GA4 vs. Universal Analytics: Key Differences

1. Data Modelf

As we’ve mentioned, the data model is one of the key differences between GA4 and Universal Analytics. GA4 uses an event-driven data model, which means that it tracks every user interaction on a website as an event. This allows businesses to get a more comprehensive view of user behavior, including interactions that might not have been tracked in Universal Analytics. On the other hand, Universal Analytics uses a session-based data model, which means that it only tracks interactions within a single session. This can lead to incomplete data, as it might miss interactions that occur outside of a single session.

2. Machine Learning

Another key difference between GA4 and Universal Analytics is the use of machine learning. GA4 uses machine learning to analyze user behavior and provide insights into how users interact with a website. This can help businesses identify trends and patterns that might not be immediately apparent. Universal Analytics doesn’t use machine learning to the same extent as GA4. While it does provide some basic insights into user behavior, it doesn’t have the same level of sophistication as GA4.

3. User Interface

The user interface is another area where GA4 and Universal Analytics differ. GA4 has a more modern, streamlined interface that’s designed to be easy to use. It’s also more customizable than Universal Analytics, allowing businesses to create custom reports and dashboards that fit their specific needs. Universal Analytics, on the other hand, has a more complex interface that can be difficult to navigate for beginners. While it does offer some customization options, they’re not as extensive as those in GA4.

4. Data Retention

Finally, there’s the issue of data retention. GA4 has a default data retention period of 14 months, although businesses can choose to retain data for longer if they wish. Universal Analytics has a default data retention period of 26 months, but again, businesses can choose to retain data for longer if they want to.

Which One Wins the Analytics Game?

So, which analytics tool is the winner for WordPress websites? The truth is that it depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive view of user behavior and want to take advantage of machine learning to gain insights into user behavior, then GA4 might be the best choice for you. Its event-driven data model and modern interface make it a great choice for businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to web analytics. On the other hand, if you’re more comfortable with Universal Analytics and don’t need the same level of sophistication as GA4, then sticking with Universal Analytics might be the best choice for you. Its session-based data model and more traditional interface make it a good choice for businesses that are more focused on basic website performance tracking and don’t require advanced insights into user behavior. ,p Ultimately, the decision comes down to your business’s specific needs and goals. If you’re unsure which analytics tool to choose, it’s worth experimenting with both GA4 and Universal Analytics to see which one works best for you.

How to Implement GA4 and Universal Analytics on WordPress

If you’ve decided to use GA4 or Universal Analytics on your WordPress website, the good news is that both tools are easy to implement. To implement GA4 on WordPress, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Create a GA4 property in your Google Analytics account
• Install the Google Analytics for WordPress plugin on your website
• Connect the plugin to your GA4 property
• Add the tracking code to your website
• Once you’ve completed these steps, GA4 will start tracking user behavior on your website.;

To implement Universal Analytics on WordPress, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Create a Universal Analytics property in your Google Analytics account;
• Install the Google Analytics for WordPress plugin on your website
• Connect the plugin to your Universal Analytics property;
• Add the tracking code to your website;

Once you’ve completed these steps, Universal Analytics will start tracking user behavior on your website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, GA4 and Universal Analytics are both great analytics tools for WordPress websites. GA4 offers a more comprehensive view of user behavior and uses machine learning to provide advanced insights, while Universal Analytics is a more traditional analytics tool that focuses on website performance tracking. Ultimately, the decision on which tool to use comes down to your specific needs and goals. Both tools are easy to implement on WordPress, so it’s worth experimenting with both to see which one works best for you.