritize collecting data in GA4 to avoid missing valuable insights moving forward.
• Maintain Continuity: Use similar naming conventions for dimensions and metrics in both platforms for easier analysis.

Question 16: How can I optimize my GA4 data collection for faster page load times and improved user experience?

Answer: Effectively optimizing GA4 data collection is essential for enhancing website performance and ensuring accurate tracking, leading to better insights and decision-making.

• Minimize Code: Keep the tracking code as small as possible to improve website loading speed.
• Utilize GTM: Use Google Tag Manager to manage your GA4 tag and ensure it loads asynchronously, preventing delays.
• Optimize Images: Large images slow down websites. Optimize image sizes for faster loading times.

Question 17: What are the new features and capabilities introduced in the latest GA4 update?

Answer: Google Analytics 4 offers several key advancements that significantly enhance data analysis and user insights, making it a powerful tool for businesses looking to understand their audience better.

• Improved data quality: Enhanced data accuracy and reliability.
• Enhanced event modeling: Better understanding of user behavior with more granular event tracking.
• Advanced exploration capabilities: Deeper insights into user data through improved exploration tools.
• New reporting features: Additional reports to track key metrics and analyze user behavior.
• Improved integration with other Google products: Seamless integration with Google Ads, BigQuery, and other tools.

Question 18: How can I effectively use Explore in GA4 to create custom reports and visualizations that answer specific business questions?

Answer: Explore is a powerful tool in GA4 that allows you to create custom reports and visualizations tailored to your specific business questions. Here’s how to use it effectively:

• Define your questions: Clearly outline what you want to know.
• Choose dimensions and metrics: Select relevant data points.
• Apply filters and segments: Refine your data as needed.
• Visualize your data: Choose appropriate charts or tables.
• Analyze and interpret: Look for trends and insights.

Question 19: What are the best practices for troubleshooting and resolving common GA4 data collection and reporting issues?

Answer: Addressing data issues in GA4 is crucial for maintaining accurate insights. Here are some best practices for effective troubleshooting:

• Verify Tracking Code: Ensure the GA4 tracking code is implemented correctly on your website or app. Double-check for any typos or omissions.

• Check Browser Compatibility: Ensure that your site or app works seamlessly across different browsers and devices, as compatibility issues can affect data collection.

• Data Consistency: Compare GA4 data with other analytics platforms or server logs to identify any discrepancies in reporting.

• Monitor Trends: Keep an eye out for sudden drops or spikes in data, which may indicate underlying collection issues.

• Review GA4 Debug Mode: Use GA4’s debug mode to identify and troubleshoot errors in real-time, allowing you to see what data is being sent and received.

Have a GA4 Question?

As you start exploring GA4, you will have questions. And as promised, we are here to guide you on your GA4 journey. If you have any specific questions that you want answered, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team will be happy to answer them and provide you with any assistance you may need.

How We Can Help

At Grazitti, the digital marketing team has years of experience delivering innovative analytics solutions to businesses of all sizes. As a Google Premier Partner, we have exclusive access to products and insights to deliver the best support to customers.

Our Google Analytics-certified experts can help you with all kinds of implementation, integration, optimization, and enterprise analytics requirements to power your business with the right insights.