Set up Google Analytics [GA4] property alongside your Universal Analytics property

Setting up GA4 property alongside UA allows you to test and compare the two tools, providing you with a better understanding of their differences and benefits. So, the short answer is yes, you should set up GA4 property alongside UA to ensure that you are fully prepared for the eventual shutdown of UA.

So how can you set up GA4 property alongside UA property? The process is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps:

1. Log in to your Google Analytics account and select the existing Universal Analytics property that you want to link with the new GA4 property.

2. In the admin panel, select the property column and click on "GA4 Setup Assistant" from the dropdown menu.

3. If you have Editor access to the account, you should see the GA4 Setup Assistant wizard. If not, you may need to request access or upgrade your permission level.

4. Follow the wizard and select "Create a new GA4 property."

5. Depending on your current Universal Analytics implementation, you may have the option to enable data collection using your existing tags. If so, select that option.

6. If you do not have the option to use your existing tags, you will need to install the GA4 gtag.js tag on your site.

7. Once the GA4 property is created, it will automatically copy some settings from your existing UA property, such as the property name, website URL, time zone, and currency settings.

8. Enhanced measurement will also be enabled by default, which means certain events will be automatically sent to GA4. You can view the full list of events on Google's Help Centre.

9. Once the setup wizard is complete, you will see the success message “You have successfully connected your properties.”

10. If you had (and selected) the option to enable data collection using your existing tags, your setup is now complete. Please note there may be a small delay (up to 30 minutes) before data begins to appear in your new account.

11. If the setup wizard was unable to use your current tag, you will now need to add the GA4 gtag.js tag to your site. There is no need to replace your previous tag for UA as data will continue to collect until 1st July 2023.

12. To find your new tag, navigate to your new property, then Admin > Property > Data Streams.

13. Select "Web" and click on the stream. At this point, there should be no data received.

14. Click on the data stream, and you will find Tagging Instructions for both adding the tag directly to the site or via Google Tag Manager.

15. If your site is tagged with Google Tag Manager, create a GA4 Configuration tag and populate the tag with your unique Measurement ID. Set the Triggering to fire on All Pages.

16. If you prefer not to use GTM, your developer can add the tag directly to the site.