Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest iteration of Google’s powerful web analytics platform. It is a significant departure from its predecessor, Universal Analytics (UA).
There are many benefits of Google Analytics 4 for WordPress site owners, including the ability to collect more comprehensive data, improved user privacy, and better insights into user behavior. Additionally, the platform is better integrated with other Google products, making it easier to tie together data from multiple sources.
One of the most significant differences between GA4 and UA is how data is collected and reported. GA4 collects data more granularly, allowing site owners to get more detailed insights into user behavior. The older Universal Analytics used a measurement model focused on sessions and pageviews, whereas GA4 collects event-based data. Additionally, GA4 collects data from a broader range of sources, such as app and web activity, giving site owners a better understanding of how users interact with their content.
Benefits of Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
1. Improved user experience
Google Analytics 4 makes it easier for users to track and analyze their website data. It provides more detailed insights into user activity, giving marketers more information to make better decisions. Google Analytics 4 also offers more advanced features, such as cross-device reporting and automated insights, allowing users to gain a deeper understanding of their website data and improve their overall user experience.
2. Increased accuracy of data
Google Analytics 4 features machine learning algorithms that provide more accurate insights into your WordPress website’s performance.
3. Better segmentation capabilities
With Google Analytics 4, you can create custom segments to target specific audiences and better understand their behavior on your WordPress website.
4. More comprehensive tracking
Google Analytics 4 provides a comprehensive view of all the activity on your website, so you have a complete picture of how users are interacting with it.
5. Greater flexibility in setting up goals
You can set up custom events and goals more easily than ever before, allowing you to monitor progress toward achieving your business objectives more effectively.
6. Enhanced user privacy protections
GA4 is designed to comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy regulations. This means that WordPress site owners can collect data without fear of violating any privacy laws.
7. Tighter integrated with other Google products
This enables site owners to tie together data from multiple sources such as Google Ads, Search Console, and BigQuery, giving them a more comprehensive view of their users’ behavior.
8. Future proof for the foreseeable future
Google Analytics 4 is the next-generation measurement solution, and it’s replacing Universal Analytics. On July 1, 2023, standard Universal Analytics properties will stop processing new hits. For the sake of data continuity, tracking with both Universal Analytics and GA4 will give you a baseline of activity to compare against once Universal Analytics data is no longer available
For these reasons, WordPress site owners should seriously consider upgrading to GA4 as soon as possible. The platform offers numerous benefits, including improved data collection, user privacy, and integration with other Google products. By taking advantage of these benefits, WordPress site owners can better understand their users and create more effective strategies for engaging them.