Google Analytics Resource Center
Important Update:
On July 1, 2023, Google stopped collecting data in free Google Analytics 3, also known as Universal Analytics (UA). The next version, Google Analytics 4 (GA4) became the new standard.
The data already collected by your Universal Analytics properties is available until the end of June 2024 and will be deleted afterwards. I recommend that you save relevant historical performance data in a flat file, such as comma separated file or Excel/Google Sheets.
Google Analytics Guides
The detailed discussion of advantages and limitations of BigQuery GA4 data can help you make the right decision whether to use it for Google Analytics reporting.
Understand the different categories of costs related to GA4 BigQuery data and how to optimize it.
Determine whether you need to upgrade Google Analytics your website.
This comparison of Global Tag (GTAG) and Google Tag Manager (GTM) container, their drawbacks and benefits that will help you determine the one you need for your site.
Detailed instructions on how to install GA4 on your website that are tailored to your situation. Whether you need GTM or not, whether you already have Google Analytics installed, you will find your answer here.
You can collect enhanced GA4 events without GTM. Follow these instructions.
Did GA4 replace Universal Analytics?
If you have an existing Universal Analytics (UA) property, your new Google Analytics 4 property did not replace it; instead, a GA4 property was installed in addition to UA and both collected the data simultaneously until June 30, 2023, when UA data collection stopped.
Do I need to do anything if I have a properly set up GA4 property?
Your GA4 property is already active and collecting data. You do not need to do anything regarding data collection going forward.
If you had a Universal Analytics property that you used for analysis, you may want to consider saving historical data for the periods not covered by your GA4.
What do I need to do if I only had a Universal Analytics property?
In June 2023, Google added support of Google Analytics data collection using Universal Analytics code snippet. It automatically created GA4 properties to collect that data. If you have a single UA tag snippet installed on your site, and don’t recall creating a GA4 property, you are likely collecting GA4 data through the UA tag.
If you had your GA4 conversion handled automatically by Google, you may consider switching from UA tag to Global tag (GTAG) snippet on your site. Follow these instructions starting with Step 3.
Your other option is to install a GTM tag on your site, which you can cofigure to send the data to your existing GA4 property. A Google Tag Manager (GTM) tag is more powerful and flexible, but the initial setup is more complicated. GTAG is simpler to install and it offers basic GA4 functionality. My guide to tags will help you decide which one is better for you.
If you decide to accomplish this project on your own, follow my GA4 Installation Instructions which are tailored to a variety of situations.
Google published a handy GA4 transition guide that you can use to understand and implement the process. It shows the steps that you need to set up a GA4 property and add a simple GTAG to your website.
Contact us for a free consultation if you would like to talk about GA4 migration or your digital reporting needs. If you found this article helpful, be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn.