Google's Ready to Configure GA4 For You: Here's What You Should Know

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By now, you should have received an email from Google regarding the automatic property creation process for Google Analytics 4 (GA4). We have seen a lot of questions already, so we want to provide answers and next steps!

Realtime CPDThe deadline to opt-out will be February 28th, so timely action is needed. After February 28th, Google will begin automatically configuring and attempting to migrate Universal Analytics (UA) settings to the newly created GA4 properties.  

All Universal Analytics properties that have received hits in the past 12 months are eligible for the automatically created GA4 properties unless you opt-out.  If you do not wish for Google to create new GA4 properties on your behalf, follow the steps at the bottom of this blog. Any questions, please reach out to Adswerve!

How do I act on Google’s Invitation to Automatically Create GA4 Properties?

Already migrated to GA4?  

  • For those who have already migrated to GA4, you do not need to use the automatic property creation feature.  Please follow the steps at the bottom of the blog post to prevent Google from creating additional GA4 properties.  You can also reach out to the Adswerve team to continue improving your data model and GA4 setup.

Need a few months to get started?  

  • Let Google automatically create your GA4 properties with the basic features.  Set a reminder to revisit your setup with Adswerve in a few months.

Do all Universal Analytics properties need to be migrated to GA4?

  • Universal Analytics properties that are generating significant traffic should be migrated to GA4. Any UA properties that are not generating significant traffic, are no longer in use, or do not support your current goals, would not need to be migrated.  You can either opt out of the migration or delete these UA properties.  

How to opt out of having automatically created GA4 properties:

If you want to opt out, you need the Editor role on your Universal Analytics property (click this link to understand more about Universal Analytics access roles).

1. In Google Analytics, click Admin.  Make sure you are in the correct account and Universal Analytics property.  You may have multiple accounts in Google Analytics and each account can have multiple properties.  You can view your different accounts and properties using the drop-downs at the top of your Admin page.

Properties drop down in GA

2. In the Property column, click GA4 Setup Assistant.

Where to click GA4 Setup Assistant

3.  At the bottom of the page, turn off the "Automatically set up a basic Google Analytics 4 property" toggle.

Automatically set up a basic Google Analytics 4 property” toggle window

How Adswerve can help:

While automatically created properties are an option, Adswerve can help you build a best-in-class analytics infrastructure to meet your specific needs. Keep in mind that automatically created GA4 properties contain only basic features.  Depending on your business needs, you may benefit from additional services.  Some of the GA4 essentials that we can help you with include:

  • Very detailed migration from Universal Analytics to GA4
  • Audit of your current Universal Analytics setup
  • Large and Complicated Account & Property Architecture
  • Thorough Settings Configuration
  • Strategic alignment between your business and GA4

More questions?

If you would like further assistance after reading this blog post please contact us.  Adswerve is happy to assist!