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5 essential time-savers for Google Analytics users

Author's avatar By Dave Chaffey 21 Jul, 2010
Essential Essential topic

If you're like us, you love using Google Analytics for its ease of use and insights, but still, you will find yourself wasting time completing the same actions again-and-again as you review the performance of your site each day.

Bookmarklets (check out other useful bookmarkets for digital marketers) provide a quick way to save time through shortcuts for these repeated actions. Here's my top 5 saving which allow you to go straight to the report you want even if you don't have GA loaded! They all work through a standard URL query string for each report .You will need to set them to the profile id you're currently working with otherwise you'll just see the first profile in the account. I've saved the best for last.

1. Show today's data
By default you start with the previous day, but when customising Google Analytics you often need to check the latest data collected to review new profiles or customisations.
2. Show last week's data
What more can you say.
3. Dimensionator
A sophisticated one this - we've written about its value before for understanding customer journeys...
4. Go straight to the reports that matter for the time period you need
For us these are the 5 most commonly accessed reports, just drag them to your bookmarks bar or folder and then edit the profile id:
5. And as a bonus, this Firefox extension to copy goals within or between profiles is essential for large sites where you're reporting on individual products.

So those are my timesavers! What are yours - please share your favourite extensions or bookmarklets.

Author's avatar

By Dave Chaffey

Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.

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