> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rankability.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rankability.com/track/using-ga4-annotations.md).

# Using GA4 annotations

Mark important events on the GA4 trend chart timeline to correlate site changes, campaigns, or algorithm updates with traffic patterns.

GA4 annotations let you mark specific dates on the GA4 Performance chart with notes about events that may have influenced your traffic and engagement metrics. This creates a timeline of actions alongside your data, making it easy to spot cause-and-effect relationships.

Connect GA4 and open a client with access to the GA4 Performance card. Before adding a note, confirm the event date, owner, and evidence. An annotation records context; it does not prove that the event caused the observed change.

## Adding an annotation

1. Click the **Annotate** button in the GA4 Performance card header.
2. Enter a **title** (required) – a short label for the event.
3. Add a **description** (optional) – more detail about what happened.
4. Select the **date** when the event occurred.
5. Choose a **category**:
   * **Content change** – Major content updates or new page launches.
   * **Algorithm update** – Google or platform algorithm changes.
   * **Link building** – Backlink campaigns or notable link acquisitions.
   * **Technical fix** – Site migrations, speed improvements, or infrastructure changes.
   * **Client event** – Business events like product launches, sales, or PR.
   * **Other** – Anything else worth noting.
6. Click **Save**.

## How annotations appear

Each annotation appears as a vertical dashed reference line on the chart at the corresponding date. The line color matches the category, making it easy to distinguish between different types of events. Hover over the colored dot at the top of the line to see the annotation title and description.

## Editing and deleting

Click on an annotation label below the chart to open it. From there you can edit the title, description, date, or category. To delete, use the delete button in the edit dialog.

Use edit when the event details were wrong. Delete only duplicate or invalid notes, because removing an annotation also removes context other team members may rely on. Annotations are client-scoped and visible to teammates who can access that client.

## Tips for effective use

* Add annotations whenever you publish major content updates or make technical changes to the site.
* Use them to mark the start of link building campaigns so you can measure impact over time.
* When you see a traffic spike or drop, check if any annotations align with the date – this is often the fastest way to find the cause.
* GA4 annotations are separate from GSC annotations, so you can maintain independent timelines for each data source.

## Review impact responsibly

1. Add the note on the date the change actually occurred, not the day you noticed the metric.
2. Use a short title and put the page, campaign, release, or ticket detail in the description.
3. Select a date range that includes a meaningful period before and after the event.
4. Match source filters and conversion definitions when comparing periods.
5. Look for supporting page-level evidence in [GA4 Explorer](/track/using-ga4-explorer.md).
6. Describe the timing as a correlation unless additional evidence supports causation.

## Common issues

* **Annotate is unavailable** — Confirm GA4 is connected and that you have access to the client.
* **The marker appears in a different bucket** — Weekly and monthly views group dates; switch to daily for the exact date.
* **The chart did not change** — An annotation adds context but does not modify GA4 data.
* **A teammate cannot see it** — Confirm they are viewing the same client, date range, and GA4 card.
* **The note belongs to search performance** — Add it in [GSC annotations](/track/using-gsc-annotations.md) as well when that separate timeline needs the context.

## Related articles

* [Connecting and using Google Analytics 4](/track/connecting-google-analytics.md) — Overview of the GA4 Performance card.
* [Using GSC annotations](/track/using-gsc-annotations.md) — The equivalent feature for the GSC chart.