- July 28, 2022
- 3 minute read
Universal Analytics is being replaced by Google’s next-generation measurement system, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), on July 1st 2023. The bad news is that after this date Universal Analytics (UA) will stop processing new hits, so if you use UA you need to prepare for this change.
What’s happening?
Until July 1st 2023, you can continue to use and collect new data using UA. After July 1st 2023, no new data will be collected by UA, but you’ll be able to access your existing data for at least six months. If you want to keep this data you will need to export it to GA4 as Google will be closing UA altogether at some future date to be confirmed. Google will be sharing more information about data export closer to the time.
If you created the Google Analytics property for your business before October 2020 is very likely you are using Universal Analytics. If you created your property after this date it’s also possible you are using UA, unless to opted to use GA4 instead.
What should I do?
If you’re planning to continue using Google Analytics you need to transfer over to GA4 as soon as possible. Doing this will allow you to start collecting data in GA4 immediately.
The basic process of moving to GA4 is to go to your business Google Analytics account and create a new Analytics property for GA4. You will then need to add the new GA4 tracking code to every page of your website. If you have linked your UA property to any other products, like Google Ads, or if you have any other integrations with reporting tools or other applications, you will need to reset those links for GA4 too. When you set up your new GA4 property you can decide whether or not to delete your existing UA property. Generally, we advise clients to keep the old UA property running and gathering data, so that GA4 and UA are running in tandem before Google finally closes UA.
If you’re unsure or you need any assistance please get in touch.
