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Step-by-Step Guide to Find Organic Social Media Traffic in GA4 (Exploration Report)

Finding organic social media traffic in GA4 requires using the Exploration Report feature. Users can access this data by opening GA4, selecting Explore from the left menu, and creating a new blank exploration.

The process involves adding dimensions like Session Source and Session Medium, along with metrics such as Engaged Sessions or Total Users. Users need to filter results to show only social media traffic by including platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This method helps track visitor behavior from social networks without paid promotion. The report shows key data points including user engagement, conversion rates, and traffic patterns from social platforms.

What is the Exploration Report in GA4?

The Exploration Report in GA4 is a data analysis tool that lets users examine website and app data in detail. Users can create custom tables, charts, and visualizations to find specific patterns in user behavior. The tool includes features like segment overlays, advanced filters, and multiple visualization types. GA4’s Exploration Report helps analyze conversion paths, user journeys, and traffic sources.

Users can drag and drop dimensions and metrics to build custom reports. The report offers free-form analysis options that go beyond standard GA4 reports. This flexibility helps businesses understand customer interactions and make data-driven decisions.

Easy Steps to Find Organic Social Media Traffic in Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

  • Navigate to the Explore Section
  • Add Key Dimensions
  • Add Relevant Metrics
  • Configure Your Custom Report
  • Filter for Organic Social Media Traffic
  • Analyze Your Report

Step 1: Navigate to the Explore Section

Start by accessing the Explore section, located in the left-hand menu of GA4. From here, select the Blank template to create a new exploration.

navigate to the explore section

Step 2: Add Key Dimensions

Dimensions define the attributes of your data, such as the source of your sessions or the pages users land on. Follow these steps to add the necessary dimensions:

  • Locate the Dimensions section and click the Plus (+)
  • In the search bar, type and select the dimensions: Session source, Session default channel group, and Landing page + query string
  • After selecting these, click Confirm in the top-right corner.
add key dimensions

Step 3: Add Relevant Metrics

Metrics measure user interactions and performance on your site. Add the following metrics to your exploration:

  • Click the Plus (+) icon in the Metrics
  • Search for and select: Engaged sessions, Sessions, Engagement rate, User Engagement
  • Once selected, click
add relevant metrics

Step 4: Configure Your Custom Report

Now it’s time to structure your report:

  • Drag the Session source dimension into the Rows section to categorize traffic sources.
  • Add your metrics to the Values section by dragging or double-clicking them.
configure your custom report

Step 5: Filter for Organic Social Media Traffic

To focus on organic social media traffic:

  • Drag the Session default channel grouping dimension into the Filters box.
  • Set the filter condition to Exactly matches, and choose Organic Social from the list.
  • Click Apply to finalize your filter.
filter for organic social media traffic

Step 6: Analyze Your Report

Your custom report now displays traffic from organic social media channels, along with critical metrics like Sessions and Engaged sessions. Use this data to evaluate your social media performance and refine your strategies for better results.

analyze your report

Final Thoughts

Tracking organic social media traffic in GA4 using the Exploration Report is a game-changer for marketers. It enables you to gain deeper insights into your audience, refine your strategies, and maximize ROI from your organic efforts. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to monitor and optimize your social media performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I differentiate organic and paid traffic in GA4?

Use the source/medium dimension and apply filters to separate “organic” traffic from ” CPC” or “PPC” traffic.

What metrics are most important for organic social media traffic?

Sessions, users, conversions, and session duration are key.

Can I automate Exploration Reports in GA4?

No, but you can save your custom report for quick access later.

How often should I review my organic social media traffic?

Weekly reviews help identify trends and optimize strategies.

Is GA4 better than Universal Analytics for social media tracking?

Yes, GA4 offers more granular insights and is designed for cross-platform tracking.

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.