What is GA4 and How Do I Set It Up Correctly for My Store?
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What is GA4 and How Do I Set It Up Correctly for My Store?
If you're an eCommerce store owner or marketer wondering "What is GA4?" or struggling with how to set up GA4 for Shopify, WooCommerce, or any custom store, you're in the right place.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
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What is Google Analytics 4 (GA4)?
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Why GA4 matters for your online store
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Step-by-step guide to setting up GA4 correctly
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Common GA4 setup mistakes to avoid
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FAQs about GA4 setup and usage
📊 What is GA4 (Google Analytics 4)?
GA4 (Google Analytics 4) is the latest version of Google Analytics. It replaces Universal Analytics (UA), which officially sunset on July 1, 2023. Unlike UA, GA4 uses event-based tracking instead of session-based tracking, giving you deeper insights into customer behavior.
🔑 Key Features of GA4:
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Event-driven data model
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Cross-platform tracking (web + app)
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Predictive metrics using machine learning
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Enhanced eCommerce reporting
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Better privacy controls for GDPR/CCPA
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🛍️ Why is GA4 Important for Your Online Store?
If you run a Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom eCommerce website, GA4 helps you:
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Understand buyer behavior
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Track product views, add-to-cart, checkout, and purchases
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Attribute revenue accurately across devices
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Improve marketing ROI using real user data
SEO Keywords: GA4 for Shopify store, GA4 for WooCommerce, GA4 eCommerce setup, eCommerce tracking with GA4
🛠️ How to Set Up GA4 Correctly (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how to properly configure GA4 for your store:
✅ Step 1: Create a GA4 Property
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Go to Google Analytics
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Click Admin > Create Property
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Choose GA4 and enter your business details
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Click Create
✅ Step 2: Add Your Website Data Stream
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Select “Web” as your platform
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Enter your website URL and stream name
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Click Create Stream
✅ Step 3: Install GA4 Tag on Your Website
You can install the GA4 Measurement ID (G-XXXXXXX) using:
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Shopify: Add via Google & YouTube App or GTM
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WooCommerce: Use GA4 integration plugin or GTM
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Custom Site: Add global site tag (
gtag.js) manually or via Google Tag Manager
✅ Step 4: Enable Enhanced eCommerce Events
Turn on automatic events like:
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Page views
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Scrolls
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Outbound clicks
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Add-to-cart
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Purchase
Pro Tip: Use Google Tag Manager (GTM) for more control.
✅ Step 5: Test Your GA4 Setup
Use Google Tag Assistant or Realtime Reports in GA4 to verify:
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Are events firing correctly?
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Are conversions being tracked?
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Is eCommerce data flowing?
⚠️ Common GA4 Setup Mistakes to Avoid
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❌ Not linking GA4 with Google Ads
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❌ Missing eCommerce events (add_to_cart, begin_checkout, purchase)
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❌ Using old UA tags instead of GA4’s
gtag.js -
❌ Ignoring event parameters and custom dimensions
🙋♀️ FAQs: GA4 for eCommerce Stores
Q1: Can I use GA4 and Universal Analytics together?
A: You could until July 2023, but UA is no longer processing data. Switch to GA4 fully.
Q2: Does GA4 support Shopify checkout tracking?
A: Yes, but some custom tracking may be needed post-checkout if you're not on Shopify Plus.
Q3: What’s the best plugin for GA4 on Shopify?
A: Google & YouTube App, Elevar, or GTM.
Q4: How long does GA4 keep data?
A: Default is 2 months, but you can extend it to 14 months in settings.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Setting up GA4 the right way is essential for getting accurate, actionable insights from your online store. Whether you're using Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom platform, taking the time to properly configure GA4 will help you grow faster, spend smarter, and understand your customers better.
✅ Want GA4 Setup Done for You?
If you want professional help in setting up GA4 for your store, contact us at RootSyntax — we’ll make sure your eCommerce data works as hard as you do.