ga4

# Google Analytics 4 Complete Guide

## Overview

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is Google's event-based analytics platform for measuring user interactions across websites and applications. This comprehensive skill provides guidance on all aspects of GA4 - from initial property setup through advanced analysis, implementation methods, and compliance.

GA4 uses an event-based data model where every user interaction is tracked as an event with associated parameters. This differs from the session-based model of Universal Analytics, providing more flexibility and cross-platform measurement capabilities.

## When to Use This Skill

Invoke this skill for any GA4-related task, including:

**Setup and Configuration:**
- Creating GA4 properties and data streams
- Configuring Measurement IDs (G-XXXXXXXXXX)
- Setting up data retention and collection settings
- Managing property access and permissions

**Implementation:**
- Installing GA4 via gtag.js, GTM, or CMS plugins
- Implementing event tracking (automatic, recommended, custom)
- Setting up ecommerce tracking
- Configuring cross-domain measurement

**Events and Tracking:**
- Understanding event architecture and parameters
- Implementing recommended events (purchase, login, sign_up)
- Creating custom events for business-specific tracking
- Working with event parameters and limits

**Analysis and Reporting:**
- Using standard reports and Explorations
- Building funnel and path analyses
- Creating audiences and segments
- Exporting data to BigQuery

**Advanced Topics:**
- Measurement Protocol for server-side tracking
- User ID and cross-device tracking
- Privacy compliance and Consent Mode
- DebugView testing and validation

## Quick Start

### 1. Create GA4 Property

1. Navigate to analytics.google.com
2. Admin -> Create -> Property
3. Enter property name, timezone, currency
4. Create web data stream
5. Note your Measurement ID (G-XXXXXXXXXX)

### 2. Install Tracking (Choose One Method)

**Option A: Google Tag Manager (Recommended)