Hiding Conversions
As digital marketers, we all know the importance of data in driving our business forward. However, with the migration to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) comes new challenges and changes that we need to be aware of in order to make the most out of our data. One of the key concepts that has a significant impact on the migration process is sampling and thresholding. In this blog post, we will explore what these concepts are, how they are implemented in GA4, and the potential challenges they may pose during the migration process.
Table of Contents
What is Sampling and Thresholding?
Sampling and thresholding are concepts that have existed in Universal Analytics but are implemented differently in GA4. Sampling is a method that allows Google to not query all data to populate a report in order to be efficient in compute cost. This results in an estimate of the actual number instead of the actual number, with a usual accuracy of 95% or more. Thresholding, on the other hand, is a method that allows Google to not show data when it calculates that there’s a risk that by showing the data, the analyst could potentially identify a real-world person. This is done to protect the privacy of users and is applied to things like demographic information, interest categories, or specific search queries.
The Impact of Sampling and Thresholding on Migration
As we navigate the migration to GA4, it’s important to be aware of how sampling and thresholding might impact the data we see in our reports. In the GA4 interface, there is an icon next to every report. A green check indicates that no sampling or thresholding has been applied. However, if the data in your reports does not match your expectations, it could be due to sampling or thresholding. This is especially important to keep in mind when migrating events from Universal Analytics to GA4.
Challenges and Solutions
The challenges posed by sampling and thresholding during migration can be addressed by understanding the changes in GA4 and being mindful of the data that is being queried. Google has released several guides and tutorials on their website that can be helpful in understanding the changes and how to make the most of the new features in GA4. Additionally, it’s important to work with a reputable analytics company that can provide guidance and expertise during the migration process.
Conclusion
The migration to GA4 brings new challenges and changes that need to be understood in order to make the most out of our data. Sampling and thresholding are concepts that have an impact on the migration process and need to be taken into consideration. By understanding the changes in GA4, being mindful of the data that is being queried, and working with a reputable analytics company, we can make the transition as smooth as possible and drive our business forward.
