5 Simple Steps To Migrate From GA3 To GA4

by | May 31, 2022 | Blog, Digital Marketing

Migrated to GA4 yet?

On July 1, 2023, Google Analytics 3 (AKA Universal Analytics) properties will stop processing new hits.

If you use GA3 you’re probably thinking…

Won’t all my data from GA3 be automatically imported into GA4? 

The crazy thing is, the answer is no.

That means if you’re still using GA3 come next July, you might be in for a bit of a surprise. 

And not the good kind. 

Google Analytics is how you track all of your e-commerce traffic. Without it, you’re missing the big picture for all of your business’s online channels. 

That’s why it’s essential for you to plan the move now from GA3 to GA4. 

Migrating From GA3 To GA4

While we wish migrating your business to GA4 was as simple as clicking a button…

… it isn’t. 

You’ll need a plan in place. 

Following best practice, here are 5 steps you should take in order to transition successfully: 

1. Create your Google Analytics 4 Account

First, create an account and connect it to your data sources such as Google Ads, Google Search Console, and any others that your business uses. 

2. Compare your high-level metrics 

Second, wait a month or so. Then compare your GA3 and GA4 numbers. 

Check any similar metrics you can find, like sessions, users, or pageviews. 

If the numbers don’t line up, then you might have an issue with tracking.  

3. Clean up your data 

Next up, you’ll want to clean up your data. 

Make sure all your Events and Conversions are tracking properly.

4. Run parallel reports

In this step, you’ll want to finalize business reports in GA4 so they match the business reports you’re getting from GA3. 

Then, run these reports parallel to each other for at least 3 months so you can compare the data over time to make sure they are running similarly. 

5. Find a date to switch 

Once you are comfortable with how GA4 operates, pick a date to make the big switch. 

We recommend waiting until the beginning of a quarter or the start of the year to officially end your GA3 account and rely solely on GA4. 

Now, this is just the tip of the iceberg. 

And if you don’t know anything about running analytics, most of this went over your head. 

That’s why we’re here. 

Want an expert to guide you through your Google Analytics 4 transition? Drop us a line here.