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In the ever-changing digital landscape, it’s essential for businesses to remain updated on the latest advancements in digital marketing tools, ensuring they can continue to gather vital insights, make data-driven decisions, and excel online. Recently, the digital marketing world has seen a pivotal shift with the introduction of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), which is set to eventually replace the widely-used Universal Analytics (UA) platform. With the phase-out of Universal Analytics, South African businesses must quickly adapt to GA4 to stay ahead of industry trends and continue to make the most of Google’s powerful analytics capabilities.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide South African businesses and marketers with step-by-step instructions on how to set up GA4 on their websites and mobile apps, ensuring a smooth transition from UA and the ability to take full advantage of the advanced features and insights GA4 has to offer. We will discuss the creation of a new GA4 property alongside your existing UA property, implementing the GA4 tracking code, and the key considerations to bear in mind during the transition process, as well as highlighting the ways in which GA4’s advanced capabilities can empower your business’s digital marketing efforts.

At Build Marketing, we are experts in the field of digital marketing and analytics, with a deep understanding of factors that contribute to the success of South African businesses in today’s competitive online environment. With this guide, we aim to enhance your knowledge and skills in implementing GA4, ensuring that your business is well-prepared for the future of digital analytics. Join us on this informative journey and discover the critical steps required to set up GA4 on your website and app, transitioning from Universal Analytics and revolutionising your digital marketing approach.

How to Set Up GA4 Now that UA is Banished: A Step-by-Step Guide for South African Businesses

Introduction to GA4 and the Phase-out of Universal Analytics

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) signifies a new era in digital analytics, offering a range of advanced features and capabilities designed to enhance user insights and empower data-driven marketing decision-making. With Universal Analytics (UA) set to be phased out, it’s critical for businesses to move forward with GA4 to stay ahead of industry trends, capitalising on the platform’s advanced capabilities and ensuring continued digital growth. Some of the key advancements in GA4 include enhanced cross-platform data integration, AI-powered insights, advanced event tracking, and improved data privacy controls.

Creating a New GA4 Property Alongside Your Universal Analytics Property

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain access to your historical data, it’s advisable to run GA4 and UA simultaneously by creating a new GA4 property within your existing Google Analytics account. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Log in to your Google Analytics account and navigate to the Admin section.
  2. In the Property column, click on the dropdown and select ‘Create Property.’
  3. Enter the relevant details for your new property, such as Property Name and Time Zone.
  4. Choose the ‘Google Analytics 4 (GA4)’ option and click ‘Next’ to proceed.
  5. In the ‘Set up data streams’ section, select ‘Web’ or ‘App’ depending on the platform you wish to track.
  6. Enter your website URL or app information, and click ‘Create stream.’

Now you have a new GA4 property in your account, running alongside your existing Universal Analytics property.

Implementing GA4 on Your Website

To start collecting data in your new GA4 property, you’ll need to implement the GA4 tracking code on your website. You can do this using Google Tag Manager or manually adding the GA4 gtag.js tracking code. Here are the steps for each method:

Using Google Tag Manager:

  1. Log in to your Google Tag Manager account and navigate to your website’s container.
  2. Click on ‘New Tag,’ then select ‘Tag Configuration.’
  3. Choose ‘Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration.’
  4. Copy the ‘Measurement ID’ from your GA4 property’s ‘Data Streams’ section and paste it into the ‘Measurement ID’ field in Tag Manager.
  5. Under ‘Triggering,’ select ‘All Pages’ to install the GA4 tracking code across your entire website.
  6. Save and publish your changes.

Manually Adding GA4 gtag.js Tracking Code:

  1. In your GA4 property’s ‘Data Streams’ section, locate the tracking code, which is called ‘Global Site Tag (gtag.js).’
  2. Copy the entire code snippet.
  3. Add the copied code snippet to the section of every HTML page on your website.
  4. Save and publish your changes.

Transitioning from UA to GA4: Key Considerations

While implementing GA4, it’s vital to bear in mind key considerations to ensure a seamless transition and effective usage of the platform. Some factors to keep in mind include:

  1. Data Collection and Configuration: GA4 introduces a more flexible data model focused on event-driven data collection, which differs from UA’s session-based approach. Ensure you understand how your data will be gathered and consider customising events and parameters as needed.
  2. Training and Resources: As GA4 offers an entirely new and distinct interface, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the platform and leverage available training resources, such as Google Analytics Academy and documentation.
  3. Reporting and Analysis: GA4’s reporting features differ significantly from UA’s standard reports, requiring a more proactive approach to data analysis. Be prepared to adapt to new ways of working with your data and explore custom reporting options.

Leveraging GA4’s Advanced Capabilities

Once you’ve successfully set up GA4, it’s crucial to leverage its advanced capabilities to improve your digital marketing strategy and insights. Some tips for making the most of GA4 include:

  1. Customise Your Reporting: Tailor your GA4 dashboard to suit your business needs, including setting up custom dimensions, metrics, and funnel visualisations.
  2. Monitor KPIs: Keep track of your key performance indicators, such as user engagement, conversions, and channel performance, to make data-driven decisions for your marketing strategy.
  3. Embrace AI-Powered Insights: Utilise GA4’s machine learning features, such as predictive analytics and anomaly detection, to uncover new opportunities and address potential issues.

Embracing GA4 and the Future of Digital Analytics

As the world of digital marketing and analytics continues to evolve, South African businesses must be proactive in adapting to new platforms like GA4 to remain competitive in the online landscape. By implementing GA4 effectively and leveraging its advanced capabilities, businesses can benefit from richer insights, more accurate data, and improved marketing strategies, ultimately achieving new heights of success in the digital realm.

At Build Marketing, we’re dedicated to providing businesses with the knowledge, resources, and expertise needed to excel online. From digital analytics to SEO, our digital marketing agency in South Africa is committed to helping you succeed in the competitive digital world. Contact Build Marketing today to discuss our tailored services and partnership opportunities.

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