Google has announced that Google Analytics 4 (GA4) will replace Universal Analytics and take its place.

“Google Analytics 4 replaces Universal Analytics as our next-generation measurement system. The characteristics of Universal Analytics will stop processing new hits on July 1, 2023. We advise you to finish switching to Google Analytics 4 if you still rely on Universal Analytics.

There’s a good probability that Universal Analytics is already installed on your website if it was created using WooCommerce, WordPress’ eCommerce framework.

Ideally, GA4 would be running concurrently with Universal Analytics for some time. You will have the opportunity to adjust to the new GA4 interface during this period. In this manner, you can continue to analyze and use Universal Analytics while collecting data for your new GA4 property.

At least until Google forces us to adopt GA4 exclusively in the middle of 2023.

GA4: What is it?

Google has been working on the system for years, Google Analytics 4, is a complete upgrade. Instead of utilizing page views as the primary indicator, it will generally allow a user more choices to track things in a way that is relevant to them.

I won’t go into great depth about this because there are other blog articles that do a far better job of doing so.

The page view/screen view notion is made simpler by Google Analytics 4’s more adaptable structure of events and parameters.

GA4 configuration for WooCommerce

You should install Google Analytics 4 as soon as possible if you are using Universal Analytics for your WooCommerce store. Then, if you are comfortable with the platform, you can start using GA4 instead of Universal Analytics because you would be receiving all the data.

You’re probably already utilizing a Google Analytics plugin, such as “WooCommerce Google Analytics Integration.” This is a fantastic solution because it instantly passes over all the e-commerce data (order, order value, etc.). But as of right now (May 2022), there is no ability to execute two GA codes simultaneously.

The substitute? You must use Google Tag Manager to execute the GA4 code. You will then have the choice to use Google Analytics 4 as well as Universal Analytics.

Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through the setup process.

Step 1: WordPress installation of Google Tag Manager

If you aren’t currently using GTM, you must install this on WordPress.

Step 2: Add GTM tags, triggers, and variables for e-commerce

It can take a while to complete this. Fortunately, a free WordPress plugin exists that can perform this task automatically for you.

Install the “Google Tag Manager for WooCommerce FREE” plugin on your WordPress website after locating it. There is currently a premium version of this plugin that pushes through more values. The add-to-cart and purchases that the free version pushes through might be sufficient for you. If not, purchase the premium edition.

The plugin will give you the choice of directly inserting the GTM code or installing it in another manner. Select “Yes, I inject GTM snippets differently” when asked “Prevent loading GTM Snippet?” if you have already loaded GTM in another manner.

You will then have the choice to download a file with the pre-set variables, triggers, and tags from the plugin. You must download and install this file onto your Google Tag Manager account.

Download the “Google Analytics 4 (Basic)” package from the “GTM presets” tab.

Your computer will download a JSON file as a result.

then click “Import Container” on your GTM container admin area.

You can merge your container with the details or overwrite it. Most of the time, you’d want to combine it with your current container.

The last step is to change the GA Measurement ID to your personal, distinctive GA4 tracking ID. Scroll down to “GA4 Measurement ID” in the left-hand menu by selecting “Variables.”

Your own GA4 tracking ID, which begins with “G-,” should be updated here.

Remember to publish your GTM updates!

Watch the data enter your GA4 account in Step 3

These adjustments will trigger the GA4 code and the essential eCommerce information on your WooCommerce website.

See if the revenue data in your GA4 account and the data in Universal Analytics match after a few days.

Conclusion

This will guarantee that your new GA4 account is running concurrently with your Universal Analytics account.

You can still utilize the data in Universal Analytics to manage your WooCommerce business because it will still be filled with information. Your Google Analytics 4 account will begin gathering data in the interim, giving you more than enough time to adjust to all the changes.