There was a shift, and there was a shift from the universal analytics GA3 to Google Analytics4.
In this article we will look into these differences and what is new in it, and why you have to know about it in detail.
But let us brush it off with what is universal analytics, Google Analytics first.
Universal Analytics
It is the web analytics service that is provided by Google. It helps the website owners to track their visitors. It also gives insights on the visitor’s location, and how much time they spend their time on the website.
It is meant Universal as you can track the users across the globe who are all using your website and on which platform they are using. With its high-end feature, however, there came an upgraded version, which is GA4. Let us look at it below.
Google Analytics4
It is the latest version of the Google web analytics platform. It has a more advanced version compared to universal analytics. It has been designed to understand user behavior and can find the specific actions of the user. This helps you to understand the user in a more detailed manner.
It’s time that we know the differences between these so that you can understand them better. Because that’s why I’ve simplified this ➡ for your better understanding!
Google Analytics4 Vs Universal Analytics
When a system is updated and upgraded it means there will be additional features. So there lies some similarities. Let us find the similarities these both have.
They have data and reporting features in common. Universal Analytics was built well into it. So the same feature has been passed to GA4.
The difference between these it the GA4 has some new features like mobile app tracking, better integration, cookie-less tracking, machine learning and much more. All these features were lacking in universal analytics.
The other thing that these two have in common is the price. They both are free to use. Another thing is the interface. There have been some moderations here and there. If you get in and check out for a few minutes you will figure it out.
These are the features that make Google Analytics4 differ from universal analytics. We will look at these features one by one below.
New Features of GA4
This new platform brings in many new features, so without any distractions, let us dive in to know about it!
1. Event-based tracking
They can measure the data by classifying the event and analyzing it by measuring it in a much easier way. The reporting tools make it more flexible and track the sessions.
2. Mobile app tracking
It helps you to track the mobile application that your audiences are using. It helps you to get to know your customers in more detail and tailor their behaviors.
3. Cookies
The other best feature is collecting the data without using third-party cookies. It is best because customers don’t like the cookies.
4. IP Adress
You can also track and get the data without an IP address as well. This helps the customers to use the platform without anything to worry about.
5. Machine Learning
It helps in the use of machine learning by predicting the actions that the customer might do. Like purchasing, churn and revenue. This is an incredible thing as it will help you to do the analytics for the future.
6. Searching
In universal analytics, you can see the reports, insights and conversions. Now in the GA4, you can ask a question and it will send you the report, insights and conversions. You name the question, it will provide the results.
These are the new features that have been imparted in google analytics. Now let us look at how this makes the better version.
How does GA4 make the better version of Universal Analytics?
The GA4 allows you to compare the data with much more customization. You can get data for each 7, 28 and 3 months data. You can compare, view impressions and optimize them accordingly.
It also makes us understand how the customers are using the platform. How they are searching and can see the complete report for a specific blog or an article.
You can get the reports entirely or for specific things. This will help you to analyze and fix the problems sooner. This is great, right?
Wrap Up
If you are looking for better and more accurate analytics, I recommend you choose GA4. Because there are still many who are using universal analytics. I hope you are convinced after reading the parts about how upgraded Google Analytics is and how it can help you and your website in ways that universal analytics was setting back.
FAQ
What is meant by GA4?
It is the latest version of the Google web analytics platform. It has a more advanced version compared to universal analytics. It has been designed to understand user behavior and can find the specific actions of the user. This helps you to understand the user in a more detailed manner.
What is meant by Universal Analytics?
It is the web analytics service that is provided by Google. It helps the website owners to track their visitors. It also gives insights on the visitor’s location, and how much time they spend their time on the website.
What are the features that have been cut down in GA4?
It is the monthly hit limit. Before there was a limit of up to 500 hits per session and 200000 hits per day. This feature was cut down.
