Thread by @analyticsnerd

To learn #GA4 better than most, compare it with GA3 (universal analytics).

Many gurus will tell you that you should not compare GA4 data with GA3 data because both use different data models. I don't.

GA3 data model is based on sessions and pageviews.

Whereas the GA4 data model is based on events and parameters.

Thus both GA3 and GA4 can collect, process and report the same data differently.

However, that should not stop you from comparing GA3 and GA4 data.

It is, in fact, a good practice to do such comparisons.

Following are the main benefits of comparing GA3 and GA4 data:

#1 You can quickly detect anomalies in data collection.

For example,

If GA3 reports 100 newsletter sign-ups, but GA4 reports only 10 sign-ups during the same period, then one of the GA versions is not collecting data correctly.

Without such a comparison, you may never know whether your GA4 property is set up correctly.

#2 By comparing GA3 and GA4 data, you learn a lot about how GA4 works. This information would help you in data interpretation and reporting. You will learn GA4 at the data collection level.

#3 You can explain data discrepancies between GA3 and GA4 to your client/boss.

You don't look like a fool in front of your client/boss when they ask why a certain report or metric is not matching.

Even if you choose not to compare GA3 and GA4 data, the decision-makers will likely do such a comparison and ask you questions about data discrepancies.

And they are likely to ask such questions for as long as GA3 exists.

That's why both Google and I have big documentation on GA3 vs GA4.

It is in your best interest to do such a comparison and improve your understanding of GA4.

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