Google Analytics has been collecting website performance data since 2005. Since then it’s gone through a bunch of different versions and has become one of the most popular analytical tools in the world. Google Analytics 4 — the most recent version — looks set to continue giving digital marketers the data they need with its cross-platform data and AI insights.
Google Analytics 4 might be new to you, but don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. In this article, you’ll find out about GA4, its differences with Universal Analytics (the previous version), and the 6 best GA4 templates available now.
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What is GA4?
GA4 is the latest version of Google Analytics and this time it collects data from websites and apps in one property. Previously, you needed separate properties for web and mobile. Because it tracks all traffic and engagement from all your sites and apps, you get a greater understanding of your customer journey. GA4 is the default Google analytics for new sites but all sites need to start using it from July 2023 as the previous version is getting sunsetted. This means if you haven’t already, now is the best time to make the switch to GA4.
What’s new in GA4?
Here are some ways Google Analytics 4 is different from Universal Analytics.
- No more third-party cookies. Privacy concerns around third-party cookies means browsers are starting to block them. And marketers can no longer rely on them for their data. This change is reflected in GA4.
- Cross-platform analytics. Learn more about your customer journey with data and insights across web and mobile apps.
- Machine learning insights. You can now get the machine learning and AI insights common in expensive marketing software for free.
- Event-based tracking. GA4 counts everything as an event. This gives you more flexibility in your analysis but makes the switch from UA complicated.
Making the switch to GA4 isn’t easy. With the changes in the kind of data collected, you can’t just transfer your settings and start analyzing your data. It takes some setting up. byMarketers offers a GA4 migration service so your transition is as smooth as possible.
The best GA4 reports and templates
Although GA4 is complex and has many new features, using templates makes analyzing your site and app data a breeze. Here are 6 GA4 templates made by digital marketers you can use to analyze your marketing performance– without spending hours building reports.
All-in-one analytics dashboard

To make the most of GA4, you can combine it with other Google tools like Search Console and Ads. This all-in-one Google Looker Studio dashboard template pulls in data from those three sources. In its six pages, not only do you get GA4 data for traffic, demographics, and ecommerce, you can also see an overview of your Google Ads and Search Console.
In this single report you can see how your website, online store, PPC and SEM, and SEO are performing. The depth and design of this report make it perfect for sharing with clients or other stakeholders.
Google analytics 4 essential Looker Studio template

GA4 collects a lot of data. So you need reports that include the most important info and show it in a clear way. The Google Analytics 4 essential Looker Studio template does just that. There are five pages filled to the brim with analytics data. You get a general overview of traffic sources, page views, and the main engagement metrics. But you also get in-depth ecommerce performance charts and shopping funnel behavior stats.
Google Business Profile, GA4 and Search Console report

For anyone who needs a detailed report combining GA4, Google Business Profile, and Search Console, this is the template for you. By integrating these three tools, you get all the info you need to track your digital marketing. Tables, charts, and graphs help you visualize your general and ecommerce GA4 data, organic search results, and your business’s impact on Google. It has all the metrics you need to make informed marketing decisions about your business and its digital marketing.
Live ecommerce infographics for GA4

When you’re presenting to clients or stakeholders, you might need more than just tables, graphs, and barcharts. This ecommerce infographic report for Google Looker Studio can add a little oomph to your presentations. Not only that, but by connecting analytics to Looker Studio, you no longer need to copy and paste numbers into tables or infographics. Instead, you get ecommerce infographics that are full of live and up-to-date data. Use these templates to show metrics like product views, adds to cart, checkouts, transactions, and total revenue.
Google Analytics 4 & Universal Analytics audit and comparison

The switch to Google Analytics 4 can be tricky because of the different kinds of data it collects. Here’s a template that can help you make sure your implementation is going well. This Google Analytics 4 and Universal Analytics audit and comparison template lets you compare the data tracked. The side-to-side view shows you if there is any weird or missing data. You can compare both basic and ecommerce metrics in clear tables and graphs.
Comprehensive ecommerce GA4 dashboard

Ecommerce site owners have lots to think about. You need to know which products bring in the most revenue, which are the best sellers, and which product categories are most profitable. You also need to know the marketing channels that drive the most revenue, and how well promotional campaigns perform. Add this to general performance and demographic data, and that’s a lot to take into account. Luckily, this comprehensive ecommerce GA4 dashboard includes all of that and more. This interactive dashboard links with your GA4 property with no extra set up needed. It gives you everything you need to make the smartest ecommerce marketing decisions.
Google Analytics 4 FAQs
Yes! Google Analytics is free to use. This is one of the big selling points of GA4 — you get the machine learning and AI insights that are common in enterprise marketing software without the hefty price tag.
Yes. Google will sunset Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023. That means it won’t collect data after that point. So you need to be set up with GA4 way before that date so you don’t miss out on year-over-year data.
Yes, not only does it have a bunch of great features for analyzing site and app performance, from July 2023 it’ll be the only Google Analytics property. So if you want to stay within the Google suite of products, you have no choice but to use GA4.
Until July 2023 you can run both UA and GA4 concurrently. It gives you time to get used to the new platform without having to stop collecting data. There are some big changes with GA4 so you might need some time to acclimate to the new platform.