Last week I wrote a rather quick post about configuring Google Analytics correctly. I just want people to have good data for their analysis. You shouldn’t be questioning the accuracy of your data every time you pull up a report.
After a nice comment from Avinash, I began to think that there was more to my post than I realized. What are the major challenges people face when setting up Google Analytics? I guess it’s time for me to share some of my experience.
I feel that there are two types of configuration for Google Analytics:
- Technical configuration: This process involves setting up the tracking code correctly, configuring the profile, getting all your RegEx correct, etc.
- Functional configuration: The functional configuration is a process where we make sure Google Analytics is supplying the data needed to make business decisions
Some may argue that this is all just ‘configuration’, but I disagree. Any programmer can get you a regular expression, but can they help you cross segment your CPC traffic using GA? It takes knowledge of the tool and the business.
I’m going to devote a complete post to each of these topics. First I’ll cover the technical configuration with a post titled Top Google Analytics Configuration Mistakes. Then I’ll address the functional configuration with a post titled How to Configure Google Analytics for Business Success.
Got any suggestions? Think I’m crazy? Leave a comment :)
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Justin:
If you are crazy there is no hope for the rest of us! :)
I look forward to reading the two upcoming posts.
-Avinash.
I do not know if these upcoming posts will answer my question. We have just launched a new website with new analytics. The analytics was setup for us by the company hosting our website however they did not give me access to setting up goals. I have been told I have to have them do that because they have other websites they host and they do not want to give me complete access as I would be able to see everything they have analytics set up on. A webmaster in the past had changed some configuration for me so I could have complete control over my site with GA. The current company does not seem to know how to do this or does not want to do it. Do you know how or have a post on this already so I can direct them to it? So I can begin setting my own goals for my website.
Thanks
Hi Phil,
It sounds like the company has given you a profile in their GA account. This is not optimal as they own the data and can not give you admin access b/c you will have admin access to all account.
You should tell the company that you want your own GA account and, if they will not create one, you should create one.
Check out this post about creating accounts. I think it describes your situation quite well.
Justin