Introduction:
Google has introduced a new feature in Analytics aimed at streamlining data comparison processes. The “saved comparisons” tool allows users to save filtered user data segments for quick and easy side-by-side analysis.
Highlights
- Google launches saved comparisons for quickly filtering Analytics data.
- Save customized segment comparisons to your GA4 properties.
- The feature can potentially streamline workflows and boost productivity.
Google's Announcement
Google has announced a new tool for Analytics that aims to streamline data comparisons. The “saved comparisons” feature allows users to save filtered user data segments for rapid side-by-side analysis.
According to Google:
“We’re launching saved comparisons to help you save time when comparing the user bases you care about. Learn how you can do that without recreating the comparison every time!”
Google has provided a help page that lists several benefits and use cases of the new feature:
“Comparisons let you evaluate subsets of your data side by side. For example, you could compare data generated by Android devices to data generated by iOS devices.”
“In Google Analytics 4, comparisons take the place of segments in Universal Analytics.”
Saved Comparisons: How They Work
The new comparisons tool allows users to create customized filtered views of Google Analytics data based on dimensions such as platform, country, traffic source, and custom audiences. Users can incorporate multiple conditions using logic operators.
For instance, users can generate a comparison separating “Android OR iOS” traffic from web traffic. They can also combine location data such as “Country = Argentina OR Japan” with platform filters.
These customized comparison views can then be saved to the property level in Analytics. Users with access can quickly apply saved comparisons to any report for efficient analysis without rebuilding filters.
According to Google's documentation:
“As an administrator or editor…you can save comparisons to your Google Analytics 4 property. Saved comparisons enable you and others with access to compare the user bases you care about without needing to recreate the comparisons each time.”
Rollout & Limitations
The saved comparisons feature is rolling out gradually, with a limit of 200 saved comparisons per property. For more advanced filtering needs, such as sequences of user events, Google recommends creating a custom audience first and saving a comparison based on that audience definition.
Some reports may be incompatible if they don’t include the filtered dimensions used in a saved comparison. In that case, the documentation suggests choosing different dimensions or conditions for that report type.
How This Can Help You
Saved comparisons mean less time spent recreating filters and more time for impactful analysis. Here are a few key ways this could benefit your work:
- Save time by avoiding constant recreation of filters for common comparisons (e.g., mobile vs desktop, traffic sources, geo locations).
- Share saved comparisons with colleagues for consistent analysis views.
- Switch between comprehensive views and isolated comparisons with a single click.
- Break down conversions, engagement, audience origins, and more by your saved user segments.
- Use thoughtfully combined conditions to surface targeted segments (e.g., paid traffic for a certain product/location).
The new saved comparisons feature in Google Analytics may seem like an incremental change. However, simplifying workflows and reducing time spent on mundane tasks can boost productivity significantly.
