Say Goodbye To Universal Analytics Embracing Google Analytics 4

Well, the time is finally here – Universal Analytics has now stopped collecting your business’s data for good. We are now in the era of Google Analytics 4! We thought it would be a good idea to refresh your memory about what this change means for you and your business.

Contents

  1. The Limitations of Universal Analytics
  2. What are GA4’s Key Features and Benefits?
  3. Why Are These Tracking Changes Important?
  4. Transitioning from UA to GA4

Listen to this article

In this blog, we will delve into the world of SEO and explore various strategies and techniques that can put your business on the map, quite literally! From Google My Business optimisation to local citation building, we will uncover the secrets to enhancing your local online presence and effectively engaging with your target audience.

We will discuss the features and benefits of Universal Analytics, as well as the challenges it faced in today’s digital landscape. Introducing GA4 as the solution will highlight the need to transition from Universal Analytics to GA4 for more comprehensive tracking and measurement.


The Limitations of Universal Analytics

There are a number of reasons that Google has sunsetted Universal Analytics. As an analytics platform, UA has been around since 2005. However, with the launch of Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Google is adapting to the changes in tracking that businesses require. One major limitation of Universal Analytics was its struggle to track user interactions in a multi-device, cross-platform environment. This limitation significantly impacted businesses and their ability to gather accurate and comprehensive data.


In addition, UA had strict data limits, processing only 10 million hits, 500 hits per session, and 200,000 hits per user per day. These data limits were a hindrance to businesses striving for in-depth analysis.


Fortunately, GA4 addresses these limitations by removing data limits, allowing businesses to gather and analyse data without constraints.


What are GA4’s Key Features and Benefits?

So, with an eye towards the future, let’s explore what features GA4 offers and how they can be of benefit to your business. To start with, GA4 boasts improved customer journey tracking by helping to identify their touchpoints with your brand across multiple devices and platforms. This enhanced cross-platform tracking allows for a seamless understanding of user interactions, enabling you to optimize your marketing strategies accordingly.


Furthermore, GA4 incorporates machine learning, providing deeper insights and predictive analytics, enabling you to uncover valuable patterns and trends that can drive your business forward. Privacy and data control are also prioritized, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. With simplified goals and events setup, enhanced visualizations and reporting, as well as more powerful audiences for your ad campaigns, GA4 offers a plethora of parameters that can elevate your business’s performance and user engagement analysis. Embrace the future of analytics with GA4 and unlock new opportunities for growth.


Why Are These Tracking Changes Important?

Being able to more accurately measure customer interactions with your website can only be considered a great benefit for businesses. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where customers effortlessly switch between devices and platforms, keeping up with their behavior is like chasing a shape-shifting puzzle.


However, by embracing comprehensive tracking, businesses can unlock the secret code behind user behavior, paving the way for optimized marketing campaigns and improved overall performance.


It’s like donning a pair of high-tech glasses that reveal hidden insights, allowing businesses to connect the dots and deliver exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back for more. From the first click to the final purchase, comprehensive tracking is the compass guiding businesses towards success in the ever-evolving digital realm.


Transitioning from UA to GA4

The transition for marketing teams across the globe is going to be touch and go for a while. Clickthrough offers comprehensive GA4 training for in-house marketers to continue with their marketing reports as usual and keep track of the success of their marketing endeavors.


But how can businesses navigate this process smoothly? Our experts provide guidance on transitioning from Universal Analytics to GA4, ensuring a successful shift. We discuss the steps involved, potential challenges, and best practices to embrace during this transformative journey. Worried about this change? Don’t be! We will make sure this transition is as smooth and seamless as possible for you and your business.


Conclusion

For those of you who grew attached to Universal Analytics over the years, this change is unavoidable. However, future-proofing your business’s analytics needs is necessary by adopting GA4. Staying up-to-date with analytics technologies is crucial in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Making the transition to GA4 offers long-term benefits that can contribute to the success of your business.


By embracing this change, you can ensure that your analytics capabilities remain relevant and effective, enabling you to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. Future-proofing your analytics is an investment in the future, empowering your business to thrive in the dynamic world of data-driven insights. Contact us today to learn more about our GA4 training.


FAQ

  • How does Google Analytics 4 impact reporting compared to Universal Analytics?

    Google Analytics 4 introduces a new data model and reporting interface, providing more advanced insights and focusing on event-based tracking rather than page views.

  • Can I still use Universal Analytics alongside Google Analytics 4?

    Before July 1st of 2023 this was possible, as of now thought Universal Analytics no longer processes your website data. Transitioning to GA4 is the way forward with Google Analytics.

Digital Blog

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a tool—it’s evolving into something more powerful, more in
March 2, 2025
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a tool—it’s evolving into something more powerful, more independent, and more capable of transforming industries at a fundamental level. Enter agentic AI, a new breed of AI that doesn’t just follow rules—it makes its own decisions, autonomously optimising and executing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.
Digital Marketing Advice
By Timur Totikov January 12, 2025
New Zealand’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are feeling the pressure as the recession tightens its grip. For many business owners, cutting costs and maximizing efficiency are top priorities. One of the smartest moves you can make during these tough times is taking control of your digital marketing strategy. By learning to manage your marketing in-house, you can save money, drive growth, and future-proof your business.
Tips for taking your Digital Marketing In-house blog
By Glen Maguire November 29, 2024
Why In-House Digital Marketing is the Future for New Zealand Businesses In a tightening economy, more New Zealand businesses are bringing digital marketing in-house for greater control and cost savings.
AI tips for SEO
By Glen Maguire October 25, 2024
In the bustling digital marketplace where your website is competing against millions, standing out is not just crucial; it’s survival. Here’s something you might not know: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the silent warrior in the battle for SEO supremacy. And guess what? You too can harness its power.
Will AI Replace Digital Marketing?
By Glen Maguire October 20, 2024
Although AI has the potential to automate many of the tasks associated with digital marketing, likely, it will only partially replace digital marketers. AI tools still need to be improved in their ability to understand customer intent and preferences fully, and as such, they will remain dependent on human input.
Looker studio vs power bi
By Glen Maguire September 21, 2024
In today’s business landscape, your data is more important than ever, and choosing between tools like Looker Studio vs Power BI is a pivotal decision for organisations to harness the power of data visualisation and analysis.
5 Elements of Website User Experience (UX)
By Glen Maguire December 14, 2023
Listen to this article
What is Seasonal SEO? Staying Ahead for Business Growth
By Glen Maguire October 14, 2023
Listen to this article
Seo Agency Tips
By Glen Maguire October 14, 2023
Listen to this article
Essential Seo Trends
By Glen Maguire October 14, 2023
What Is Your Real Source of Conversion?