The sunsetting of Google’s Universal Analytics (UA) is coming up fast. Now is the time to set up your new analytics, and we're here to help. In this FAQ part two, we’ll answer your questions about what you can do to prepare for Google Analytics 4 (GA4).
How do I know if my site still needs to be migrated?
Your property ID (listed under custom properties) can tell you whether you are using Universal Analytics or Google Analytics 4. Universal Analytics property IDs start with UA and end with a number (UA-XXXXXXXXX-1), whereas Google Analytics 4 property IDs have only numbers.
How do I enter my GA4 Measurement ID?
Learn how to add your GA4 ID to your site. For BLOX CMS sites, an admin at your property can enter their GA4 ID in BLOX CMS site settings.
For Rayos Platform sites, contact customer support for assistance configuring your site for GA4. You will need your GA4 Measurement ID.
Sites without a GA4 ID configured will no longer be able to track site performance with Google Analytics. While Google announced that they will begin provisioning GA4 accounts for sites, this does not mean your site is automatically configured or set up. Learn how to add your GA4 ID to your site.
When does this really need to be done?
Universal Analytics, along with any historical data, will become unavailable starting July 2023. It’s important to transition before that date to continue receiving analytics. We recommend migrating your Google Analytics account to GA4 as soon as possible. Extremely valuable historical data is lost with each day your site is not configured for GA4.
What’s the difference between Universal Analytics (UA) and GA4?
How is GA4 different for the desktop site vs mobile apps?
GA4 is a required integration point for mobile apps in order to collect data for app usage. Mobile apps also require Google Firebase to push app updates and alerts. Firebase will need to be updated in order to continue collecting data for your apps. Learn how to to configure your Firebase account.
What else can I do to prepare?
Now is a great time to review your goals and your plan for collecting data. Consider what you want to measure—such as traffic data—before you look at how you measure it. Are you capturing everything you want? Are you collecting too much irrelevant information? Are you not sure where to begin? Sign up for help.
How do I make sense of my analytics?
Basic analytics, such as GA4, are included with your BLOX CMS site. For a more comprehensive, near real-time intelligence platform that reveals how visitors are engaging with your content, learn more about BLOX Data Insights. We’ll not only do the heavy lifting for you, but we’ll provide you with a wide array of features and deep analytics into your performance.
Phil Pracht is director of core products at BLOX Digital.
