Google Analytics Audit Test #

A GA4 audit is essential for uncovering missing insights—key data points that organizations don't yet know and can act upon. A well-done audit evaluates both behavioral tracking and traffic attribution, ensuring each is accurate and useful. It also assesses whether the data collected truly supports business decisions and reporting.

Test Detail

This test verifies whether the begin_checkout event is correctly implemented and firing at the point when a user initiates the checkout process. This is a critical milestone in the ecommerce funnel that marks high purchase intent and begins the transition from browsing to conversion.

Without it, you cannot:

• Measure funnel drop-off rates accurately
• Optimize the checkout experience
• Understand which channels or campaigns drive real buying intent
• Track abandoned checkouts or remarket effectively

Implementing 'begin_checkout'

• Use the recommended push to the dataLayer:

    gtag('event', 'begin_checkout', {
      currency: 'USD',
      value: 129.99,
      items: [
        {
          item_id: 'SKU_12345',
          item_name: 'T-Shirt',
          quantity: 1,
          price: 129.99
        }
      ]
    });

• In Google Tag Manager, trigger this event when:
  • The user clicks the "Checkout" button, OR
  • navigates to the first step in a multi-step checkout flow
• Always include the items array and other relevant parameters (e.g., value, currency)

QA Tips

• Use DebugView to validate that the event only fires once per checkout attempt and in the correct sequence
• Hire a pro to make sure your checkout tracking is airtight—so you can truly understand and improve your conversion funnel.