Should Google Analytics be migrated?

Yes, Google Analytics should be properly configured and reconnected during a Magento to Shopify migration. While historical data stored in Google Analytics remains in your Analytics property, the tracking setup must be implemented on the new Shopify store to ensure data continues to be collected accurately.

The goal is to maintain continuous reporting without losing visibility into website traffic, customer behavior, and sales performance.

Why Google Analytics Is Important During Migration

• Preserves continuous website performance tracking.
• Measures traffic, conversions, and revenue after migration.
• Tracks customer journeys and shopping behavior.
• Evaluates the success of the migration.
• Supports marketing campaign optimization.
• Provides data for business decision-making.

What Should Be Configured on Shopify?

1. Connect the Existing Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Property
   • Continue using the same GA4 property whenever possible to maintain historical reporting.
2. Install Google Tag Manager (If Used)
   • Ensure all marketing and analytics tags are working correctly.
3. Enable Enhanced eCommerce Tracking
   • Track product views, add-to-cart actions, checkout steps, purchases, and refunds.
4. Verify Conversion Events
   • Confirm that events such as view_item, add_to_cart, begin_checkout, and purchase are firing correctly.
5. Reconnect Google Ads
   • Verify conversion tracking and remarketing audiences.
6. Validate Data Collection
   • Test page views, transactions, revenue, and events using GA4 DebugView or real-time reports.

What Does Not Need to Be Migrated?

• Historical Google Analytics data does not need to be migrated because it is already stored in your existing Google Analytics account.
• Instead, you continue using the same Analytics property and ensure the new Shopify store sends data to it correctly.

Best Practices

• Use the same GA4 property instead of creating a new one unless there is a specific business reason.
• Test analytics before launching the new store.
• Compare Magento and Shopify data during the transition.
• Monitor reports closely during the first few weeks after launch.
• Verify all marketing integrations and conversion tracking.

Example

A retailer migrates from Magento to Shopify and reconnects its existing GA4 property. After testing, page views, product interactions, checkout events, and purchases are tracked correctly. Historical reports remain available, while new Shopify data continues to populate the same Analytics account, providing uninterrupted performance insights.

In Simple Words

Yes, Google Analytics should be reconnected and validated when migrating to Shopify. Although your historical Analytics data stays in your existing GA4 account, the new Shopify store must be configured to send accurate tracking data so you can continue measuring traffic, customer behavior, and sales without interruption.