Google Analytics 4: A New Approach to Data Collection
Table of Contents
By Amelia Monroe | SAN FRANCISCO – 2025/08/20 12:09:17
google Analytics 4 (GA4) represents a significant shift in how website and application data is tracked and analyzed.This new generation of Analytics focuses on event-based data collection, offering a more complete understanding of user behavior across different platforms.
Understanding Google Analytics 4
google Analytics 4 is designed to measure data based on events from both websites and applications [[1]]. This unified approach allows for a more holistic view of the customer journey, regardless of whether users interact with a brand through a website or a mobile app. GA4 is a new type of property designed for the future of measurement.
“GA4 is a new type of property designed”
Key Event Measurement in GA4
A key event, such as a user visiting a confirmation page, can be measured and analyzed within Google Analytics to improve your site [[3]]. When someone views a page, a `page_view` event is sent to Google Analytics, measuring all pageviews. Though, not all events should be marked as key events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Analytics 4
- What is the main difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics?
- GA4 uses an event-based data model, while Universal Analytics relies on session-based data. This allows GA4 to provide a more comprehensive view of user interactions across different platforms.
- How do I set up key event tracking in GA4?
- You can define key events (formerly known as goals) in the GA4 interface by marking specific events as conversions. This allows you to track important user actions, such as form submissions or purchases.
- Is GA4 replacing Universal Analytics?
- Yes, Google has sunset Universal Analytics. GA4 is now the primary analytics platform for websites and apps.
