Updates to Notionlytics with Google Analytics Universal Sunset

This article will provide an overview of the changes to Notionlytics due to the sunset of Google Analytics Universal.

Google Analytics Universal is currently the most widely used web analytics tool on the market, but it is being phased out by Google. Consequently, Notionlytics will need to update its platform to accommodate these changes.

First and foremost, we want to emphasize that our goal is to ensure that Notionlytics remains fully functional for our users. That is why we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

We understand that this may cause inconvenience for some of our users who relied exclusively on Google Analytics. However, we are here to assist and ensure that all users continue to have access to the features you need in Notionlytics. For those who used Notionlytics, you will not notice any difference. Instead, some processes will become easier, and new features will be introduced.

Where will the data be stored?

Previously, with Universal Analytics, we were able to send all analytics data right from users' Notion pages to their Google Analytics accounts. However, with GA4, some of these events have become much harder to transfer, or even impossible, limiting our ability to collect as much information as we had with Universal Analytics. As such, we have chosen to prioritize the quality and variety of our analytics data, rather than tying ourselves to one particular product like Google Analytics.

To this end, we have decided to use separate data storage for collecting analytics. This will enable us to maintain the same level of data collection that we currently offer, as well as open up some new potential options for the future.

Also, it’ll become much faster to generate reports.

What will change in the app?

For those who have been using Google Analytics to view analytics, the current data will be available until July 1, 2023, when Google will stop receiving the data we are sending. As such, you will not be able to view any new data in Google Analytics after this point. While Google may still display historical data for some time, you can view the same metrics in Notionlytics. If there are features or reports that you miss, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist in finding the right solution for you.

For those who have been observing analytics in Notionlytics, nothing will change. In fact, your experience should now be improved: the reports should start loading faster over time. Our small but truly dedicated team is working hard to ensure a smooth transition and that all users have access to the features they need.

When will the changes be released?

All the changes have already been released 🤫. All your trackers have been automatically updated to send analytics to both the connected Google Analytics Property and the new data storage. On your charts, the historical data before June 10, 2023 is pulled from the connected Google Analytics Universal storage, so if you want to continue seeing the data before this point, keep your Google Analytics property safe as we do not control it - it is yours. All analytics data starting from June 10, 2023 will come from the new, faster data storage. 😎

Are there any other changes?

In addition to the changes already mentioned, the workspace setup process has become slightly easier - you no longer need to connect Google Analytics; all you need to do is create a workspace and connect Notion, and you're ready to set up tracking widgets from there. And we’re working on supporting multiple workspaces per user, as well as inviting other users into existing workspaces to collaborate on the charts together, so stay tuned.

Furthermore, you may see a slight increase in page views since our new tracking works a bit differently from Google Analytics: it is much faster and cannot be blocked by ad blockers.

And lastly, you can now change the timezone of your workspace in the workspace settings. Please note that the timezone will be applied to all data starting from June 10, 2023 (to be precise - 00:00:01 in the timezone selected in your workspace settings); the historical data before that date, which is pulled from Google Analytics, cannot be updated as Google Analytics does not allow the updating of historical data's timezone.

We know analytics are important, and we're dedicated to giving you accurate and complete data. Our team has put in a lot of effort to make the transition smooth and ensure you have access to all the features you need. We want to assure you that we're doing our best to make sure you have a great experience with Notionlytics. If you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.