Google Analytics To Show UA3 Data For A Year After It Stops Collecting Data On July 1, 2023
Sri Express
5 min read
If you’re someone who relies heavily on Google Analytics to track website traffic and gather important data about user behavior, you’ll want to pay attention to this latest update from Google. Starting July 1, 2023, Google Analytics will stop collecting data for UA3 properties. However, despite the end of data collection, users will still be able to access and view their UA3 data for a year after the cut-off point. This means that even after your Google Analytics account stops collecting new data, you’ll still have a grace period of 12 months to access and analyze the data you’ve collected up to that point.
This is great news for anyone who is used to working with UA3 properties and wants to ensure they have access to historical data. After all, losing access to valuable data can be a real setback for any business or organization. By giving users a year’s grace period after the data collection has ended, Google Analytics is making it easier for people to transition away from UA3 properties
1. Overview of Google Analytics’ UA3 data
Google Analytics, the popular web analytics service offered by Google, has announced that it will continue to show UA3 data for a year after it stops collecting data on July 1, 2023. UA3, the newest version of Google Analytics, was released in 2019 and introduced advanced machine learning capabilities, cross-device tracking, and better data accuracy. Google Analytics has been a cornerstone of understanding user behavior and analyzing website performance for businesses worldwide. With the extension of UA3 data reporting for an additional year, businesses and analysts can continue to gain valuable insights from their historical data and improve their future strategies accordingly. This announcement reinforces Google’s commitment to providing valuable data and insights to its users while also ensuring data privacy and security.
2. How UA3 data is collected
In order to understand the implications of Google Analytics showing UA3 data for a year after it stops collecting data on July 1, 2023, it’s important to understand how UA3 data is collected. UA3 data refers to user data collected through the Universal Analytics 3 data collection system. This system uses the Analytics.js JavaScript library to send user interaction data to Google Analytics servers. The data collected includes information about the user’s device, operating system, browser type, screen resolution, and location. Additionally, the system collects user behavior data, including page views, time on site, and interactions with specific elements on a page. In order to collect this data, websites and apps need to have the Analytics.js tracking code installed, and users need to give their consent for the data to be collected and processed. Overall, UA3 data collection provides valuable insights into user behavior, enabling businesses to make informed decisions about their online presence.
3. The implications of Google Analytics ceasing collection of UA3 data on July 1, 2023
Google Analytics is an important tool for many businesses and individuals who rely on the platform to gather data and draw insights to optimize their online presence. It has recently been announced that Google Analytics will be ceasing the collection of UA3 data on July 1, 2023. This decision is expected to have significant implications for those who use Google Analytics to track website traffic, user behavior, and other metrics. While the implications are still being debated and analyzed, it is clear that users must start preparing for the change now. Google has, however, provided a year-long grace period for displaying UA3 data after it stops collecting it, which will give users time to transition to alternative tools and strategies to continue tracking metrics and gathering insights.
4. Steps to take to ensure your UA3 data is accessible beyond July 1, 2023
As you may already be aware, Google Analytics (GA) will stop collecting user and event data after July 1, 2023, via the Universal Analytics (UA3) tracking property. With this change, it is important to take actions that ensure your UA3 data remains accessible after this date. Here are four steps to take:
- Migrate to GA4: Migrating your tracking code to the GA4 property is an essential step to continue collecting user and event data beyond July 1, 2023. This will allow you to follow the evolving analytics landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest features and enhancements.
- Update your data retention settings: It is crucial to update your data retention settings in GA so that your UA3 data is retained beyond the GA-defined retention period. You can change the data retention period from the default 26 months to up to 14 months after each visit in the “Admin” settings.
- Export your UA3 data: Exporting your UA3 data can be done via the “Admin” settings in GA by selecting “Data Export” and creating and scheduling a new export. This will help you keep a copy of all your data beyond July 1, 2023
5. Strategies to continue using UA3 data effectively after July 1, 2023
Google Analytics has announced that it will continue showing Universal Analytics 3 (UA3) data for a period of one year after it stops collecting data on July 1, 2023. While this move will give users time to adjust to the new analytics system, it is important to develop strategies to effectively use UA3 data during this transition period. Here are 5 strategies to consider:
- Use UA3 data to identify patterns and trends in user behavior, such as which pages or products are most popular. This information can inform your content and marketing strategies as you move towards the new analytics system.
- Use UA3 data to compare metrics such as traffic, conversions, and bounce rates against the new analytics data. This will help you identify any discrepancies between the two systems and adjust accordingly.
- Export and save UA3 data for future analysis and benchmarking. This can provide valuable insights for future marketing campaigns and website improvements.
- Make sure to update any integrations or third-party tools that rely on UA3 data before July 1, 2023. This will ensure a smooth transition to the new analytics system.
- Consider working with a data analytics expert or consultant to help navigate the transition and make the most of your
In conclusion, the announcement by Google Analytics to show UA3 data for a year after it stops collecting data on July 1, 2023, is a welcome development. This gives website owners the opportunity to analyze their data long after Google Analytics stops collecting it. It also allows for a seamless transition to a new analytics tool without losing historical data. This move by Google Analytics underscores their commitment to delivering value to their users and ensuring that they remain the go-to analytics tool for website owners.
