How to Prepare for the GA4 Migration: A Checklist

Are you ready to take your website or app tracking to the next level? Then it's time to migrate to Google Analytics 4 (GA4)!

With its advanced event-based data tracking, machine learning capabilities, and wider range of integrations, GA4 represents the future of Google Analytics. Plus, with Universal Analytics (UA) being sunsetted in July 2023, now is the perfect time to make the switch.

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of preparing for a migration to GA4, so you can continue to gain valuable insights into your website or app traffic. Let's get started!

Migrating from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) can be a complex process, but here are some steps that you can take to prepare for the migration:

Familiarize yourself with GA4

Before you can start migrating to GA4, you need to understand how it works. GA4 uses an event-based model to track user behavior, which is different from the pageview-based model used in UA. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the GA4 interface and event-based tracking, and learn how to create custom events to track the actions that matter to your business.

Learn more about the differences between GA4 & UA here.

Plan your event tracking

Next, think about what data you need to track in GA4. One of the biggest advantages of GA4 over UA is its ability to track specific user actions beyond just pageviews. To make the most of this capability, you need to plan out your event tracking strategy. Consider which user actions are most important to your business and create custom events in GA4 to track them.

Set up a new GA4 property

To start collecting data in GA4, you need to set up a new GA4 property alongside your existing UA property. This will allow you to maintain your UA data while also starting to collect new data in GA4.

Determine which UA data to import

If you've been using UA for a while, you likely have a lot of historical data that you may want to bring over to GA4. GA4 allows you to import some UA data, such as custom dimensions and metrics, but not all data can be imported. Determine which data is most important to your business and plan to import it into GA4.

Set up data filters and views

Once you've set up your GA4 property and event tracking, you need to configure data filters and views to organize and analyze your data. Data filters can exclude irrelevant traffic and views can help you organize data by departments, regions, or other segments of your business.

Set up new integrations

GA4 offers a wider range of integrations with other Google products than UA. Consider setting up new integrations in GA4 to streamline your data collection and analysis processes. For example, you can integrate GA4 with Google Ads or Google Tag Manager to better track your marketing campaigns.

Update your website or app

If you're using GA tracking code on your website or app, you'll need to update it to use the GA4 tracking code. This will ensure that your data is being collected and tracked correctly.

Test your implementation

Once you've set up your GA4 property, events, and integrations, test your implementation to ensure that data is being collected and tracked correctly. Use the GA4 Debug View or the GA4 Realtime report to see if data is being recorded correctly.

Train your team

Make sure your team is prepared to use GA4. If you've been using UA for a while, there will be some differences in how data is collected and analyzed in GA4. Provide training or resources to help your team get up to speed on the new platform, and ensure that they understand how to use the new event-based tracking and other features in GA4.

Monitor your data

Finally, once you've fully migrated to GA4, keep a close eye on your data to ensure that it's accurate and provides the insights you need. Use the GA4 reports to analyze user behavior and track the success of your website or app.

Overall, preparing for a migration to GA4 requires careful planning, configuration, and testing to ensure that your data is accurate and useful. By following these steps, you can prepare for a migration to GA4 and gain access to advanced features and insights that can help you make better decisions and improve user engagement.

As a bonus, here's a quick and dirty GA4 migration checklist that you can use for a smooth transition from Universal Analytics (UA) to Google Analytics 4 (GA4):

• 1. Familiarize yourself with GA4: Take some time to explore the GA4 interface and get a sense of how it works.

• 2. Determine your tracking needs: Consider which events will be most useful for your business and plan to create them in GA4.

• 3. Set up a new GA4 property: This will allow you to start collecting data in GA4 while still maintaining your UA data.

• 4. Determine which UA data to import: Determine which data is most important to your business and plan to import it into GA4.

• 5. Set up data filters and views: Configure your GA4 property to filter out irrelevant traffic and create new views to organize your data.

• 6. Set up new integrations: GA4 offers a wider range of integrations with other Google products than UA. Consider setting up new integrations in GA4 to streamline your data collection and analysis processes.

• 7. Update your website or app: If you're using GA tracking code on your website or app, you'll need to update it to use the GA4 tracking code.

• 8. Test your implementation: Once you've set up your GA4 property, events, and integrations, test your implementation to ensure that data is being collected and tracked correctly.

• 9. Train your team: Make sure your team is prepared to use GA4. Consider providing training or resources to help your team get up to speed on the new platform.

• 10. Monitor your data: Once you've fully migrated to GA4, keep a close eye on your data to ensure that it's accurate and provides the insights you need.

Ready to set up your perfect funnel tracking in GA4? Our Analytics Team can support you on everything from creating your GA4 property to setting up conversion tracking. Book a call to get your FREE analytics audit today.