Google Analytics 4 (GA4) contains a concealed report that allows users to compare conversions exported to Google Ads and explains discrepancies between the platforms.
Why we care. This hidden feature provides advertisers with a valuable tool to reconcile differences in conversion data, potentially improving campaign accuracy and performance.
How to access:
- Start with your standard GA4 property URL
- Append “/advertising/key-event-differences” to the URL
- The full URL should resemble: “https://analytics.google.com/analytics/web/#/p153293282/advertising/key-event-differences“
First seen. We first came across this from Brais Calvo Vázquez’s LinkedIn who showed us the shortcut that allows us to see this report:
Yes, but. The report isn’t accessible for all GA4 properties.
Between the lines. The renaming of “conversions” to “key events” in GA4 was meant to eliminate discrepancies with Google Ads. The report‘s hidden status may be due to its potential contradiction of this goal.
The big picture. Some users report seeing this feature for over a year, suggesting extended development or testing.
What to watch. Whether Google will officially release this tool or continue to keep it hidden, given its usefulness to marketers in reconciling data inconsistencies.
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About the author
Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and more.
In 2008, Anu’s career started with
delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side.
Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event – PPC Live, host of weekly podcast PPCChat Roundup, and brand evangelist at ClickTech.
She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US), SMX (Munich), Friends of Search (Amsterdam), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna) and more.