Change is the only constant in today's dynamic world. And if one institution understands and embraces that concept, it's Google.
Google Analytics has been around since 2005 and has evolved from a simple web analytics tool to an all-encompassing platform that can track everything from your website traffic to your social media presence. But the search engine giant didn't stop there. Given the challenges businesses endure in understanding their customers' complex and multi-platform journeys while enhancing user privacy, there was a need to upgrade Google Analytics further. Hence the birth of Google Analytics 4 (GA4)!
As you may guess already, GA4 is a better advanced, more seamless, and more efficient measurement solution for the future. Dubbed the next generation of Google Analytics, GA4 is tipped to replace the current Universal analytics by the 1st of July 2023. But what is it, how does it benefit you, and how can analyzing your data with GA4 help you create a better website for your visitors? Please keep scrolling down as we dive into this topic!
What is Google Analytics 4 (GA4)?
The new version of Google Analytics is called GA4. It's a complete overhaul of the existing Google Analytics platform. The main goal of GA4 is to provide users with a single dashboard where they can see all of their data across multiple platforms in a unified manner. This will allow them to make better decisions about their business based on real-time insights.
The new version comes with breathtaking properties and capabilities to help improve future measurement, such as:
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Ability to collect both app and website data to help understand the customer journey better
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Direct integration with media platforms to help drive actions on your site or website
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Use of events instead of session-based data
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Predictive capabilities, offering guidance without sophisticated models
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Privacy controls like behavioral & conversion modeling and cookieless measurement
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What are the Benefits of Using Google Analytics 4?
With the introduction of GA4, Google is ensuring its users have access to the most up-to-date information available. As mentioned earlier, the new version allows you to view all of your data across different channels in a single place. You no longer have to go through several dashboards to get a clear picture of your audience's behavior.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg; the section below delves deeper into the additional benefits of using GA4.
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Better User Experience
One of the biggest reasons people use Google Analytics is its easy-to-read reports. With GA4, however, you'll be able to easily navigate through your data and find exactly what you're looking for. Gone are the days when you had to spend hours trying to decipher the meaning behind the numbers. Now, you'll be able to do so in minutes.
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Improved Data Visualization
Another reason people love Google Analytics is that it helps them visualize their data. With GA4, you'll see trends and patterns much easier than before. You'll also be able to compare your data over time, enabling you to spot any changes in your performance.
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More Real-Time Insights
One of the best things about GA4 is that you'll gain real-time insights from your data. So, for example, if you want to know whether your traffic has increased or decreased during a specific period, you'll be able to track it immediately.
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Better Privacy Controls
If you're worried about losing control of your data, GA4 should be your top choice. Unlike previous versions of Google Analytics, GA4 doesn't require cookies to function. That means you won't need to worry about having your data stored on third-party servers. In addition, you'll be able to monitor user activity even if they don't have an account with you.
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Better Conversion Tracking
If you've ever tried to optimize your landing pages, you'd probably agree that conversion tracking is one of the most crucial aspects of doing so. With GA4, this process becomes even more effective. You'll now be able to track conversions from various sources, including mobile apps, social networks, and email campaigns.
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Enhanced Predictive Capabilities
As we move forward, businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on predictive analytics. With GA4, Google is making strides to ensure you can also take advantage of these tools. We're talking about being able to predict customer behavior based on past purchases.
How Analyzing Your Data with GA4 Helps You Create a Better Website
Google is clear on the critical objectives of GA4; it's designed to help generate leads, drive sales or app installs, improve offline customer engagement, and enhance online connectivity. So, how does analyzing your data on the new platform help you tap into these opportunities and create a better website for your visitors? Here's how GA4 supports that cause:
1. Understand Your Customers Across Touchpoints
With GA4, you'll get a 360-degree view of your customer's journeys. You'll be able to identify where they're coming from, what devices they're using, and what actions they're taking at each stage. This insight will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your marketing strategies.
2. Measure and Improve Customer Engagement and Conversions
GA4 makes it possible to measure and analyze your site's performance across multiple channels. It enables you to understand how users interact with your content and how they convert. You'll then be able to make adjustments accordingly. And the best part? You can achieve this while still adhering to the latest privacy laws to manage and minimize the collection of user-level data.
3. Improve ROI with Data-Driven Attribution
The new version of Google Analytics allows you to see which website elements are driving conversions. This helps you determine which parts of your site need improvement. As such, you'll be able to use data to inform your decision-making processes.
4. Easily Activate and Draw Value from Your Insights
Thanks to GA4's seamless integration with other Google products like Google Ads, you'll be able to access insights in real time. That means you'll be able to react quickly to changes in your business environment. For example, you'll be able to detect when a campaign has started performing poorly and adjust your strategy accordingly. And the best part is that it works across web and app data, meaning you won't have to worry about duplicating efforts.
Check out how to integrate Google Analytics 4 with your HubSpot website.
Inbound Design Partners Can Help Upgrade Your Website Experience
Let's face it; not all websites are created equal. But if you want to attract qualified traffic, you need a great-looking website. We're talking about a conversion-focused, user-friendly site that matches your ongoing sales and marketing goals. But upgrading up to that level is no child's play, especially if you're already overwhelmed with other business-critical responsibilities.
That's where Inbound Design Partners come in handy. We're a team of dedicated HubSpot CMS experts who work closely with our clients to ensure their sites are optimized for search engines and create an engaging experience that converts visitors into buyers.
Ready to take the next step toward improving your brand's visibility? Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
August 29, 2022