How to Setup Google Analytics
By Mitch Keeler
Out of all the web site statistics tools I have looked at and checked out for some reason I keep coming back to Google Analytics. There is plenty to come back for, as it is the most in-depth free web site stats package you are going to find.
I find after talking to webmasters for any extended amount of time though that some people are intimidated by the process of setting it up. They think it is too complicated or just something they don’t want to bother diving into.
Sure some of the features give you more information that you probably need but better to have more than not enough. To help those who still have butterflies in their bellies - here is a step by step guide to get you going.
Getting Started with Google Analytics…
Go to the Google Analytics web site and sign up for an account or login with your Google login details. You already have a Google account, right? Post login, click on the “setup” button to get going with the setup process.
Give Google Your Web Site’s Details…
Next you load up a screen that wants you to put in some information about your web site. Type in your domain name, account name and set your time preferences. The account name will be the group name for the series of web sites you use Google Analytics on.
Fill in Your Contact Information…
The next page wants you to put in your contact information. If you don’t want to do this - just select your country and you should be good to go to the next step.
Check Out the Terms of Service and Agree…
One of the last pages you will see is Google’s terms of service and legal agreement. Skim through it, read it if you want to. I know your probably not going to though. Click the “I agree” check mark box and move on.
Cut and Paste the Code!
The last step gives you a ‘bit of javascript to cut and paste onto all of your web pages that you want to track. Just copy it from there and paste it into your web site. Get past that step and your done! You have successfully setup Google Analytics.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
I tried using this and found it really complicated. Thanks for the breakdown Mitch!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Maybe next month you can do a followup on this? I’ve got the account set up…now understanding beyond that is the next step. Thanks Mitch.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:56 am
I use google for site analysis, and I like it. I think it is unique when it gives you that map overlay so you can see where the visitors are going on your site and where they are from. Once again Google making the stocks rise. I would like to see an article on Google Adsense/Adwords and how Google’s Checkout can by nicely incorporated with our lunarpage.
November 28th, 2007 at 8:52 am
Maybe next time talk about Google sitemap? Good job!
November 28th, 2007 at 9:10 am
How about details some time on where to add in a Wordpress theme or Oscommerce since they are so popular.
November 28th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Great article Mitch, as always.
Katrina, for Wordpress there is a plugin to do Google Analytics which makes it so much easier than tweaking the theme.
November 28th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
I second the request for Google Checkout info. More information in general about Google stuff is always good!
January 28th, 2008 at 10:33 am
[...] month I tackled the troubling topic of Google Analytics and after reviewing some of the feedback I got on the topic I thought that the next logical [...]
January 30th, 2008 at 6:32 am
i’m only a wannabe geek but i didn’t have any trouble setting up google analytics on my own (a year or so ago). however, aside from looking at the pretty pictures (LOVE the world map feature!), i’m not sure what to do with a lot of GA or how i can use the info that i’m sure it’s providing to help me improve my site. i.e., where do i go from here???
January 30th, 2008 at 8:02 am
There is a lot there to learn. This page here might be a good place to start:
http://www.google.com/support/googleanalytics/
Thanks for all the kind comments people, we really appreciate it!
March 6th, 2008 at 9:36 am
At last - an easy to follow, simple break down on how to install and use Google analytics.
Thank you very much!
March 26th, 2008 at 10:11 am
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