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50 Questions & Answers About Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is Google’s latest analytics platform, designed to give businesses a deeper understanding of user behaviour across websites and apps. Unlike Universal Analytics, GA4 uses an event-based model, giving marketers more flexibility and insights into user interactions. Below is a comprehensive guide with 50 questions and answers, organised into sections for easy […]
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is Google’s latest analytics platform, designed to give businesses a deeper understanding of user behaviour across websites and apps. Unlike Universal Analytics, GA4 uses an event-based model, giving marketers more flexibility and insights into user interactions.
Below is a comprehensive guide with 50 questions and answers, organised into sections for easy reading.
Section 1: Getting Started with GA4
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is Google Analytics 4? | GA4 is Google’s newest analytics platform that tracks user interactions using an event-based model instead of the session-based model used in Universal Analytics. |
| 2 | How is GA4 different from Universal Analytics? | GA4 focuses on events, integrates web and app data, uses AI-powered insights, and works with stricter privacy rules. |
| 3 | Can I use GA4 and Universal Analytics simultaneously? | Yes. Many businesses run both to ensure continuous data collection during the transition. |
| 4 | How do I create a GA4 property? | In Google Analytics, click “Admin → Create Property,” select GA4, and follow the setup wizard. |
| 5 | What is a data stream? | A data stream is the source of your analytics data, such as a website, iOS app, or Android app. |
| 6 | Do I need to change the website code for GA4? | Yes, implement the GA4 tag via Google Tag Manager or directly in your site code. |
| 7 | What is the GA4 Measurement ID? | It’s a unique code (e.g., G-XXXXXXXX) connecting your website or app to GA4. |
| 8 | How long does it take for data to appear? | Real-time data appears immediately; standard reports can take 24–48 hours. |
| 9 | Can GA4 track multiple websites in one property? | Yes, but separate data streams for each website are recommended. |
| 10 | Is GA4 free? | Yes, the standard version is free. Google Analytics 360 is the paid enterprise version. |
Section 2: Events and Conversions
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | What is an event in GA4? | Any user interaction, such as clicks, pageviews, video plays, or purchases. |
| 12 | How are events different from pageviews? | Pageviews are one type of event; GA4 treats all interactions as events. |
| 13 | What are the recommended events? | Standard events (like purchase or login) recognised automatically by GA4. |
| 14 | Can I create custom events? | Yes, define events for actions important to your business. |
| 15 | What are parameters in GA4 events? | Additional details sent with an event, e.g., product name, price, or button label. |
| 16 | What is a conversion? | A user action important to your business, like a purchase or form submission. |
| 17 | How do I mark an event as a conversion? | Go to “Events” in GA4 and toggle the event as a conversion. |
| 18 | Can GA4 track cross-device conversions? | Yes, with user-ID tracking enabled. |
| 19 | What is enhanced measurement? | Automatically tracks common interactions like scrolls, video plays, and downloads. |
| 20 | Can GA4 track outbound link clicks? | Yes, via enhanced measurement or custom events in Google Tag Manager. |
Section 3: Audiences and User Tracking
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | What is an audience in GA4? | A group of users meeting specific criteria, like completing a purchase or visiting a page. |
| 22 | Can I create audiences for remarketing? | Yes, audiences can be linked to Google Ads for targeted campaigns. |
| 23 | How does GA4 identify users? | Using a combination of device ID, user ID, and Google signals. |
| 24 | What is user ID tracking? | Assigns a unique ID to logged-in users, allowing cross-device tracking. |
| 25 | Can GA4 track anonymous users? | Yes, though cross-device tracking requires a user ID. |
| 26 | Difference between new and returning users? | New users visit for the first time; returning users have engaged previously. |
| 27 | Can GA4 track the lifetime value of a user? | Yes, reports show lifetime value based on events and conversions. |
| 28 | Does GA4 comply with GDPR and privacy laws? | GA4 includes consent mode, data retention controls, and IP anonymisation. |
| 29 | How does GA4 handle cookies? | GA4 works even with limited cookies, using first-party data and modelling. |
| 30 | Can GA4 segment users by behaviour? | Yes, via audiences or custom exploration reports. |
Section 4: Reporting and Analysis
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | How is GA4 reporting different from Universal Analytics? | GA4 has flexible, event-based reports instead of session-focused reports. |
| 32 | What is an Exploration in GA4? | Custom, interactive reports for analysing user behaviour with dimensions and metrics. |
| 33 | Can I create funnels in GA4? | Yes, for visualising user steps toward conversions. |
| 34 | What is a path analysis report? | Shows the sequence of user events, helping identify drop-offs. |
| 35 | Does GA4 provide real-time data? | Yes, the real-time report shows active users and events instantly. |
| 36 | Can I schedule reports? | GA4 itself doesn’t, but Looker Studio (Google Data Studio) allows scheduling. |
| 37 | How can I export GA4 data? | Export to CSV, Excel, or BigQuery for advanced analysis. |
| 38 | Can I integrate GA4 with Google Ads? | Yes, for conversion tracking, audience sharing, and optimisation. |
| 39 | Can I see which campaigns drive conversions? | Yes, GA4 attributes conversions to channels, campaigns, and ad groups. |
| 40 | What are predictive metrics in GA4? | AI-powered estimates like potential revenue or churn probability. |
Section 5: Tips and Best Practices
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | Should I set up GA4 if using Universal Analytics? | Yes, UA stopped processing new data in July 2023. Early setup ensures historical data continuity. |
| 42 | How can I track eCommerce events? | Implement recommended eCommerce events like purchase, add_to_cart, view_item. |
| 43 | Can GA4 measure website speed? | Provides page load metrics, but is not a full speed-testing tool. |
| 44 | How often should I review GA4 reports? | Weekly for campaigns, monthly for strategy, and real-time for urgent monitoring. |
| 45 | How do I handle spam/bot traffic? | Enable “Exclude all internal traffic” and use filters or segments for suspicious activity. |
| 46 | Can I track form submissions? | Yes, via enhanced measurement, custom events, or Google Tag Manager triggers. |
| 47 | How do I track video engagement? | Enable enhanced measurement for video start, progress, and completion events. |
| 48 | Can I connect GA4 to CRM systems? | Yes, via BigQuery exports or third-party integrations. |
| 49 | How long does GA4 store user-level data? | Default retention is 2 months or 14 months, depending on settings. |
| 50 | What’s the most important tip for GA4 success? | Define meaningful events and conversions, review reports regularly, and use GA4’s flexible features to get actionable insights. |
Conclusion:
Google Analytics 4 is a powerful analytics platform that requires proper setup and strategy. By understanding events, audiences, conversions, and reporting, you can make data-driven decisions, optimise user experience, and improve marketing ROI.
This guide provides a complete reference for marketers, analysts, and website owners looking to master GA4.
By Matrix Internet
