Sean McKenna, Head of digital marketing at the Digital Marketing Institute, and Cathal Melinn, a digital marketing consultant and trainer, share insights on the challenges of transitioning to Google Analytics 4. They discuss custom reports, freeform analytics, predictive models, and the technicalities of integrating GA4 with e-commerce platforms. The podcast also covers GA4 setup options, forecasting models, and secret tips for maximizing GA4 features.
Transitioning to GA4 highlights data differences with Universal Analytics, emphasizing the need for data verification.
Users emphasize custom reporting in GA4 for tailored insights, focusing on unique metrics and predictive models.
Deep dives
Transitioning to GA4 and Data Comparison Challenges
Transitioning to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has presented challenges for users as they adapt to the new interface and data differences. Users like Karl Mullin and Sean McKenna discuss their transitions, highlighting the significant differences in data recording, leading to occasional discrepancies between GA4 and Universal Analytics. Despite the differences, users find value in GA4 but emphasize the importance of verifying data accuracy.
Custom Reports and Insights in GA4
Users in the podcast emphasize the shift towards custom reporting in GA4, moving away from standard reports to create tailored insights using features like custom reports and explorations. Sean McKenna discusses the necessity for creating custom reports to delve into specific metrics and generate meaningful insights, especially with the new predictive models and churn probability reports in GA4.
Exploring Freeform Explorations and Dimension Customization
The podcast participants delve into the power of freeform explorations in GA4, enabling users to analyze data beyond traditional page views. They highlight the importance of dimension customization, such as utilizing the 'page location' dimension for detailed URL tracking purposes. By leveraging freeform explorations and unique dimensions, users can gain deeper insights and optimize their analytical approach.
Key Feature Requests and Secret Tips for GA4 Users
The podcast concludes with discussions on feature requests for GA4, including the need for improved session tracking, intuitive reporting interfaces, and reduced data thresholding in reporting. Additionally, users share secret tips, such as creating custom events for precise tracking and leveraging the reporting identity settings for more accurate data representation. These insights aim to enhance users' experiences and maximize the potential of Google Analytics 4.
Are you not quite ready for the full takeover of your world by Google Analytics 4 on July 1st 2023? We have you covered!!
In this bonus episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis gets two long-time GA4 users to fill in the blanks, tell us what they like, what they miss about Universal Analytics, and what they'd really like to ask Larry and Sergey to get right in the next version of GA4. Along with lots of their own quick tips along the way.