Google Analytics 3 Transition & What You Need to Know

Google announced that it will begin transitioning away from the old version of Google Analytics, known as Universal Analytics, on July 1st, 2023.   Many of our clients are familiar with the older version of Google Analytics, so we’ve received some questions about what this change means, how to upgrade, and the changes that we will see as the transition begins.  

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What is Coming Up?

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Its successor, Google Analytics 4, which uses G-site code, was launched in late 2020 and comes with a host of improvements including:  

• New privacy features
• Powerful reporting
• Predictive intelligence
• New metrics
• Different data tracking  
• Deeper integration with other Google products like Google Ads

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What Does This Change Mean?

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This change means that Universal Analytics will stop tracking your website visitors after July 1st, 2023. Jarring, we know; but don’t panic.  There is nothing that you need to do immediately as you can still use both versions of Google Analytics with no difference in website performance.   After the transition “sunset” date passes in July 2023, Universal Analytics will not receive any new data, so you should set up Google Analytics 4 to start sending data to your analytics account as soon as possible.   Why? The sooner you start tracking with Google Analytics 4, the more historical data you will have of your website’s performance and traffic after the switch.    

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Go ahead, set up Google Analytics 4 to start sending data to your analytics account ASAP.

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How Do I Set Up Google Analytics 4?

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To start using Google Analytics 4, you will need to create a new Google Analytics 4 property. The good news? If your Google Analytics account was created after October 2020, there is a great chance that you already have a Google Analytics 4 property.  

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Charisma is Here for You

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Luckily when our team sets up Google Analytics accounts, we set up both the old Google Analytics version and the new one, but if any of our clients are using the older version, we’ll check their setup.  As part of our ongoing support, all active accounts will be updated and tracking codes changed as needed.

We use MonsterInsights on WordPress sites, which is where these changes will be taking place. All WordPress sites with MonsterInsights will have the option to easily start using both versions of Google Analytics, no coding needed.  As of now, we have not heard how Squarespace or Wix will handle the change, but we will be sure to keep any clients that use these platforms updated.  

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‍No need to worry about the new Google Analytics 4, our team at Charisma Communications will keep you connected to all your important data! If you have questions, feel free to reach out!