Google Analytics FAQ | A Basic Guide
Every digital marketer needs a list of Google Analytics FAQ at their fingertips! There’s no shame in seeking help to process that seemingly endless amount of data and making it into truly valuable and actionable findings. Well, help is on the way with this guide to making the most of your Google Analytics data!
Google Analytics FAQ You Absolutely Need to Know
What is Google Analytics?
According to the Department of Information Technology of Harvard School of Public Health, Google Analytics is the industry leader in data collection. Google Analytics gathers data from your website visitors and converts these to reports, which you can use to measure your website’s success. Learn how to use Google Analytics right here!
Why Is It Useful and Why Do I Need It?
Simply put, Google Analytics is your website’s eyes and ears. The software tool tracks information from users’ computers to give businesses vital information for understanding their customers. It can tell not only who was on your website, but how they got there, their geolocation, what they were looking for, what time they visited, whether they converted or not, and much, much more. This data equates to tangible pieces of consumer knowledge and can help enhance a business’ success. Line up these Google Analytics FAQ when you decide to give the tool a go!
What Data Am I Able To Access?
Google Analytics organizes reports into 4 main categories:
- Audience reflects information gathered about a website visitor’s identity and behavior.
- Acquisition shows where the users are coming from, whether from a direct search, a paid ad, or other websites. The information here can also specify what keywords were used to get to your website.
- Content analyzes the data on your pages. It shows how long users stay on the pages, which attracts most, and how quickly it loads.
- Conversions let you understand how far you are from reaching the goals you have set.
Remember to explore creative ways to build up your audience, acquisition, content, and conversions. Start by exploring different types of digital marketing. Read more on this blog post.
Do I Need to Have a Technical Background to Understand It?
The best part of Google Analytics is that it does not require any technical background to understand the basics. Should you want to get more out of the data reports, check out the Google Analytics Academy.
Is Google Analytics Free?
The answer to this is both yes and no. There are 2 versions currently offered: Google Analytics and Google Analytics 360. Google Analytics is perfect for individuals and small to medium-sized companies. Larger businesses that need more features are best paired with Google Analytics 360. Compare the two offerings here to see which is best for your business!
How do I use Google Analytics?
The very first thing you need to do would be to create a Google account if you haven’t already. Proceed to the Google Analytics website and login. If you still don’t have a Google account, click on the “Register” link, and provide the information requested.
Next, you’ll need to set up a property within your Google Analytics account. This is where Google gather data from. Follow these instructions on how to get it done.
Continue to set up a reporting view in your property. Screen the data you will be receiving to better manage the information. Find out more about it here.
Finally, configure your website or mobile with the tracking code to gather data on your property.
Where Do I Find My Google Analytics Tracking ID?
Finding Google Analytics tracking id #smtpicks pic.twitter.com/NMf02F5hq5
— WP SmartTrack (@wpsmtrack) June 4, 2016
You can find your Google Analytics ID inside your account. Just log on and click “Admin.” Choose the account and property you are verifying in the respective Account and Property columns on the menu. Once in Property, click on “Tracking Info>Tracking Code.” You will find your Tracking ID on the top portion of the page.
How Do I Organize My Properties and Accounts?
You will need Google credentials to manage several properties and accounts. If you belong to a team and require access to several accounts or properties, it can certainly be arranged. A detailed walkthrough of sharing dashboards can be found here.
How Do I Link My Website to Google Analytics?
Towards the end of your Google Analytics registration, you will be given an HTML code to insert in the source code for your website. It’s necessary to use this code, as this is what allows Google to retrieve your website’s usage statistics. Contact your website administrator if you have limited access to the backend of your website to apply Google Analytics yourself.
Am I Able to Share My Data With Others?
You may share the data you have gathered from your registered property if you adjust your data sharing settings accordingly. Note that this only allows certain people to access information that you give, and does not give them access read into your Analytics account or your other properties. Your account remains secure.
Catch the top 10 things to Master in Google Analytics by watching this video from Measureschool!
What is so great about Google Analytics community is that it is our virtual neighborhood. If the Help Center is lacking, you can surely count on users and developers online to offer Google Analytics support, mostly at no cost to you. This way, all your Google Analytics FAQ should find resolution easily.
Do you have any Google Analytics FAQ that we didn’t answer? Hit us up below!
