UA to GA4 Migration [Shopify GA4 Course Lesson 3]

The third lesson of our Shopify GA4 Crash Course is now available!

If you have tried to migrate from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, you have probably noticed that there aren't any one-click or automated migration options available.

Therefore, the entire migration process can seem quite complex for many merchants. We have created the third lesson of our course to guide you and simplify this entire process.

In this part of the course, we will explain:

• What does GA4 Migration mean?
• Importing audiences from UA
• Importing Goals from UA
• How to Use GA4 Conversions in Google Ads
• Analizy's Done-For-You UA to GA4 Migration option

Let’s dive into the third lesson of the course!

What Does GA4 Migration Mean?

From July 1, 2023 onwards, Universal Analytics will stop collecting your data. However, your Universal Analytics property will still be accessible for one more year, allowing you to access your old data. During this time, you will need to start using Google Analytics 4 for your data collection.

Contrary to popular belief, migration does not involve a complete transfer of data from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics. Your data in Universal Analytics will always remain intact. Instead, the migration focuses on certain aspects that can be transferred.

Therefore, make sure to take the following steps before the countdown ends:

• Begin collecting data in GA4 as soon as possible by integrating your website with GA4.
• Ensure that you have accurate data in GA4, including all important events.
• Import UA Audiences and UA Goals to GA4 if you are currently using them.
• Familiarize yourself with GA4 and create your preferred reports within the platform.

Although we focus on the migration topic in this section of our course, if you want to explore all the details mentioned above, we recommend checking out our Shopify GA4 Guidebook!

How to Import Audiences from UA

If you have tried to migrate from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4, you have probably noticed that there aren't any one-click or automated migration options available.

You can migrate your audiences from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics using Google's official migration tool called GA4 Migrator for Google Analytics.

However, it's important to note that you may not be able to migrate all of your audiences. This is because of specific rules associated with each audience.

STEP 1

GA4 Migrator for Google Analytics

To install the official Google Sheet Add-on for migrating to GA4, simply visit the relevant support article provided by Google and locate the "GA4 Migrator for Google Analytics" option. Click on it to initiate the installation process. 

STEP 2

Install the app

Click “Install” on the GA4 Migrator Google App page, and then select “Continue” to provide permission. 

STEP 3

Choose an account

Authenticate with your Google Account, noting that the account you use must have access to both your Universal Analytics and GA4 properties. 

STEP 4

Trust GA4 Migrator

After authenticating with your account, click on "Allow" to grant the necessary permissions. 

Once the installation is complete, click on "DONE" to finish the process. 

STEP 5

Create a new Google Sheet

To proceed, you will need to create a new Google Sheet. 

You can either use this link or click on "Create a new Google Sheet" within the help document.

STEP 6

Migrate audience definitions

Under the "Extensions" section, you can find the tool. If you don't see it immediately, be patient as it may take some time to appear. 

In case you don't see it at all, try refreshing the page. Once the tool is visible, click on "Migrate audience definitions to GA4" to proceed. 

STEP 7

Import Audiences from Universal Analytics

Once the sidebar opens automatically, you will need to select your Google Analytics account and Universal Analytics Property.

Look for the "Import Audiences from Universal Analytics" button and click on it.

Please note that the button may initially appear disabled. If this occurs, you can wait for some time and then try re-selecting your property.

STEP 8

Select all migratable audiences

Please be aware that not all audiences can be migrated.

 The sheet will provide you with details regarding the migratable audiences. To proceed, click on "Select all migratable audiences" and then click "Continue."

STEP 9

Migrate

Ensure that the migratable audiences are selected. 

Afterward, choose your GA4 property and click on "Migrate" to initiate the migration process.

STEP 10

Migration complete

Once the migration process is successfully completed, you will receive a notification. 

Click "Ok" and then visit Google Analytics 4 to double-check the results.

STEP 11

GA4 Property

Find your GA4 property and click. 

STEP 12

Audiences

From the bottom left corner, click on "Admin." Next, locate the "Audiences" section under the "Property" column. 

STEP 13

See your migrated audience

You must be seeing your newly migrated audiences here. 

Congratulations, you have successfully migrated your audience! Now let’s dive into the second part of this section!

How to Import Goals from UA

You can directly import Goals from Universal Analytics (UA) into Google Analytics 4 as Conversions. But this time, things are easier because you don't need any external tools or sheet add-ons to migrate audiences.

In our upcoming complete Shopify GA4 course we will have a special lesson about the conversions, custom conversions. But for now, we will just explain the migration of goals from Universal Analytics to GA4 as conversions.

To ensure you don't miss any updates, sign up for our upcoming complete GA4 course using this link.

You can import Goals directly using the GA4 Setup Assistant found in the Google Analytics Admin section.

STEP 1

Navigate to GA4

Visit your GA4 Property and click “Admin” at the bottom left. 

STEP 2

Setup Assistant

Navigate to the middle column under the "Property" section and select "Setup Assistant”.

STEP 3

Set up conversions

Find “Set up conversions” and click on the arrow. 

STEP 4

Import from UA

Click “Import from Universal Analytics”. 

STEP 5

Import selected goals

Under the "Property" section, locate the "Goals" section. You will find your goals listed there. To import them into GA4, click on "Import selected conversions."

This process enables you to bring your goals, including the commonly used "Purchase" goal and any other manually created goals, into GA4 for tracking and analysis.

STEP 6

Reload

After importing your conversions, reload the page and double-check to ensure that your conversions have been correctly imported. 

Take a moment to review and verify their accuracy.

How to use GA4 Conversions in Google Ads

You have the option to import Goals from Universal Analytics into Google Ads as Google Ads Conversions. However, you should consider that this functionality will no longer be available once Universal Analytics stops processing data. 

Step 1: Accessing the Conversions Screen in Google Ads

To begin, navigate to your Google Ads account. Click on "Tools and Settings," and under "Measurement," select "Conversions." This will take you to the conversions screen, where you can manage your conversion actions.

Step 2: Primary and Secondary Conversions

On the conversions screen, you'll find various conversion actions, including primary and secondary conversions. It's essential to configure them correctly. Ideally, your primary conversion action should be a native conversion source, such as "website," with GA4 as a backup. Avoid making Universal Analytics your primary conversion, as it may cause issues.

Step 3: Analyzing Conversion Action Examples

Let's examine an example to illustrate the proper setup. In this case, the merchant has one primary conversion action, which is their main goal. Additionally, they have integrated Analyzify conversion tracking, which counts more conversions with greater value. Lastly, the GA4 conversion action records fewer conversions compared to the others. Remember, these variations can occur due to attribution models and integration methods.

Step 4: Adjusting Universal Analytics Conversion Priority

If your Universal Analytics conversion is currently set as the primary conversion, it's crucial to make the necessary changes. Designate it as a secondary conversion and prioritize a native conversion source. This adjustment ensures a more accurate attribution and better campaign performance.

For detailed instructions on optimizing Google Ads conversion tracking for Shopify merchants, refer to our comprehensive video series!

Done-For-You UA to GA4 Migration

Trying to manually apply all the steps mentioned above can be time-consuming. Moreover, attempting to complete all the steps accurately can become a stressful situation for you.

This is where Analyzify comes in to help you overcome all these challenges!

Along with our Shopify app, the UA to GA4 Migration Add-on is your key to an effortless shift from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4. This service facilitates the import of Audiences and Goals from UA while ensuring GA4 is set up with the correct settings and reports.

Let's take a look at the process you will encounter when you trust Analyzify for the migration!

Day 0 - 1: Begin by purchasing Analyzify and the UA to GA4 migration add-on for a total cost of $749 + $249. Complete our straightforward onboarding process.

Day 2 - 4: Our team will carry out Analyzify Core Integration, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted data flow to GA4.

Day 4 - 6: We meticulously validate the data and provide you with a comprehensive report, offering insights and analysis.

Day 7 - 14: Our experts perform the UA to GA4 Migration services, implementing necessary changes and updates. Upon completion, we furnish you with a detailed report, outlining all the modifications made during the migration process.

And that is all!

As you can see, with Analyzify, you can eliminate the complexity of the migration process and easily access accurate data.

Install Analyzify now and add UA to GA4 Migration add-on during your onboarding.

Final Thoughts

We hope that this lesson of the course course has provided you with valuable insights and guidance on the migration process from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4.

Throughout the third lesson of the course, we covered various topics, including the meaning of GA4 migration, importing audiences and goals from UA, using GA4 conversions in Google Ads, and the option of a done-for-you UA to GA4 migration provided by Analyzify.

This crash course has provided a condensed overview of the migration process.

However, if you want to explore all the details mentioned in-depth, we recommend sign up for our upcoming full Shopify GA4 course, which will be available later this month.