5 Ways to Make Google Analytics SIMPLE (But Effective)

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There is no doubt that Google Analytics can be an intimidating program to get to grips with. This is certainly a huge software package with a vast array of different options.

Thus, the key to success in Google Analytics is in making things as straightforward as possible. So in this blog post, I’m going to outline how to make Google Analytics super simple for your business, helping you to effectively improve your website and digital marketing.

1. Create a Google Analytics Dashboard

Create a dashboard out of your favourite metrics and graphs, and schedule it to automatically email you each month. This will ensure that you don’t have to remember when you last looked at your analytics, or hamper yourself with schedules.

2. Quickly add in your ecommerce data

If you sell products on your website, use a plug-in or eCommerce platform that automatically adds your eCommerce data (such as product sales and revenue) to Google Analytics.

3. Track what actually matters to your business

Think about what your business actually needs to track and just measure that. Go for a fewer number of items that are the most important to your store, and skip the rest. So, for example, if you do have a lead generation website, do track your lead generation forms and sign-ups. If you sell products then track your sales. Then look at which marketing sources, pages, demographics, etc. are resulting in these outcomes. (Depending on complexity, you might need to hire a nerd to set up the tracking of your business outcomes!).

4. Use Google Tag Manager to collect important events

Use a tool called Google Tag Manager. Google Tag Manager (or GTM for short) enables you to easily track important events, such as someone clicking a button, or submitting a form on your website. This information can then be sent to Google Analytics, Google Adwords, Facebook etc. This enables you to track conversions and make your advertising better.

5. Always have a Goal in mind (and set up in Google Analytics)

Always, always, always have at least one Goal set in Google Analytics. Without a Goal (these are your KEY business outcomes that you want people to do when they visit your website) setting up much of your data is meaningless.