Mediaboss Marketing

Google Analytics 4 hasnt exactly got off to the best start with marketers.

In fact, its getting pretty awkward some advertisers are so disappointed with the new program that theyve even been hosting funerals for its predecessor, Universal Analytics.

But what is it about GA4 thats got the world of digital marketing so riled up?

We decided to ask our readers in a GA4 readiness poll to find out. Below, weve put together a list of the most common complaints. Let us know if you and your team can relate

GA4s user interface was hands-down the biggest issue our readers reported.

The UI was described as slow, laughable and a few other adjectives were opting not to publish.

Independent sales and marketing contractor, John Erikson, told us:

Another major concern for marketers has been the delay of same day data on GA4.

Advertisers have stressed that they need the ability to monitor performance constantly and are confused as to why the new analytics platform doesnt appear to have this function.

Ron Weber, Sr Director at Actian, explained:

Marketers raised concerns about discrepancies on GA4 too.

Differences in information had resulted in some worrying that the data being served therefore couldnt possibly be accurate, resulting in people questioning if they can trust GA4.

Sabine Walton, Senior SEO Manager at Handlerbund Marketplace, told us:

Marketers across the board have been reporting that GA4 is incredibly difficult to use.

Even seasoned advertisers are finding it challenging trying to navigate their way around the new platform.

SEO and marketing consultant Jason McDonald told Search Engine Land:

With so many marketers struggling as they try to figure out GA4, many are questioning why Google hasnt provided more educational resources explaining how the new tool works.

The marketing team at Storis told us:

Some advertisers explained that marketing doesnt wear a one size fits all hat.

While some of the more complex settings may suit some, other professionals, such as bloggers, would just like access to basic tools on GA4 and are wasting time and money trying to understand features they dont need to use.

Eb Gargano from Productive Blogging told us:

Another common complaint from marketers responding to our poll was the lack of features GA4 has to offer in comparison to Universal Analytics.

Marketers seemed particularly bothered by the removal of attribution features.

Elizabeth Rule, account manager and local SEO analyst for Sterling Sky, told us:

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Clients and marketers alike have desperately been trying to recreate reports in GA4 that they previously relied upon when using Universal Analytics.

Unfortunately, it seems for many that this task has proved far more difficult than it should have been.

Tom Demers, co-founder and managing partner of SEO and PPC agency Measured SEM, told us:

Marketers also complained that they were struggling to simply create reports in GA4 an issue that didn't impact them when they were working with UA.

According to many marketers who took part in our poll, Google has made many unnecessary changes when it comes to building reports, making their workload more difficult.

Eric Bushaw, search engine optimization manager at G5, told us:

Several marketers contacted Search Engine Land to report bugs within GA4, claiming many features weren't working as intended. Issues being flagged included syncing issues with Looker Studio Dashboard and AMP new script not working.

SEO consultant John McAlpin told us:

Marketers have found the enforced migration from Universal Analytics to GA4 tough, so it can be reassuring to know this challenge is being felt across the industry.

But regardless of how difficult the adjustment has been, search marketing expert and SMX Advanced speaker Kayle Larkin told Search Engine Land it's important marketers get on board with Google's latest analytics program as it will likely be around for a long time. She said:

Larkin went on to explain that change within any platform and any industry can cause people to panic. But as time passes, confidence and familiarity increases, causing attitudes to change. She concluded:

If you're struggling to navigate GA4, why not sign up for a GA4 training course?

Alternatively, for free information and resources on how to use GA4, read the Google Analytics 4 account training guide and support guide

Read the original post:
10 things we hate about Google Analytics 4 - Search Engine Land