segments – Google Analytics 4

Yes, we can create sequential segments in the App+Web properties. But there has been a change in the way we save segments. Currently we cannot create segments directly under the admin section or in the reporting view directly. We need to navigate to the advanced analysis report and create a segments within the selected reports available in this section. If we want to utilise these segments across standard reports we need to create audience from this segments.

Below are the steps to create a segment and use it across standard reports:

Step1: Navigate to the advanced analysis section and choose appropriate report of choice.

Step2: Choose to create new segment by clicking on the ‘+’ icon under segments section.

Step-3: Choose user level segment from the option available.Navigate to the add sequence section and define the required sequence.

Note- Currently we can only create user level sequential segments and if we don’t save segments as audience then this segment is tied only to this report and are not available for use under standard reports.

Step-4: Navigate to any standard reports and choose add comparison option. Under available dimensions choose Audience name and for value it is the name of the segment you have created.

From the surface building a comparison or an audience seem quite similar though they are different in many ways. And then there are segments that are a branch off audiences.

A Comparison is when you need to create a quick simple segment eg show me users that came from a specific campaign, this will provide you enough information on the report you’re currently looking at but you don’t need to create a full blown audience.

You can see an Audience as a highly customiseable segment where you can use conditions, sequences, save for later use and utilise custom lookback windows and scopes.

A Segment is built in the Advanced Analysis Reports and functions very similarly to an Audience with some differences.

Below is a table laid out to show what you can and can’t do with Comparisons, Audiences and Segments.

When using Comparisons or Audiences can I… ?

Where to access Comparisons

Above most reports you can either select ‘Add comparison’ or the customise report icon.

Once you’ve selected either of these a panel will appear on the right where you can create your configurations. Once you have made your configurations you will need to select apply for the comparison to be added to the report.

Where to access Audiences

To see an overview of the audiences that you have created you must navigate to ‘Audiences’ under the ‘Configure’ section in the left hand side panel. From here you can create and manage audiences.

You can also bring your audience in via a Comparison by selecting ‘Audience Name’ as a Dimension and then choosing the audience you would like.

Where to access Segments?

Segments can be used in the Advanced Analysis UI and used with the following reports – Exploration, Segment Overlap, Funnel Analysis, Path Analysis, User Explorer and Cohort Analysis