Technology Archives - Design Theory

The Rise of Google Analytics 4: A Game-Changer in the Digital World

As we all know, Google has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, shaping the digital world with its robust tools and technologies. One of the keystones of this digital empire is Google Analytics. For years, businesses have relied on the insights provided by Google Analytics to understand their audience, optimize their websites, and craft data-driven strategies.

In October 2020, Google unveiled its latest upgrade to this powerful tool: Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This new version is not just an update; it’s a complete overhaul of the platform, oﬀering far more advanced capabilities than its predecessor, Universal Analytics (UA). But what exactly is GA4, and why is it considered better than Universal Analytics? Let’s dig deeper.

What is Google Analytics 4?

Google Analytics 4 is the latest version of Google’s web analytics service. The fundamental diﬀerence between GA4 and UA lies in their data models. While UA operates on a session-based data model, GA4 has shifted towards an event-based model. This crucial diﬀerence allows GA4 to provide a more comprehensive and detailed view of user interactions on your website or app.

Why is GA4 Better Than Universal Analytics?

Here are some key reasons why GA4 is seen as an improvement over UA:

Event Tracking

One of the most significant changes in GA4 is the ability to track events without needing to add custom code or set up Google Tag Manager. You can modify and create events directly within the GA4 interface, making it easier to track specific actions that users take on your site or app.

Cross-platform Tracking

GA4 provides seamless cross-platform tracking. It was designed with an understanding that people interact with businesses across multiple platforms and devices. GA4 allows you to track a user’s journey across apps and websites, providing a more holistic understanding of user behavior.

Predictive Analytics

GA4 introduces predictive analytics, oﬀering forecasts about user behavior. For example, it can predict the potential revenue you can earn from a particular group of customers. This feature can help businesses identify target audiences and devise more efficient marketing strategies.

Enhanced Privacy Controls

In a world increasingly concerned with privacy, GA4 oﬀers more robust data control features. It gives businesses the tools to comply with data regulations like GDPR and CCPA, and allows for data collection even with limitations like blocked cookies or identifiers.

Improved Reporting

GA4 oﬀers more ﬂexible and intuitive reporting. The new interface includes an “Analysis Hub,” where you can create custom reports and perform deeper analyses. This ﬂexibility allows businesses to gain insights tailored to their specific needs.

In conclusion, GA4 marks a significant leap forward in the world of digital analytics. Its event-based model, cross-platform tracking capabilities, predictive analytics, privacy controls, and improved reporting make it a compelling upgrade from Universal Analytics. As businesses continue to navigate the digital world, tools like GA4 will be indispensable in providing the insights and understanding necessary to succeed.

WordCamp Miami 2016 Tech Gear Packing List

All Posts, Events, Technology, WordPress

WordCamp Miami is just a few days away and we’re really excited here at Design Theory. I’m taking the whole family down, which includes my kids so that they can experience their first conference and kick start their own web and internet journey of creativity and creation.

Below is a list of tech things we’re packing to make the trip and stay as productive and comfortable as possible:

Macbook chargers and extension cables. Power is always a big thing at conferences. It’s just as important as having a reliable wifi signal.
Smart phone and tablet chargers and portable chargers. This little $10 and $20 portable chargers can usually recharge your device 2 or more times from a dead charge.
Macbook Pro laptop. Because I’m going to get ideas on things I’m going to want to implement right when I hear it. So having my laptop will be essential.
Tablet/iPad. Having this as a second input device is rather helpful and lightweight. Easy to carry around and setup on a small desk surface.
A comfortable backpack, rolling case, or messenger bag. Carrying all of your gadgets and hardware can get heavy or cumbersome.
Business cards. This should go without saying, but it’s a good way to quickly give out your contact information while in passing or like a secret note in class during sessions.
GoPro. This is a really small and easy to use video camera that I can also take stills on. On one charge it can last me up to 3+ hours and I can control it from my phone.
Nikon DSLR. This one is a bit heavier because I have a few lenses that I like to use for various situations. But capturing some great speaker profile pictures, or scenes of packed out rooms where lighting is really low, my Nikon comes in really handy.
Extension cord and/or power strip. If you’re going to be staying in a certain track for a few sessions in a row, it helps to secure a seat where you can plug in your power strip and multiple devices to charge all at once.
A notebook and pencils. In case you run out of charge on all of your devices, having a good old pencil and paper for note writing is really handy.

So those are the things I’m bring with me. What are some things you plan to pack with you? Add to the conversation below or on Twitter with me and the hashtag #WCMIA

How Stable Is Your FREE Online Photo Storage?

Blog, Photography, Technology

Being a photographer, I tend to back up my photos in multiple locations. I have them on my laptop, a backup USB drive, then another USB drive that is stored in a safe. I sometimes save my best photos online on Flickr since I have about 2 terabytes in storage, as well as my other online portfolio site of 500px.

All of these locations are part of my process to have some piece of mind if in case something goes wrong. Well today I saw in article on WebDesignLedger where they were claiming that Yahoo is downsizing. You can read the full article here. My concern with this feels falls first to my “free” account with Flickr. Yahoo purchased Flickr in 2005, so about 11 years ago. I won’t go into the changes and improvements of Flickr since, but the ability to store 2tb of photos online is great, I am aware that Yahoo’s financial performance has been declining so how they decide to deal with the picture website will be closely watched.

For those of you like me, it may be a good time to take stock of what you have loaded to Flickr, and be sure you have your originals saved somewhere in your library. If you don’t be sure to download your photos and save them as well as connect with your followers on other means like their other social media websites and online groups.

Here are a list of alternatives you may want to consider should you need another online repository:

Google Photos – While this offers unlimited “high quality” photo uploads. Uploading RAW files will count agains a 1.5Gb storage quota.

Amazon Cloud Storage – Offers unlimited cloud storage for about $60.00 a year. There is an inexpensive option for still unlimited photos, but a 5gb limit on video files. This plan is about $12.00 a year.

Dropbox – While you do get up to 5g of free storage, you will then need to pay for an upgraded annual account. $10 a month for up to 1tb, or $15 a month for unlimited storage and managed file and folder permission controls.