Google Analytics 4 Tutorial
1. Introduction
Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest version of Google Analytics that tracks website and app
data more intelligently than Universal Analytics. GA4 focuses on event-based tracking,
cross-platform analysis, and privacy-first design.
Key Benefits:
● Event-based tracking instead of session-based.
● Tracks both websites and apps.
● Improved reporting for user engagement.
● Supports predictive insights and machine learning.
● Privacy-compliant with Google’s data standards.
2. Setting Up a GA4 Account
1. Go to Google Analytics.
2. Click Admin → Create Account.
3. Enter Account Name.
4. Configure Data Sharing Settings.
5. Click Next → Create Property:
○ Enter Property Name.
○ Select Reporting Time Zone and Currency.
○ Click Next → Business Information → Create.
6. Click Web, iOS, or Android depending on your platform.
3. Installing GA4 Tag
Option 1: Using Google Tag Manager (GTM 4)
1. Open GTM → Tags → New → Tag Configuration → GA4 Configuration.
2. Enter Measurement ID from GA4.
3. Set Trigger → All Pages.
4. Save, preview, and publish.
Option 2: Directly on Website
1. Copy the GA4 tracking code.
2. Paste it in the section of your website.
4. GA4 Interface Overview
● Home: Summary of users, sessions, engagement, and revenue.
● Reports: Explore real-time, acquisition, engagement, monetization, retention.
● Explore: Custom analysis and funnel exploration.
● Advertising: Integration with Google Ads.
● Configure: Events, conversions, custom dimensions, and metrics.
5. Understanding Events
GA4 uses events instead of pageviews.
● Automatic Events: Tracked by GA4 by default (scrolls, clicks, file downloads).
● Recommended Events: Suggested by Google for specific industries.
● Custom Events: User-defined events for unique interactions.
Example of Event Data:
Paramet Description
er
event_n The type of interaction (e.g.,
ame "purchase")
value Numeric value associated
with the event
currency Currency of transaction (e.g.,
USD)
item_id ID of product or item
6. Setting Up Conversions
Conversions are important events that indicate success.
1. Go to Configure → Conversions → New Conversion Event.
2. Enter the event name (e.g., “signup_click”).
3. GA4 will start tracking it as a conversion.
7. Using GA4 Reports
● Realtime: Monitor live user activity.
● Life Cycle Reports:
○ Acquisition: Where users come from.
○ Engagement: Pages/screens and time spent.
○ Monetization: Purchases, revenue, product performance.
○ Retention: User retention over time.
Tip: Filter reports by date range, user segments, or traffic source.
8. Creating Audiences
Audiences help segment users for analysis or advertising.
1. Go to Configure → Audiences → New Audience.
2. Define rules based on events, demographics, or behavior.
3. Use in Google Ads or GA4 reports.
9. Using Explorations
Explorations allow custom reports and deep insights.
1. Go to Explore → Blank.
2. Drag dimensions (e.g., City, Device) and metrics (e.g., Sessions, Conversions).
3. Build Funnels, Paths, or Segments to analyze user journeys.
10. Integrating GA4 with Google Ads
1. Go to Admin → Product Links → Google Ads.
2. Link your GA4 property with your Ads account.
3. Import audiences, conversions, and events into Ads for better targeting.
11. Debugging & Testing
● Use DebugView in GA4 to see live event data.
● Test tags and events before using them for conversion tracking.
● Use GA Debugger Chrome extension for troubleshooting.
12. Best Practices
● Name events clearly and consistently.
● Track key business conversions.
● Avoid duplicate tracking.
● Use custom dimensions for deeper insights.
● Regularly review reports and explore trends.
13. Advanced Features
● Predictive Metrics: Forecast revenue and churn.
● Cross-Platform Tracking: Web + App unified view.
● Custom Dimensions & Metrics: Track unique business data.
● BigQuery Export: Access raw GA4 data for advanced analytics.
14. Conclusion
Google Analytics 4 is the future of analytics. With GA4:
● You can track users, events, and conversions accurately.
● Gain insights across websites and apps.
● Improve marketing and business decisions with data-driven insights.
Learning GA4 is essential for modern digital marketing and analytics.
