GA4 Introduction and Basic Concepts
Learn about GA4 core features, differences from Universal Analytics, and why to use GA4
What is Google Analytics 4?
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is Google's next-generation website analytics tool, representing a major advancement in digital analytics. Officially launched in October 2020, GA4 adopts a completely new data model and analytical approach, designed to help businesses better understand user behavior and provide effective analytical solutions in an increasingly privacy-focused environment.
Core Features of GA4
- • All user interactions are treated as events
- • More flexible data collection and analysis
- • Support for custom events and parameters
- • Unified tracking for websites and mobile apps
- • Complete user journey view
- • Multi-device user identification
- • Automatic anomaly detection
- • Predictive metrics
- • Intelligent insights and recommendations
- • No reliance on third-party cookies
- • Consent mode support
- • Data retention controls
GA4 vs Universal Analytics
| Feature | Universal Analytics | Google Analytics 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Data Model | Session and pageview based | Event-based |
| Cross-platform Tracking | Separate web and app tracking | Unified cross-platform tracking |
| Machine Learning | Limited ML features | Deep ML insights integration |
| Privacy Protection | Third-party cookie dependent | Cookieless solution |
Main Components of GA4
1. Account Structure
Account └── Property └── Data Stream ├── Web Data Stream ├── iOS App Data Stream └── Android App Data Stream
2. Events and Parameters
- Events: Any user interaction with your website or app
- Parameters: Key-value pairs that provide additional context for events
3. Conversion Events
Mark important events as conversions to measure business goal achievement.
4. Audiences
User groups created based on user behavior and characteristics for analysis and marketing.
Important Notice
Universal Analytics stopped processing data on July 1, 2023. All websites need to migrate to GA4 to continue website analytics. If you're still using Universal Analytics, please migrate as soon as possible.
Preparation for Learning GA4
- • Identify key metrics to track
- • Identify important user behaviors
- • Define conversion goals
- • Ensure website admin access
- • Prepare Google account
- • Basic HTML knowledge (optional)
Next Steps
Now that you understand GA4's basic concepts and core features, next we'll learn how to create and configure a GA4 account. In the next tutorial, you'll learn:
- • Create GA4 account and property
- • Configure data streams
- • Install tracking code
- • Verify data collection