GA4 Vs Universal Analytics: The 5 Major Differences To Know

Google Analytics 4 Vs Universal Analytics

Google rolled out the latest iteration, GA4 which will replace UA from the default setting for the digital analytics measurement in GA. It makes it the only option, so you can start implementing the changes right now. Some of the organizations offering web analytics services have already installed the GA4 for better performance. However, we still are seeing many people confused about the whole Google Analytics 4 Vs Universal Analytics. But don’t worry we have a detailed blog about the 5 major differences to help you in getting answers. If you’re looking to get started with a Google Analytics setup and feel whether it is important, this is it. Ready? Let’s get started.

What is Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4 or GA4 is an official suggested property type of Google Analytics. In this Beta version, it is known as the App+Web Property due to the fact that the new property would be able to track both App and Web visits in a single GA. Earlier, we had different platform visits separated into different Google Analytics Properties. But this version was approved and later released as Google Analytics 4.

1. Privacy Plays a Crucial Role in GA4 Vs UA

The most important change in GA4 is that now they no longer collect or store IP addresses. In UA, you had to anonymize them because you were able to see the IP addresses. This is one of the major changes made to protect your data. Other than that, we have easier data deletion allowing you to delete the data at the request of the user. Data retention options are given which allows you to choose how long the Google Analytics Platform would store user-specific data. By default, it is two months, but you can change it. The last change is the option to turn off location-specific data & ad personalized data by country.

2. Replaced Behavior with Engagement Metrics

In the previous Universal Analytics, you had behavior metrics included in every report. The metrics had average session duration, bounce rate, and pages/session. GA4 metrics have the new engagement metrics instead of behavior. These are based upon “engaged sessions”. The metrics include Engaged Session, Engagement Rate, Average Engagement Time, and Engaged Sessions Per User.

3. Session Vs Event-Based Data Collection

There are a lot of changes when it comes to Google Analytics 4 Vs Universal Analytics. For instance, Universal Analytics collected session-based data where each of the sessions was made with different hit types. These hit types had social interaction hits, page hits and eCommerce hits, and more. When compared to GA4, it is an event-based platform. If you look at the first visit or Pageview it is considered an event. This change gives better information on how people use our properties.

4. Removal of Monthly Hit Limits:

The need for the removal of monthly hit limits is one of the major differences between google analytics 4 and universal analytics. There was a limit of 10 million hits in the free version of UA. Some people are having difficulty collecting all the data they need while staying within the limit. Google Analytics’ latest version has a limit of 500 on the number of different events that can be captured. For now, there is no limit on the volume of hits that can be collected in GA4. This is one of the best factors on why people have opted for the GA4-first approach to their analytics. If you also find it interesting, then you should consider implementing Google Analytics 4 on your projects.

5. Advantage of App & Website Under Single Property:

This is one of the first changes in GA4 that everybody notices. A redesign of Google Analytics, GA4 removes siloed data from app and web analytics and unifies it into one data collection and reporting interface. It is one of the biggest changes which people can see in Universal Analytics vs Google Analytics 4. In this way, you can collect data from either websites or apps under one property for tracking or analyzing the journey of the customer across devices.

Final Thoughts on UA vs GA4:

Google Analytics 4 is a fairly new concept that people have started to learn. There are plenty of new features that would scale your strategy and knowledge but don’t worry subscribe to our blog and we will cover new updates. Also, much like any other Google service, even this will change daily or even not. Since it is so new, it might be difficult, but we assure you it is just like Universal Analytics with just more advanced features, and who could be mad about noticing such big changes.

There’s a lot to learn and discover in Google Analytics 4 implementation! Having a proper team who can help you with shifting to GA4 could benefit you in your business. Staying up to date with Google Analytics acts like an advantage. Reach out to us for any Google Analytics 4 services.

Apart from GA4, if you need any help with digital marketing, web development, and designing services, consider us. We provide software solutions to business owners around the world. In need of any help, we are right here. Other than that, keep on reading our blogs for the latest happenings in the business and technological industry.