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GA4 for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start

Updated: Oct 1

Google Analytics 4 is the latest version of Google Analytics, designed to provide deeper insights into user behavior across various platforms. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time or transitioning from Universal Analytics, this guide will cover everything you need to know to get started with GA4.


1. Understanding GA4


1.1 What is GA4?


GA4 is a powerful analytics tool that allows you to measure traffic and engagement across websites and apps. It emphasizes a user-centric approach, providing insights into user journeys rather than just pageviews. GA4 leverages machine learning to deliver predictive insights, making it easier to understand user behavior and optimize marketing strategies.


1.2 Key Features of GA4


  • Event-based Tracking: Unlike the session-based model of Universal Analytics, GA4 focuses on events, allowing for more granular tracking of user interactions.

  • Cross-Platform Tracking: Track users across websites and mobile apps, providing a holistic view of user engagement.

  • Enhanced Privacy Controls: GA4 is designed to adapt to a privacy-focused world, offering features to help comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

  • Integration with Google Ads: Seamlessly connect your GA4 property with Google Ads for enhanced remarketing and audience creation.


2. Setting Up GA4


2.1 Creating a GA4 Property


  1. Sign in to Google Analytics: Go to Google Analytics.

  2. Create a New Property: Click on the "Admin" gear icon, select your account, and under the "Property" column, click on "Create Property."

  3. Enter Property Details: Fill in your property name, time zone, and currency, then click "Next."

  4. Select Industry Category and Business Size: This helps Google tailor insights based on your business type.

  5. Choose Data Streams: You can add data streams for both websites and mobile apps.


2.2 Installing the GA4 Tag


  • Using Google Tag Manager:

    1. Go to GTM and create a new tag.

    2. Choose “Google Analytics: GA4 Configuration.”

    3. Enter your Measurement ID (found in your GA4 property settings).

    4. Set the trigger to "All Pages" to track all website interactions.

  • Using Global Site Tag (gtag.js):

    1. Copy the provided GA4 code snippet from your GA4 property.

    2. Paste it into the <head> section of your website.


3. Navigating the GA4 Interface


3.1 Overview of the GA4 Dashboard


  • Home: A summary of your data, including user engagement and acquisition metrics.

  • Reports: Detailed insights into user demographics, behavior, and technology used.

  • Explore: Create custom reports to delve deeper into specific metrics and dimensions.

  • Configure: Set up events, conversions, audiences, and user properties.


3.2 Key Metrics to Monitor


  • Users: The total number of unique users interacting with your site.

  • Engaged Sessions: Sessions that last longer than 10 seconds or have 1 or more conversion events.

  • Conversions: Specific actions you define as valuable, such as purchases or sign-ups.


4. Event Tracking in GA4


4.1 Understanding Events


In GA4, events are the core of data tracking. They can represent any interaction a user makes, such as:


  • Page views

  • Button clicks

  • Video plays

  • Downloads


4.2 Setting Up Events


  1. Automatic Events: GA4 automatically tracks certain events, such as page views.

  2. Recommended Events: You can implement suggested events for specific industries (e.g., ecommerce).

  3. Custom Events: Define events based on your unique user interactions using GTM or directly in GA4.


Example of a Custom Event


If you want to track button clicks on a "Sign Up" button:


  1. Create a new event in GTM.

  2. Set the trigger to fire on clicks for the specific button.

  3. In the tag configuration, choose "GA4 Event" and set the event name (e.g., "sign_up").


5. Setting Up Goals and Conversions


5.1 Defining Conversions


In GA4, conversions are crucial for measuring success. To set up conversions:


  1. Go to Configure > Conversions.

  2. Click on New Conversion Event.

  3. Enter the name of the event you want to mark as a conversion (e.g., "purchase").


5.2 Monitoring Conversion Reports


Regularly check the conversion reports to assess the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns and user engagement strategies.


6. Leveraging Insights for Optimization


6.1 Analyzing User Journeys


Utilize the Analysis Hub to create funnel reports and path analysis, helping you visualize how users navigate through your site.


6.2 Creating Audiences


GA4 allows you to build audiences based on user behavior. Use these audiences for targeted marketing campaigns, particularly in Google Ads.


6.3 Integrating with Google Ads


  1. Link your GA4 property with Google Ads for enhanced remarketing capabilities.

  2. Use insights from GA4 to create tailored ad campaigns based on user interactions.


7. Best Practices for Using GA4


  • Regularly Review Your Setup: Periodically check your events, conversions, and audience definitions to ensure they align with your business goals.

  • Utilize Custom Reports: Take advantage of the Exploration tools to create custom reports tailored to your specific needs.

  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of new features and updates from Google to maximize your GA4 usage.


Google Analytics Is A Must

Getting started with Google Analytics 4 may seem overwhelming, but by following this guide, you can establish a solid foundation for understanding user behavior on your website or app. With its focus on events and user journeys, GA4 offers powerful insights that can help you optimize your marketing strategies and drive better results. As you become more familiar with GA4, you'll unlock its full potential and make data-driven decisions to enhance your business.


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