Google Analytics and Google Analytics 4 (also known as GA4) are both web analytics tools offered by Google that allow you to track and analyze data about your website and its users. However, there are a few key differences between the two versions that you should be aware of.
One of the main differences between Google Analytics and GA4 is the data that they collect. Google Analytics primarily collects data about sessions on your website, such as page views, bounces, and conversions. GA4, on the other hand, collects a wider range of data points, including events, e-commerce data, and user properties. This allows GA4 to provide a more comprehensive view of your users and their interactions with your website.
Another difference between the two tools is the way that they process and analyze data. Google Analytics uses a traditional, session-based model to analyze data, while GA4 uses a new machine learning-based approach that is designed to provide more accurate and detailed insights. This includes features like automated insights and anomaly detection, which can help you identify trends and patterns in your data that you may not have noticed otherwise.
Another key difference between the two tools is their integration with other Google products. Google Analytics is integrated with a number of other Google services, such as AdWords and Google Search Console, which allows you to see how your website is performing across different channels. Whereas GA4 can be integrated with various Google products, including Firebase, Google Ads and Google Marketing Platform, providing detailed insights about websites and their users.
Finally, there are some differences in the way that the two tools are implemented on your website. Google Analytics requires you to add a tracking code to your website in order to collect data, while GA4 can be implemented using a variety of different methods, including a tracking code, a Google Tag Manager tag, or an API. This can make it easier to implement GA4 on your website, especially if you have a complex or dynamic site.
While Google Analytics and GA4 both provide valuable insights into the performance of your website, GA4 offers a more comprehensive and advanced set of features that can help you get a deeper understanding of your users and their behavior, making it a highly used product amongst various digital marketing agencies world-wide. Whether you choose to use Google Analytics or GA4 will depend on your specific needs and goals, but it’s worth considering GA4 if you want to take your web analytics to the next level.