Why do you need to upgrade to Google Analytics 4?

If you use Google Analytics, you’ve probably seen some notices recommending that you upgrade to Google Analytics 4, the latest analytics tool from Google. If you’ve only just gotten to grips with its predecessor, Universal Analytics, then it’d be understandable if you’re a little hesitant about making the switch, especially since the latest tool is significantly different. However, while the shift may be a little unwelcome initially, it will pay off. In this blog, we’ll run through some all-important reasons why you probably should upgrade to Google Analytics 4 sooner rather than later.

It’s The Future.

Any Shopify store owner that doesn’t upgrade to Google Analytics 4 will be left behind. That’s not a scare tactic — it’s just the truth. Google’s latest offering comes with a whole host of powerful tools that can help to galvanize your sales strategies, including more advanced insights, event tracking, and other features that can push your business forward. That should be enough to convince you to make the shift, but if it’s not, just think about this: your competitors will be using the latest tools, so you should too.

…And Universal Analytics Is Being Phased Out.

Universal Analytics is a highly-valued tool that has done a lot of good. But its race has been run. That’s not our view, but Google’s, which has said that there’ll be no further updates or improvements for Universal Analytics. You don’t need to delete your Universal Analytics account just yet, however; in fact, we’d recommend that you keep it alive and kicking until GA4 has been fully launched since there’s a lot of useful data you can get from Universal that will eventually be available in 4, but which isn’t yet.

It Comes With a Ton of Features.

Google isn’t launching Analytics 4 just for the fun of it — they’re doing so because they believe it has value. And when you see everything that it can do, you’ll likely agree with them. The tool makes the most of some pretty advanced technology, allowing Shopify store owners to do a whole host of things that were previously off limits, including powerful AI insights, faster and more powerful reporting, multi-channel data overviews, and plenty of machine learning tools. In essence, it’ll be the most capable tool that you’ll ever have used.

What If You Don’t Upgrade?

Nothing awful will happen if you don’t upgrade immediately. Google is just slowly transitioning to Google Analytics 4; it won’t be an abrupt shift. However, given how GA4 will work, it’s better to get moving quickly rather than wait until later. The new tool relies heavily on machine learning, but that can only use new data, not historical data. That means the sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll begin to enjoy the benefits of the most powerful analytics tool yet created.

Unsure of how to get started with Google Analytics 4? Then contact us! We can install and set up GA4 for you, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without the pain points.