Observed Signal · Jul 17, 2023 · Other · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral

New Era of Google Analytics Reporting: GA4 Options Explained

Executive Signal Summary

This article from CMSWire explains the four primary methods for extracting data from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) after the migration from Universal Analytics. The methods include Standard Reports, Explorations, the Data API, and BigQuery Export. Standard Reports use pre-aggregated data for quick lookups, while Explorations and BigQuery Export work with raw data, offering deeper analysis but with limitations like data retention and sampling. The Data API enables programmatic access and unsampled queries, often used with ETL tools. BigQuery Export provides individual-level data for advanced use cases like composable CDPs but requires SQL expertise and may incur costs. The article guides marketers on when to use each option based on their needs.

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High Confidence

Provides practical guidance on GA4 reporting options, relevant for marketers transitioning from Universal Analytics, but not industry-shifting news.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • GA4 provides four data extraction methods: Standard Reports, Explorations, Data API, and BigQuery Export.
  • Standard Reports use pre-aggregated data, while Explorations and BigQuery Export use raw data.
  • Explorations retain raw data for up to 13 months and sample data after 10 million events.
  • BigQuery Export is free with GA4 but may generate usage fees on Google Cloud.
  • The Data API supports unsampled data queries and programmatic access via ETL tools like Fivetran and Supermetrics.

Connected Companies & Entities

5 Entities mapped

“Google has provided four different methods to pull data out of GA4: Standard Reports, Explorations, the Data API and the BigQuery export....”

“users deploy the Data API alongside ETL tools such as Fivetran, AirByte, Stitch or Supermetrics...”

“users deploy the Data API alongside ETL tools such as Fivetran, AirByte, Stitch or Supermetrics...”

“users deploy the Data API alongside ETL tools such as Fivetran, AirByte, Stitch or Supermetrics...”

“users deploy the Data API alongside ETL tools such as Fivetran, AirByte, Stitch or Supermetrics...”

Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: CMSWire•Published: Jul 17, 2023
Original Coverage Title: “It's a New Era of Google Analytics Reporting. Are You Ready?”

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