Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
Google Analytics 4
is an entirely new version of Google Analytics
that is more
flexible,
scalable,
and faster.
But the new version is also less beginner
friendly, which is why we created this GA4
cheat sheet.
Here is everything you need
to know to switch to Google
Analytics 4, set up your new
account, and start accessing
insights.
How to Move to Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
1
How to Move to
Google Analytics 4
Google’s Universal Analytics will stop collecting
data in the summer of 2023, which means if you
haven’t set up GA4, time is running out. If you
already have Google Analytics, log into your
account and look for this notification:
Universal Analytics will no longer process new data in
standart properties beginning July 1, 2023. Prepare now
by setting up and switching over to Google Analytics 4
property.
Click “Let’s Go” and complete the steps.
Don’t have a Google Analytics account?
Create an account here.
All new accounts default to Google Analytics 4.
Google Analytics 4 Set Up Checklist
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
2
Google Analytics 4
Set Up Checklist
Open Your Google Analytics Account: Go to
google.com/analytics or log in to your existing
account.
Create a GA4 Property:
Click “Create a Property.”
Adjust Time Zone + Currency:
Add your business name and adjust time zone
and currency.
Add Business Information:
Size, how you plan to use GA4, etc. Click
“Create.”
Create a Data Stream:
Add URL and Stream name. Create one for
each website, iOS, and Android app.
Add GA4 Measurement ID To Your Website: Struggling to
Click “Add new on-page tag” to view code, add the tag?
Your website
add this to your <head> tag. If you use a CMS host may
also offer
(WordPress, GoDaddy, etc.) instructions
or consider
view instructions here. using a plugin
like Monster
Insights.
Google Analytics 4 Set Up Checklist (continue)
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
Activate Google Signals: In the property
column click Data Settings > Data Collection,
then turn on Google signals. Click apply.
Add Recommended Events: Click Reports >
Engagement > Events, then click the + to add
an event. This guide covers the most common
events.
Add Additional Events: Copy and edit current
events or create new ones as needed for your
business. Guide here.
Add Integrations: Connect GA4 to other
platforms you use, including Google Search
Console, Google Ads, Google Optimize, etc.
Select Admin > Account Setting, then look for
“Product Links.”
Verify Set Up: Log into your GA4 account and
open your new property to verify it is collecting
data. It can take up to two days to begin
gathering data.
GA4 Power User Checklist
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
3
GA4 Power User
Checklist
Want to get a bit more out of GA4?
Complete these steps as well.
Filter Out Internal Traffic: Located under
Admin > Data Streams. This guide walks you
through it.
Exclude Referral Spam (fake traffic): Also
under Admin > Data Streams. Guide here.
Adjust Data Retention for Event Data: The
default is set to two months, adjust to longer as
needed. Guide here.
Enable cross-domain measurement: (Only if
you have multiple properties.) Guide here.
Link to Google Ads: If you use Google Ads,
connect the two platforms for access to more
insights about ad performance.
Follow this guide.
Where to Find the Most Commonly Used Data and Reports
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
4
Where to Find the Most
Commonly Used Data
and Reports
Historically, Google Analytics organized data
into predefined reports such as audience
and conversions. With GA4, you can explore
the data and insights most important to your
business, from technical analysis to high-level
reporting. However, you may notice many of the
reports you’re used to seeing are gone. Here’s
how to view standard GA data, like traffic,
engagement, and conversions.
How to View Traffic In GA4
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
5
How to View Traffic
In GA4
In GA4, traffic is referred to as “users.”
Login to GA4
Reports Snapshot Users
Adjust data in upper right corner
Alternative: Type “How much traffic in the last
month.”
Pro Tip: Look at the Summary Card “Where do
your new users come from” for more information
about what channels drive the most traffic.
6
How to View
Engagement in GA4
Click the Reports Tab in the left side bar
Click Engagement Overview
View average engagement time,
engaged sessions per users, and average
engagement per session
How to View Events in GA 4
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
7
How to View Events
in GA 4
Select Reports Tab
Click Engagement
Select Events
View event count, event by users, etc
Alternative: Type “events” into the top
search bar.
Pro Tip: Click “Conversions: Event Name”
(located under “Events” in the Engagement
drop down.) to see which events convert the
most.
GA4 Frequently Asked Questions
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
8
GA4 Frequently Asked
Questions
Q Is GA4 replacing Universal Analytics?
A Yes, GA4 is replacing the old version of Google
Analytics, now called Universal Analytics.
Google will sunset Universal Analytics in the
summer of 2023, at which point it will no longer
gather data.
Q Can I connect Search Console and GA4?
A Yes, you can connect GA4 to several other
Google properties, including Search Console.
Connecting the two gives you access to Google
Organic Search Queries report and Google
Organic Search Traffic report. Learn more about
how and why to integrate the two here.
GA4 Frequently Asked Questions (continue)
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
Q What are the major differences in GA4
compared to earlier versions?
A The biggest difference between the two
platforms is their measurement model.
Universal Analytics uses a session-based
model while GA4 uses an event-based model.
The new version is also easier to customize and
offers access to tools previously only available
to enterprise users.
Q Does GA4 integrate with Google Ads?
A Yes, GA4 integrates with most Google
properties, including Google Ads. Connecting
the two platforms provides access to additional
advertising data. To connect, click “Admin”
in GA4, then “Account Settings.” Under “Product
Links” select Google Ads.
GA4 Frequently Asked Questions (continue)
Google Analytics 4
Cheatsheet
Q What benefits does GA4 offer that previous
versions of GA didn’t?
A GA4 offers deeper insights, provides access to
AI-powered insights, allows for cross-platform
tracking, and makes it easier to customize your
dashboard so you can view the insights that
matter most to your business.
For more details about GA4
and the features it offers,
check out my In-Depth Guide
to Google Analytics 4.
