Focus on specific useful analytics

Web analytics are a valuable, often ignored marketing tool.  Yes, they can be overwhelming.. but don’t let that stop you!  Instead of being overwhelmed – simply focus on what you want.  Here is a cheat sheet for 3 helpful pieces of data from Google Analytics.  Why Google Analytics?  It’s free and it’s easy.   You have no excuse to not use!

1.  Overview/ Visits:  easy look at what the traffic is to your site, how it fluctuates over time

• Overview/New and Returning  – helps understand if you are appealing to or reach new customers
• Overview/Mobile – how many are accessing you on their mobile phones (is your website mobile friendly?)
• Overview/Mobile/Devices – if the dominant mobile device is Apple, then you know that you should design without flash.

2.  Traffic Sources/Search/Organic:  see what your customers put in the search box when they look for you.

• Very interesting test to see if they call your “official” name.  Clues you in on your nickname(s) or your customer frame of reference!

3. Traffic Sources/Sources/Referrals:  Lists the sites that send you traffic.

• Great opportunity to reach out and collaborate with the sites
• Often a surprise and unique partner opportunity

Google Analytics puts a ton more information at your fingertips.  Problem is, that can feel overwhelming, a feeling often cited as the reason for not looking at the analytics.   The solution is to just choose specific data, and to choose the data that is actionable.   It’s easy as 1,2, 3!