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Aug 18, 2022

What is the Difference Between GA4 and UA to sell on the internet?

Across Google's suite of tools, we often notice small changes that only alter the features of Google Analytics or their capabilities. But, the shift from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4 is a top-to-bottom change to the software. They differ in fundamental ways, especially with regards to the data model they use.

  • This is the Universal Analytics: UA data is created by certain "hit kind." If a visitor "hits" your website (such as, for instance, the page's view, a social media click , or E-commerce purchase), Google Analytics collects the information from this event and classifies it according to the event nature.
  • Google Analytics 4: GA4 data is event driven. If an event happens inside GA4 it will gather, store, and process the data without regard to labels, categories or even actions.

The current GA4 data model also offers an alternative to traditional data funnel. Universal Analytics was designed to monitor and evaluate the success of online shopping based on the number of new customers or conversions that you make. The reality is that 70% of an organization's revenue comes from former customers, as per the data of Review 42.

With the help of the technology to collect data in Google Analytics 4, e-commerce companies can gain a better understanding of a customer's journey using stream of data. Alongside your efforts at attracting new customers the platform can assist in evaluating your progress towards attracting repeat customers and building your revenue overall.

The advantages of GA4 are great for E-Commerce

 Data Privacy + Real-time Tracking

The latest laws, social media regulationsand tech companies are working to ensure the privacy of data and ensure security. With Universal Analytics, accurate tracking may have been harmful to the privacy of users (and the reverse is true). Yet, GA4 is the best of both worlds--providing more accurate detailed, precise data, as well as protection for privacy for users.

The Monetization of. Conversions

 Better user experience for users and the accuracy of data

It will likely take some time to learn the basics and get used to GA4 (especially at this initial development stage). But, GA4 is expected to beat Universal Analytics long term. GA4 is designed to be more user-friendly for business to use, and simpler for users (with the added privacy controls and safeguards) and also more precise and granular with the information provided.

Contraints in GA4 to E-Commerce

Some Groundwork is Required

Since the basic data model is different in GA4, users must be able transfer their data manually in the new system. For those who are getting acquainted with Universal Analytics or who have begun making their UA property, the transition to a completely new method could be an overwhelming undertaking. However, Google has tons of resources to help you along the path.

As of now, Google encourages e-commerce sites to integrate both UA as well as GA4 tracking. While building and implementing GA4 tracking, you should not change the Google Analytics 4 property, you shouldn't alter your Universal Analytics property and implementation on hold (for for the moment).

To get started, log into your account (analytics.google.com) and follow Google's on-screen guidance to create a GA4 property. To track the sales made using GA4 the initial step is to design and create duplicate events that have the current GA4 name and the parameter. The Google instructions for migrating e-commerce data collection to GA4 right here.

The Future is Unpredictable of E-Commerce Tracking Highlights

The options for tracking online sales through Universal Analytics have been continuously growing over the past 10 years. This latest version of enhanced tracking gathers greater amounts of data than before and allows users to look at this information using various lenses with multi-faceted reporting options.

At present, the tools for tracking e-commerce and capabilities are still in the stage of development. It leaves plenty of questions for e-commerce business owners. For instance:

  • What features of online shopping will be part of GA4?
  • Which date will GA4 functions for e-commerce be made available?
  • What will be the biggest challenge to learn and implement these brand new tracking features to e-commerce?

There is a good chance that Google could either provide features similar to those of UA fully implemented before the cut-off date or extend the cut-off time. However, there is no way to determine absolutely the way this will unfold. Our experts will keep watching the launch of Google's GA4 features for e-commerce and will keep our community posted.

This is the E-Commerce Platform Built for Creators:

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