Boost Your Blogger Insights: Installing Google Analytics 4 in 5 Simple Steps

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is a powerful web analytics tool offered by Google that enables website owners to track and measure user traffic and behavior on their websites. Unlike its predecessor, Universal Analytics, GA4 is designed to gather event-based data from both websites and apps, offering a more comprehensive and insightful measurement experience. In this blog, we will explore the advantages and limitations of Google Analytics 4, the steps to create a GA4 account, and how to install it on your Blogger website.

Advantages of Google Analytics 4

1.Cross-platform Tracking:

GA4 combines web and app tracking into a single property, allowing you to follow users across various platforms and devices, providing a holistic view of user interactions.

2.Enhanced Engagement Metrics: 

GA4 offers a more human-centric view of site engagement with metrics like engagement rate, engaged sessions, and engaged session duration, giving a deeper understanding of user behavior.

3.AI-driven Predictive Analytics:

With robust AI-powered predictive analytics, GA4 enables you to anticipate user behaviors and outcomes, such as churn likelihood and purchase probability, helping you make data-driven decisions.

4. Event-based Data Tracking: 

GA4 uses event-based data tracking instead of session-based data, providing greater flexibility and control over measuring user interactions and journeys.

5. Improved Audience Segmentation: 

GA4 offers more choices for creating and exporting audiences for ad campaigns based on behavior, demographics, and interests, supporting robust audience segmentation.

Limitations of Google Analytics 4

1. Loss of Historical Data: 

Migrating to GA4 results in the loss of historical data since it is not possible to transfer existing data from Universal Analytics.

2. Fewer Reports: 

GA4 offers fewer reports compared to Universal Analytics, and some well-known reports, such as acquisition, behavior, and conversion reports, might be missing or have different names.

3. Different Metrics and Dimensions: 

GA4 uses different metrics and dimensions, and some popular ones like sessions, pageviews, bounce rate, and custom dimensions may not be available or compatible.

4. Limited Data Control: 

Some settings, including data retention, sampling, filters, and goals, are automated or preconfigured in GA4, providing limited control over data collection and processing.

5. Incomplete Integrations: 

GA4 has limited integrations with other Google products, such as Google Ads, Google Optimize, and Google Data Studio, and some features might not be fully functional yet.

Creating a Google Analytics 4 Account

To create a Google Analytics 4 account, follow these steps:

1. Go to https://analytics.google.com/analytics and sign in with your Google account.

2. If you already have an Analytics account, click "Admin" and then "Create Property" in the Property column. If you don't have an Analytics account yet, click "Create account" and provide an Account name and data-sharing settings.

3. Enter a name for your property, select the reporting time zone and currency, and click "Next."

4. Choose your business category, business size, and click "Next."

5. Select your business objective and how you intend to use Google Analytics, then click "Create" to create your Google Analytics 4 property.

Adding a Data Stream for Your Website

1. To add a data stream for your website, go to your Google Analytics account, click "Admin" in the bottom left corner, then click "Data Streams" in the Property column.

2. Click "Add Stream" and select "Web."

3. Set up your Data Stream by entering your website URL and website name, then click "Create Stream."

4. Copy the tracking code that starts with "G-" and paste it into your Blogger website.

Installing Google Tracking Code on Blogger Template

1. Sign in to Blogger and select the blog you want to analyze.

2. From the menu, click "Theme," then click "Edit HTML."

3. Paste your Google tag tracking code in the header section (just below the <head> or just before </head>), and click "Save" to save the Blogger template.

4. Your GA4 is now connected to your site, but the collection of website and app data is not started. Go to your Google Analytics account, navigate to Admin > Account settings > Property > Setup assistant > Collect website and app data, and click on the ">" arrow behind "Not started," then click "Mark as Complete."

Conclusion

Google Analytics 4 is a robust web analytics tool that empowers website owners with insights and predictions using AI-driven data tracking. By understanding the advantages and limitations of GA4, you can make informed decisions and optimize your website's performance. Creating and installing GA4 on your Blogger website is a straightforward process that enables you to collect and analyze valuable data to enhance user experience and achieve your business goals. Embrace Google Analytics 4 today and unlock the potential of advanced data analytics for your website.