Introduction to GA4 SQL

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) SQL within BigQuery is designed to help users analyze and generate insights from their website or app analytics data. GA4 SQL leverages the power of Google BigQuery, a fully-managed, serverless data warehouse that enables scalable analysis over petabytes of data. This integration allows users to write SQL queries to explore their GA4 data, enabling detailed custom analysis beyond the standard reports available in the GA4 interface. For example, a business might want to analyze user behavior by segmenting users based on specific actions, such as purchase history or engagement with particular features. By using GA4 SQL, the business can write custom queries to extract this information, allowing for more targeted marketing efforts and product improvements.

Main Functions of GA4 SQL

  • Sessions Calculation

    Example Example

    SELECT count(distinct concat(user_pseudo_id, (SELECT value.int_value FROM unnest(event_params) WHERE key = 'ga_session_id'))) AS sessions FROM `{table_name}`

    Example Scenario

    This function is used to count the number of sessions on a website. For instance, an e-commerce site can use this to understand daily traffic trends.

  • Engaged Sessions Calculation

    Example Example

    SELECT count(distinct CASE WHEN (SELECT value.string_value FROM unnest(event_params) WHERE key = 'session_engaged') = '1' THEN concat(user_pseudo_id, (SELECT value.int_value FROM unnest(event_params) WHERE key = 'ga_session_id')) END) AS engaged_sessions FROM `{table_name}`

    Example Scenario

    An engaged session is one where the user has interacted significantly with the site. This is crucial for identifying highly engaged users, such as those who add items to their cart or spend more time on key pages.

  • User Segmentation

    Example Example

    SELECT CASE WHEN (SELECT value.int_value FROM unnest(event_params) WHERE event_name = 'session_start' AND key = 'ga_session_number') = 1 THEN 'new' ELSE 'returning' END AS user_type, count(distinct user_pseudo_id) AS users FROM `{table_name}` GROUP BY user_type

    Example Scenario

    This query helps in segmenting users into new and returning categories, enabling businesses to tailor their marketing strategies for acquisition versus retention.

Ideal Users of GA4 SQL Services

  • Digital Marketers

    Digital marketers benefit from GA4 SQL by gaining deep insights into campaign performance and user behavior. They can segment audiences, track conversions, and optimize campaigns based on data-driven decisions.

  • Data Analysts

    Data analysts use GA4 SQL to perform complex analyses that go beyond standard GA4 reports. They can uncover trends, correlations, and insights that inform business strategy and operations, helping to drive data-informed decisions.

How to Use GA4 SQL

  • Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without login, no need for ChatGPT Plus.

    Start by visiting aichatonline.org to access the free trial of GA4 SQL, which requires no login or subscription.

  • Understand the Dataset Structure

    Familiarize yourself with the GA4 dataset schema, including nested fields like 'event_params'. This will help you write accurate queries.

  • Set Up Your BigQuery Environment

    Ensure you have access to Google BigQuery and have your GA4 data linked to it. This typically involves setting up a Google Cloud project and linking your GA4 property.

  • Write and Test SQL Queries

    Use the BigQuery SQL editor to write and test your queries. Refer to the GA4 SQL syntax and sample queries to guide your work.

  • Optimize and Schedule Queries

    Optimize your queries for performance and set up scheduled queries to automate data extraction and reporting as needed.

  • E-commerce
  • Reporting
  • Data Integration
  • User Behavior
  • Web Analytics

GA4 SQL FAQs

  • What is GA4 SQL?

    GA4 SQL is a powerful tool that allows users to query and analyze their Google Analytics 4 data within Google BigQuery using SQL.

  • How do I link my GA4 property to BigQuery?

    In the Google Analytics interface, go to Admin > BigQuery Linking, and follow the prompts to link your GA4 property to a BigQuery project.

  • Can I use GA4 SQL without prior SQL knowledge?

    While basic SQL knowledge is beneficial, GA4 SQL provides sample queries and guidelines to help users of all levels get started.

  • What are some common use cases for GA4 SQL?

    Common use cases include creating custom reports, analyzing user behavior, tracking conversion paths, and integrating GA4 data with other business data.

  • How can I optimize my GA4 SQL queries?

    Optimize queries by indexing important fields, using efficient filtering, limiting the data processed, and leveraging BigQuery's built-in functions and tools.