Exploring Google Analytics 4 Features: Custom Reports

In this journey through the world of Google Analytics 4, we dive into the powerful custom reporting tool, a key functionality for those looking for deeper analysis tailored to their specific needs.

Google has changed a lot in the way it measures and presents data, today I want to show you the usefulness of the new reports and custom reports in GA4.

Custom reports in Google Analytics 4

Custom reports in GA4 open the doors to a more detailed understanding of the metrics that really matter for your business.

From acquisition traffic to conversions, this feature allows you to tailor the presentation of data to your preferences, eliminating unnecessary distractions and highlighting what really matters.

Discover your acquisition traffic

Start your exploration from the traffic acquisition report, where you can visualize how users reach your website.

The graphs and tables present in this report offer a comprehensive view, but if you prefer a more simplified presentation, you can hide the graphs with a simple click.

Metrics Customization

Not all data is the same, and the metrics customization feature in GA4 allows you to choose and display exactly what you need.

From user conversion rates to session conversion rates, the ability to tailor these metrics to your specific goals offers a more accurate and focused perspective.

Customize report in GA4

Let’s dive into report customization in Google Analytics 4, a space where customization reaches new levels. The overview report for each of your projects can be customized to see what you really need.

Here, you have the opportunity to design custom reports that are tailored to the specific needs of your team and project. This system works by “cards”, and currently, you can put up to 16 cards.

Each of them gives you certain data, it is up to you to choose what you need to see at a first glance.

At the top right, below the date range, you have the option in the form of a pencil to perform this action.

In this article we are not going to describe each of the cards that exist, since there are many and not all of them will help you. You have to add the so-called “Summary cards”, which are pre-designed by GA4, and if you want more, you can opt for “Other cards”.

It is true that I cannot describe all the existing ones, but I want to show you the ones that I personally and in general I like (depending on the type of business, some will be more useful than others).

Summary

Provides an overview of essential data, condensing key information into an easy-to-interpret format. From basic statistics to notable trends, this card provides a quick and comprehensive overview.

Real-time

Immerse yourself in real-time, up-to-date activity on your site. Find out who is interacting at this very moment, making it easy to respond immediately to relevant changes and events.

New users by user’s first default channel group

Identify new user acquisition through specific predefined channels. This card is essential to understand which channels are attracting new visitors and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.

With this you will be able to know if you are getting traffic through organic, paid, social, email, etc.

Users by country

Provides a geographic perspective of your users, allowing you to adapt strategies according to location. Understanding the geographic distribution of your audience is crucial for targeted and personalized campaigns.

User activity over time

Illustrate how user activity has evolved over time. Discover seasonal patterns, behavioral changes and events that have impacted interaction with your site.

Views by page title and screen type

Detail your users’ views broken down by page title and screen class. This information gives you a deeper understanding of what content resonates best and how it is viewed on different devices.

Number of events by event name

Examine the events recorded and their frequency. This card allows you to assess the relevance and popularity of specific events, giving you key information to adjust strategies and improve the user experience.

Conversions by event name

Evaluate specific conversions associated with events. By understanding which events lead to conversions, you can optimize your efforts to drive key actions and specific goals.

Items purchased by item name

Provides detailed information on the most purchased items. This card is essential for e-commerce, helping you identify top products and tailor sales strategies.

User loyalty

Measures user retention and loyalty, allowing you to evaluate the effectiveness of your retention strategies and adjust them to maintain an engaged and active user base.

Users by device category

Break down the number of users by device categories. Understanding how users interact with your site on different devices is crucial to optimizing user experience and compatibility.

Customer lifetime value

Analyze the value a customer brings over time. This metric is critical to assess the long-term profitability of each customer and adjust retention and acquisition strategies accordingly.

Detailed reporting

Focus on the essentials to empower your marketing team’s decisions with detailed report design in Google Analytics 4. Eliminate unnecessary dimensions and direct your attention to what really matters.

The ability to manage your reports also means eliminating those that have lost relevance. This simple process ensures that your reporting dashboard stays clean and focused on the crucial information, allowing you to optimize your decision making.

congratulations on thoroughly exploring the key features of custom reports in Google Analytics 4! You’ve taken your data analysis to the next level, providing a solid foundation for more informed strategic decisions.