Dave Chaffey's summary of the most significant postings and developments giving guidance on Google Analytics Setup and configuration which I think all digital marketers need to be aware of. I have given a star rating of the importance [rating=5] of the updates based on their importance to the average small-business business installation of Google analytics. Analytics Ninjas or power users may well rate more highly.
As well as my take on the major updates, you will also want to check out the Google Analytics Update page if you don't know about - it's tough to find. I also track the Google Analytics Blog which is great for analytics folk, but not most general marketers.
Google Analytics Annotations Launched (Importance: [rating=2]) Add text annotations for campaign launches, landing page redesigns, etc on your trendlines - a handy tool for businesses of all sizes, but especially where several people are involved. Update added 7th December 2009.This announcement also includes:
Note, a side effect of this new tracking method is that site engagement will appear to decrease since more shorter visits to the site will be included, i.e. bounce rates will increase.Detailed technical instructions on setting up Asynchronous Tracking - it still use ga.js tracking but requires new code in a new position in the HTML page.
These are probably the least used feature, but offer the ability to segment according to customer / non customer and even by profile using cookies.
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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