In-Depth Guide on Funnel Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
Google Analytics’ funnels assist in tracking the steps users take while trying to achieve goals on your website or applications. For instance, when a user wants to buy a product or complete a tutorial, funnels help you keep track of their process.
When users back out during the process, funnels alert you. You find out the cause and adjust for better user experiences and interactions. The aim is to improve ROI and boost conversions.
You’re introduced to many Google Analytics funnels when working with an affordable SEO agency.The initial Universal Analytics (UA) tool had three funnels. However, the newest Google Analytics 4 (GA4) has one funnel.
Learn how to use the Google Analytics 4 tool to build and analyze funnels with this simple guide.
Building and Analyzing Funnels Using Google Analytics 4
The newest Google Analytics tool is vastly different from the previous version. The new eCommerce funnel explorations are more flexible and powerful. The improved GA4 funnels are accessible through the “funnel exploration” tab on Google Analytics 4.
So, if you don’t have funnels yet, build them as the first step. Here’s how:
Step 1 – Click the free form tab and select funnel exploration
Step 2 – Add steps in the most probable order that your users follow
Step 3 – Implement funnel steps with page views or GA4 events
Step 4 – If necessary, align the GA4 user interaction configuration
Step 5 – Create and confirm the funnel
Step 6 – Analyze data and act accordingly
When you follow these steps, you customize GA4 for your business. As a result, the information you get on user behavior is accurate. In addition, you identify leaks (if any) and deal with them accordingly. Experts advise that you wait a few weeks before analyzing the data. This period allows you to collect detailed information depending on your traffic and conversions.
Working with an affordable SEO agency helps you work through all these steps. After all, the experts understand the importance of traffic and conversions for on-page SEO.
The Limitations of Funnel Analysis on Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is much better than the previous tool. However, it has its downfalls. For instance, GA4 alerts you on where users drop off. Unfortunately, the funnel does not tell you why. As a result, you find it difficult to understand the issues to deal with.
Ultimately, the issues damage your conversion rates. For example, if the funnel shows that only 50% of online shoppers completed their purchases, you don’t know why the other 50% didn’t. You can choose to evaluate the purchase process and run tests, but the results won’t be 100% accurate. Therefore, you will have wasted time and resources without getting a clear answer.
In addition, some steps in funnel creation are undetectable. So, you must create custom events and wait for more accurate data collection.
Finding Drop-offs in the GA4 Funnel
Funnel analysis tools are disadvantageous because it takes several weeks to get enough traffic for accurate conclusions. Unluckily, your issues remain undetected and unresolved throughout this period. However, working with an agency enables you to apply historical event data.
Therefore, once you start using a new funnel, the data loads automatically as far as your data retention package goes.
The Google Analytics 4 funnel has its downfalls, but it shows you how your website users behave. Moreover, you can make custom events, allowing you to use the tool for unique businesses. If you run an online business, learn how to use the GA4 funnel fully and make it beneficial for you.