top of page
Search

How to migrate from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4?

Updated: Nov 9, 2023

Migrating from Universal Google Analytics to GA4 for Magento stores can be a daunting task, but it's important to make the switch to take advantage of the new features and capabilities that GA4 offers. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you migrate from Universal Google Analytics to GA4 for your Magento store.

migrate to ga4

Create a GA4 property: The first step in migrating from Universal Google Analytics to GA4 is to create a new GA4 property in your Google Analytics account. This will enable you to track and analyze data for your Magento store using the new GA4 features.

Install the GA4 tracking code: Once you have created a GA4 property, you will need to install the GA4 tracking code on your Magento store. This can be done by adding the tracking code to your Magento store's header or by using a Magento extension that supports GA4 tracking.

Test your GA4 tracking: Before you make the switch from Universal Google Analytics to GA4, it's important to test your GA4 tracking to ensure that it's working correctly. You can do this by using the GA4 real-time report to verify that data is being tracked and by comparing the data in GA4 to the data in Universal Google Analytics.

Make the switch: Once you have tested your GA4 tracking and are confident that it's working correctly, you can make the switch from Universal Google Analytics to GA4. This includes updating any links or references to Universal Google Analytics in your Magento store to point to GA4.

Configure your GA4 property: After installing the GA4 tracking code, you will need to configure your GA4 property to match your Universal Google Analytics settings. This includes setting up goals, events, and custom dimensions to ensure that you are tracking the same data as before.

Monitor your data: After making the switch, it's important to monitor your data to ensure that it is being tracked correctly and that there are no discrepancies between the data in GA4 and the data in Universal Google Analytics.

We found useful information on Google Doc . Let's try to check the structure of some events.

gf event structure

In Universal Analytics, there were four default parameters available for any event: - Event Category, - Event Action, - Event Label, - Event Value.

These parameters could be used for reporting without any additional steps required. Additionally, you could optionally pass custom dimensions/metrics along with the event.

However, in Google Analytics 4, these default event parameters are no longer available. Instead, GA4 requires you to provide only the Event Name by default, which is limited to a maximum of 40 characters. This means that you will need to create custom parameters in GA4 to track additional data related to the event, such as user actions or specific values. While this may require some additional setup work, it also offers more flexibility and control over your event tracking in GA4.

To transfer the same data from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, you will need to create and use custom dimensions, also known as event parameters. One simple approach is to replicate the same event parameter names used in Universal Analytics and send the same data to dimensions named event_category, event_action, and so on.

To replicate the missing fields in the GA4 event, you can use the following structure:

  1. Event name (default parameter)

  2. event_category

  3. event_action

  4. event_label

  5. event_value

  6. currency (default parameter)

This approach allows you to migrate values from Universal Analytics to GA4 using a simplified structure. By mapping the UA event parameters to custom dimensions in GA4, you can ensure that your existing event data is properly transferred to the new platform

In this article, we have discussed the key ideas on how to transfer Universal Analytics events to Google Analytics 4.

The alteration in event structure in GA4 is a significant change that you need to become familiar with before feeling self-assured. It's essential to plan and record event configuration, taking into account the new event restrictions to collect all necessary data in a more organized manner.

This will simplify any kind of implementation. I trust that you found this information beneficial, and please don't hesitate message us The Team, sales@barwenock.com

85 views0 comments
bottom of page