google-analytics_skill

Overview

This skill is a comprehensive Google Analytics 4 (GA4) implementation and reference guide that covers property setup, event design, tracking methods, reporting, and data export. It condenses practical steps for gtag.js, Google Tag Manager, Measurement Protocol, BigQuery, DebugView, and privacy compliance into a single actionable resource. Use it to implement, verify, and maintain high-quality GA4 tracking across web and app environments.

How this skill works

The skill inspects GA4 implementation needs and provides prescriptive guidance: create properties and data streams, install tracking (gtag.js or GTM), implement automatic, recommended and custom events, register custom dimensions, and configure user and cross-device tracking. It also explains testing with DebugView, exporting raw data to BigQuery, server-side Measurement Protocol usage, and GDPR/consent mode integration. Practical examples, naming conventions, and limits help avoid common pitfalls.

When to use it

• Setting up a GA4 property and web/app data streams for the first time
• Implementing or auditing event tracking, including ecommerce funnels
• Mapping event parameters to custom dimensions and user properties
• Exporting GA4 data to BigQuery for raw SQL analysis or backup
• Adding server-side tracking via Measurement Protocol or debugging with DebugView
• Ensuring privacy compliance with Consent Mode, GDPR, or CCPA workflows

Best practices

• Use descriptive snake_case names, keep event and parameter lengths under limits
• Follow this order: Enhanced Measurement → recommended events → custom events → custom dimensions
• Maintain separate test and production properties and filter internal traffic early
• Document all custom events, parameters, and reporting mappings centrally
• Validate every change in DebugView and consider BigQuery exports for unsampled analysis

Example use cases

• Implementing an ecommerce funnel: view_item → add_to_cart → begin_checkout → purchase
• Switching from gtag.js to GTM with identical Measurement ID and event mapping
• Setting up User ID and cross-device audiences for logged-in experiences
• Sending server-side events from backend systems using Measurement Protocol
• Registering custom item parameters as custom dimensions for product reporting