Google Analytics 4, or GA4, is the industry standard tool for website and app analytics. It’s a platform virtually all marketers need to learn how to use.
Unfortunately, mastering Google Analytics 4 and its features can be complex. You can try and learn by trial and error, but this is time-consuming and frustrating.
To make the process easier, we reviewed several resources to find the best GA4 training courses and guides. Our list includes both free and paid resources for learning to use Google Analytics 4 effectively in a structured way.
Is Google Analytics 4 Hard to Learn?
Google Analytics 4 is harder to learn than the previous version of Analytics (Universal Analytics). The new version is powerful and has many features, but it follows a different concept in how data is gathered and presented, making it very difficult for non-pro users to use.
The platform feels designed more for analysts and data experts than marketers.
Getting your head around the features takes time, effort, and persistence. If you have no experience with web analytics, you’re likely to feel a little overwhelmed initially.
An instructor with experience working with Google Analytics 4 can help steer you in the right direction. Plus, many classes and online training resources come with helpful guides and resources you can download and use for reference while working on your projects.
How Long Does It Take To Train For GA4?
The time you spend learning to use GA4 will depend on what you want to accomplish with your training. If you want a basic understanding of the various features, you can potentially complete your training in a few days.
At the very least, you’ll need an hour or two to set up your GA4 account for the first time and explore the basic reports. However, you may need many hours experimenting with new features to become a GA4 expert.
If you’re planning on becoming a Google Analytics consultant, or you want to use GA4 in many aspects of your career, you may need to commit several months to learn how to use the advanced features of the platform, such as creating custom reports and using explorations.
It’s also important to remember that the Google Analytics toolkit is regularly updated and enhanced. This means you may need to refresh or update your training frequently to stay ahead of the latest changes.
10 Top GA4 Training Resources
- GA4 Training Courses (Google Skillshop)
- Google Analytics 4 Training Course (Reliablesoft)
- Google Analytics 4 For Beginners (Udemy)
- GA4 Complete Course (Loves Data)
- Google Analytics 4 Course: Master GA4 (Cxl)
- Google Analytics 4 Course - Plan, Setup, Reports, Insights (Analytics Mania)
- Google Analytics Tutorial (YouTube)
- Google Analytics 4 Tutorial for Beginners (YouTube)
- The Complete Google Analytics 4 Training for Beginners (Udemy)
- Ultimate Google Analytics 4 Course (Skillshare)
1. GA4 Training Courses (Google Skillshop)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Certificate: Yes
Google Analytics Academy is the official resource for learning GA4 and getting certified. It offers courses specially designed for marketers and anyone looking to leverage the power of Google Analytics 4.
Currently, they offer two courses:
Manage GA4 data and learn to read reports - This is an introductory course to Google Analytics. You'll learn:
- How Google collects and processes data and how you can set up your account.
- How to navigate the Google Analytics interface and create various reports.
- How to read reports in a meaningful way.
- How to use a Google Analytics Demo account for practice purposes.
Google Analytics Certification - If you want to get certified, Google offers a Google Analytics 4 Certification, which allows you to earn a credential you can show on your LinkedIn profile and resume.
2. Google Analytics 4 Training Course (Reliablesoft)
- Cost: $149
- Duration: Self-paced
- Certificate: Yes
The Reliablesoft Google Analytics course is ideal for those looking for a quick and effective introduction to GA4. It is available as part of a comprehensive digital marketing bundle.
This course is divided into 3 core lessons, including more than 60 pages of downloadable resources, annotated screenshots, and video tutorials.
The first lesson covers all of the basics of Google Analytics 4, from how the ecosystem works to how you can implement GA4 into your website. You’ll also learn how to configure the basic settings of GA4 for your marketing needs.
In lesson 2, you’ll dive into the crucial components of GA4 reporting, learning how to customize the reporting menu and the reports themselves. You’ll also receive a comprehensive overview of using GA4 to analyze and improve your SEO campaigns.
Finally, in the third lesson, you’ll learn all about conversion tracking and setting up your own custom conversions.
The Google Analytics 4 course builds on 14 amazing courses, covering everything from SEO mastery to Facebook advertising, email marketing, eCommerce SEO, and Google Ads.
You don’t need any prior knowledge of Google Analytics, making this a great course for beginners.
3. Google Analytics 4 For Beginners (Udemy)
- Cost: $49.99
- Duration: 2 hours
- Certificate: Yes
The Google Analytics 4 For Beginners course, created for beginners without prior knowledge of Google Analytics 4, covers everything you need to know about GA4 from scratch.
This fast-paced training program consists of 2 hours of on-demand video and articles to read.
If you’re looking for a quick way to get started with Google Analytics, the reputable instructor on Udemy offers a fantastic learning experience. You’ll start with an introduction to Google Analytics 4 and how it works, with a complete run-down of the GA4 data model.
Next, you’ll learn how to set up your Google Analytics account or upgrade to the newest version from Universal Analytics.
After the introduction, the instructor will guide you through 11 bite-sized sections, where you’ll explore Google Analytics reports, campaign tracking tools, and the GA4 campaign builder. You’ll learn all about active users and stickiness, engagement and retention reports, and the Google Analysis hub.
Students can also tune into free live sessions on Google Analytics 4 and other digital marketing topics hosted by the same instructor.
This course takes approximately 2 hours to complete and includes a certificate of completion. You can start with a free 7-day trial of Udemy and purchase the full course for $49.99, which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. GA4 Complete Course (Loves Data)
- Cost: $225
- Duration: Self-paced
- Certificate: Yes
The GA4 Complete Course, taught by an instructor with more than 12 years of Google Analytics experience, offers a complete overview of Google Analytics 4 and helps students build confidence in using GA4 for website analysis.
The program is split into 7 modules, featuring HD video lessons, guided walk-throughs, quizzes, and practical exercises. You can also review lessons whenever needed, discuss your concerns with other students in a private forum, and earn a Google Analytics 4 certification.
The course starts with an insight into the fundamentals of Google Analytics, how to apply context to your reports, and how GA4 compares to “Universal Analytics”.
In module 2, you’ll learn more about the standard reports that offer insights into your audience. You’ll identify inbound marketing channels, learn how people engage with your websites, and discover how to report on conversions.
Modules 3 and 4 cover campaigns and conversions, showing you how to apply best-practice tracking for your marketing activities and identify the conversions that matter to your company.
In Modules 5 and 6, you’ll learn how to create exploration reports for your custom needs, such as segment overlap and funnel exploration reports. Plus, you’ll discover how to customize standard reports and menus and create custom audiences.
Finally, Module 7 moves on to the advanced components of Google Analytics, such as using DebugView, applying filters to reports, and using Google Tag Manager.
This course costs $225 for unlimited full access.
5. Google Analytics 4 Course: Master GA4 (Cxl)
- Cost: $299
- Duration: 25 hours
- Certificate: Yes
The Google Analytics 4 Certification course covers everything beginners need to start with GA4. It includes 5 courses, beginning with an introduction to GA4.
You’ll discover how to set up your own Google Analytics account and add the tracking code to your website. The course covers the basics of implementing admin settings and using IP filters. Plus, you’ll learn how to set up events and conversions for custom needs.
Moving through the courses, you’ll learn to leverage other components alongside GA4, such as BigQuery and e-commerce analytics. Plus, you’ll discover which privacy components are new to Google Analytics 4.
The three final courses cover all of GA4's reporting capabilities, starting with standard reports and then funnel reports, segments, and audiences.
You’ll receive a GA4 certificate for your resume and portfolio if you complete all the courses successfully.
This course takes a little over 25 hours to complete and can be purchased for $299, including lifetime access to all the resources.
6. Google Analytics 4 Course - Plan, Setup, Reports, Insights (Analytics Mania)
- Cost: $499
- Duration: 16 hours
- Certificate: Yes
The Google Analytics 4 Course - Plan, Setup, Reports, Insights by Analytics Mania focuses on helping students get more value out of Google Analytics 4.
This course is regularly updated to feature the latest insights. It has plenty of practical lessons and hands-on tips for applying them to a sandbox website.
With this course, students will gain access to 11 modules, with 100+ bite-sized videos showcasing step-by-step guidance on using Google Analytics. You’ll also get numerous checklists and templates you can download and use in the future.
It's one of the more comprehensive programs on this list. You’ll start by planning how to use your analytics and identifying business goals, KPIs, and objectives.
Next, you’ll move on to a comprehensive guide on how to set up GA4, implement event tracking and conversions, and leverage integrations with BigQuery and similar tools.
The program also includes a comprehensive review of all standard reports, explorations, custom reports, marketing campaigns, and attribution settings in GA4.
Students also gain a comprehensive overview of funnel tracking, revenue optimization, and migration from Universal Analytics to GA4.
This course costs $499, but you can bundle it with a Google Tag Manager course for beginners for $649.
The program takes approximately 16 hours to complete and includes a certification.
7. Google Analytics Tutorial (YouTube)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Certificate: No
The official Google Analytics Academy YouTube channel is the perfect solution for a free and simple introduction to GA4.
Intended for beginners, these video tutorials will teach you everything you need to know about how GA4 works.
The videos start with an overview of Google Analytics and how it processes data for marketing professionals. Moving through the content, you’ll learn how to measure user activity with recommended events and create custom events in GA4.
Next, you'll learn about custom dimensions and metrics in Google Analytics, tracking and mastering conversions, and creating custom audiences. You’ll also learn how to set up consent mode in GA4 for privacy purposes.
There are tutorials on setting up a demo account in GA4, troubleshooting common problems, and leveraging all of Google Analytics reports.
Finally, you’ll discover how to leverage user properties, explore traffic sources, and implement artificial intelligence to optimize your campaigns.
The full collection of videos will take a little over 2 hours to watch, and they are all completely free to access.
8. Google Analytics 4 Tutorial for Beginners (YouTube)
- Cost: Free
- Duration: Self-paced
- Certificate: No
Produced by the Analytics Mania team, this all-in-one YouTube video delivers a fantastic introduction to Google Analytics. If you’re looking for a basic overview of GA4's components, this is a great starting point.
You’ll start with an introduction to how to set up a GA4 account or property and structure your account to drive the best results. The video includes a comprehensive overview of the GA4 admin panel. Plus, there’s step-by-step guidance on creating data streams and adjusting your settings.
Next, you’ll gain insight into the standard reports available in GA4, explorations, and advertising reports and how they work to guide marketing decisions.
Finally, you’ll use the instructions to set up your Google Analytics instance, track events, and find event data.
This course does not include certification, but it is available for free and without limitations. The video lasts just under one hour.
9. The Complete Google Analytics 4 Training for Beginners (Udemy)
- Cost: $49.99
- Duration: 2 hours
- Certificate: Yes
Hosted by Udemy, The Complete Google Analytics 4 training course is specially designed for beginners in the GA landscape.
Through a collection of on-demand videos, articles, and downloadable resources, the instructors provide a complete guide to GA4 and its functionality.
The course consists of only one section, which includes 20 lectures. It starts with an introduction to Google Analytics. You’ll learn to install tracking codes on several platforms, connect tools like WooCommerce and Search Console to your GA4 instance, and filter traffic.
As you progress through the videos, you’ll learn how to navigate your dashboard, manage alerts, and implement core analytical strategies. The videos cover an overview of locations, demographics, pages, sources, channels, and more.
Plus, you’ll discover how to track campaigns comprehensively and link Google Ads to GA4.
The full course lasts just over 2 hours and is available for $49.99, with a 7-day free trial.
10. Ultimate Google Analytics 4 Course (Skillshare)
- Cost: $39
- Duration: 7 hours
- Certificate: Yes
The Ultimate Google Analytics 4 Course by Skillshare consists of 48 lessons and 50 practical tips on mastering Google Analytics 4. t
This beginner-level course is ideal for those discovering GA4 for the first time. Web Analytics Evangelist Pavel Brick teaches the course, and it comes with a recognized certification.
It also includes hands-on projects designed to help you put your new skills to the test in a demo environment.
The tips included at the end of the course cover everything beginners need to know to transform their analytical insights into data-driven decisions for business growth. You’ll learn how to boost conversion rates, leverage location data, and optimize landing pages.
This course takes almost 7 hours to complete and is available for free with a 1-month trial of Skillshare. If you’ve already used your free trial, you must pay for an annual Skillshare membership.
Conclusion
Google Analytics 4, or “GA4,” is one of the more complicated iterations of the Google Analytics platform. However, it’s also an extremely valuable tool for marketers and business leaders.
If you want to excel as a marketer in the digital world, the courses above will ensure you can master and use GA4 to your advantage.
Moreover, many of these courses have certifications, which allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills effectively to various clients and employers.
For additional learning, read the following guides:
