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A Step-by-Step Guide to Track Bounce Rate in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) introduced a new approach to web analytics that offers a broader range of insights compared to Universal Analytics. One major shift is how traditional metrics, such as the Bounce Rate, are presented. GA4 focuses more on engagement metrics, but you can still track the Bounce Rate—it just looks a little different. Here’s a step-by-step guide to find Bounce Rate in GA4.

6 Easy Steps to Find Bounce Rate in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

  • Go to Reports
  • Select Your Preference
  • Customize the Report
  • Add a New Metric
  • Add a Bounce Rate Metric
  • Save Your Report

Step 1. Go to Reports

Open GA4 and click on the “Reports” tab below the “Home” tab.

go to reports

Step 2. Select Your Preference

As per your preference select the report you want to customized. Here we go with “Pages and Screens.” For that:

Go to the Life Cycle > Engagement > Pages and Screens.

select your preference

Step 3: Customize the Report

Click the pencil icon (top right) to edit the report.

customize the report

Step 4: Add a New Metric

In the sidebar, under “Metrics,” click “Add metric.”

add a new metric

Step 5: Add a Bounce Rate Metric

  • Click on the “+ Add metric” button.
  • Search for “Bounce Rate” and select the metric to add it.
  • Click Apply to add the metric.
add a bounce rate metric

Step 6: Save Your Report

To keep these changes, click “Save” and choose “Save changes to the current report.” You now have a customized report that includes the bounce rate for ongoing analysis

save your report

Final Thoughts

Although Google Analytics 4 prioritizes engagement, Bounce Rate is still accessible through customized reports or basic calculations. By following these steps, you’ll have a clear understanding of your website’s performance using traditional and modern metrics. Embracing GA4’s engagement-first philosophy can help you gain deeper insights into user behavior, ultimately leading to improved website performance.

FAQs

What is a good bounce rate?

For most websites, a bounce rate under 40% is generally considered decent, while under 30% is good. However, acceptable levels vary by industry. For ecommerce sites, a bounce rate over 50% may be a cause for concern.

How do I calculate bounce rate in GA4?

Bounce rate is not directly shown in GA4. Instead, it’s calculated as 100% minus the engagement rate percentage. So, if your engagement rate is 60%, your bounce rate will be 100% – 60% = 40%.

Why did my bounce rate increase in GA4?

GA4 calculates bounce rates based on users, not sessions, like Universal Analytics. The same user visiting multiple pages in different sessions would count as engaged in GA4 vs. bounced in UA. This often increases engagement rates and lowers bounce rates in GA4.

Where do I see bounce rate in GA4 reports?

Bounce rate doesn’t appear by default in GA4 reports. You need to add it as a custom metric to reports like Pages and Screens. Click Customize, Add Metric, search for Bounce Rate, and add it.

Can I compare bounce rate between GA4 and Universal Analytics?

No, bounce rates in GA4 and UA are not directly comparable, as the calculation method differs. GA4 bounce rates are generally lower than UA. Only compare bounce rate trends within each property separately.

How often should I check bounce rate?

It’s a good practice to monitor bounce rate on a weekly or monthly basis for important pages and entry points. Check for spikes or growing trends and investigate the underlying causes.

What are some ways to reduce bounce rate?

Improving page speed, content quality, website navigation, technical issues, etc., can help reduce bounce rates. Prioritize fixes for pages with the highest bounce rates.

Bhavesh Patel LinkedIn icon

Verified Verified Technical SEO & Tracking Specialist

Bhavesh Patel is a technical SEO expert with extensive experience in web tracking and analytics. As a specialist in Google Analytics 4 and Google Tag Manager, he helps businesses implement cutting-edge solutions for tracking, SEO, and conversion optimization.

Bhavesh Patel

Bhavesh Patel LinkedIn icon

Verified Verified Technical SEO & Tracking Specialist

Bhavesh Patel is a technical SEO expert with extensive experience in web tracking and analytics. As a specialist in Google Analytics 4 and Google Tag Manager, he helps businesses implement cutting-edge solutions for tracking, SEO, and conversion optimization.