How to Set Up Cross-Domain Tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of setting up cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4), enabling you to gain a holistic view of user behaviour across multiple domains or subdomains.

With cross-domain tracking, you can accurately track user journeys, understand the impact of marketing efforts, and optimise conversions and engagement across your digital properties.

Header Outline:
I. Introduction
II. Understanding Cross-Domain Tracking in GA4
A. Benefits of Cross-Domain Tracking
B. How Cross-Domain Tracking Works
III. Setting Up Cross-Domain Tracking in GA4
A. Configuring Domains in GA4 Property Settings
B. Adding the GA4 Code To Both Websites
C. Verifying Cross-Domain Tracking Setup
IV. Testing and Troubleshooting Cross-Domain Tracking
A. Verifying Linker Parameter Passing
B. Monitoring Data in GA4 Reports
V. Best Practices for Cross-Domain Tracking
VI. Conclusion

I. Introduction

Cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics 4 (GA4) allows you to track user interactions and conversions across multiple domains, providing a holistic view of your users’ journey. By setting up cross-domain tracking, you can gain valuable insights into how users navigate between your different domains and analyse their behaviour more accurately.

In this guide, I will walk you through the process of setting up cross-domain tracking in GA4, enabling you to unlock the full potential of your analytics data.

II. Understanding Cross-Domain Tracking in GA4

A. Benefits of Cross-Domain Tracking

Cross-domain tracking offers several benefits, including:

  • Complete User Journey: Track user interactions across multiple domains to understand their behaviour throughout the entire conversion funnel.
  • Accurate Attribution: Attribute conversions and interactions to the correct traffic sources and marketing campaigns, even when they occur across different domains.
  • Seamless User Experience: Maintain the user’s session and enable a seamless experience as they navigate between your domains.

B. How Cross-Domain Tracking Works

Cross-domain tracking utilises the Google Analytics Measurement Protocol and linker parameters to pass client IDs between domains. The linker parameter appends the client ID to the URL when a user moves from one domain to another, ensuring the continuity of the user’s session.

III. Setting Up Cross-Domain Tracking in GA4

To set up cross-domain tracking in GA4, follow these steps:

A. Configuring Domains in GA4 Property Settings

  1. Sign in to your Google Analytics account and navigate to your GA4 property.
  2. Go to the “Admin” section and select your property.
  3. In the “Property” column, click on “Data Streams.”
  4. Locate the appropriate data stream and click on “Tagging Settings.”
  5. Under “Cross-domain measurement,” click on “Configure.”
  6. Enter the domains you want to track, ensuring you include the necessary subdomains if applicable.
  7. Save your changes.

B. Adding the GA4 Code To Both Websites

For GA4 to be able to measure active between both domains, you must have the GA4 tracking code on both domains. Here’s a quick guide if you need it:

  1. Create a new Google Analytics 4 property.
  2. Add a data stream for your website or mobile app.
  3. Create a GTM configuration tag. Also, copy the measurement ID.
  4. Now, create a trigger to fire on all the pages.
  5. Preview the changes done in GTM.
  6. Submit the container.

C. Verifying Cross-Domain Tracking Setup

  1. Open your website and navigate between the domains included in the cross-domain tracking setup.
  2. Inspect the URL and ensure that the linker parameter, starting with “?_gl”, is appended when switching domains.
  3. Check the Network tab in your browser’s developer tools to verify that the client ID is passed in the requests.

IV. Testing and Troubleshooting Cross-Domain Tracking

A. Verifying Linker Parameter Passing

  1. Use the Google Analytics Debugger extension or the Tag Assistant extension to debug and analyse the tracking implementation.
  2. Inspect the URLs and requests to confirm that the linker parameter is present when navigating across domains.

B. Monitoring Data in GA4 Reports

  1. Allow sufficient time for data to populate in your GA4 reports.
  2. Review the “Acquisition” reports to track traffic sources and campaigns across domains.
  3. Analyse user behaviour in the “User Explorer” report to understand their interactions across multiple domains.

V. Best Practices for Cross-Domain Tracking

Consider the following best practices when implementing cross-domain tracking in GA4:

  • Maintain consistent naming conventions for your domains to ensure accurate tracking and reporting.
  • Regularly monitor your cross-domain tracking setup and check for any issues or discrepancies in the data.
  • Keep track of changes to your domains and update the cross-domain tracking configuration accordingly.

VI. Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the best practices for cross-domain tracking in GA4, you can seamlessly track user interactions and conversions across multiple domains.

Gain a comprehensive understanding of your users’ journey and optimise your marketing efforts based on accurate attribution and insights. Implement cross-domain tracking in GA4 to unlock the full potential of your analytics data and make data-driven decisions for your business’s success.

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