Google Analytics 101, Part 2
SEW EXPERTS: SEM 101 By Ron Jones, Search Engine Watch, Aug 31, 2009
Columns | Contact Ron | Biography
Now that we've discussed some of the basics of using Google Analytics, let's move on and explore some other useful features and tools.
First, we'll look at how Google Analytics plays a part in measuring social media traffic. Then, we'll review how it can help with tracking phone conversions. Finally, we'll look at how to link your AdWords account to your analytics account for better ROI tracking.
Measuring Social Media Traffic through Advanced Segmentation
One of the most challenging things about getting involved with social media is measuring effectiveness. Tool vendors are scrambling to build tools that will allow the measurement of sentiment, profitability, traffic, etc. If you've already set up Google analytics, then you're on your way to measuring social media traffic. Let's take a closer look.
The idea here is to set up a segment to monitor traffic from either one specific site like Twitter, or multiple sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Let's set one up for analyzing Twitter traffic. After you log into Google Analytics, find the gray Settings box on the left. Here, you'll find a link to "advanced segments." Then:
- Click on "create new custom segment" in the upper right corner.
- Look under the green dimensions box and click on "traffic sources."
- Drag the "source" rectangle and drop it in on top of the words "dimension or metric."
- For the condition, select "Matches regular expression."
- For the value type in twitter\.com. (Note: If you want to use Facebook or LinkedIn, the syntax would be facebook\.com or linkedin\.com.)
Name your segment below and click on the button "create segment" and you're done. To activate the measuring, go back to your dashboard and look in the upper right for "advanced segments." You should now see a checkbox for Twitter Traffic. Check it and apply. That's it.
Now you should see any Twitter traffic in relationship to all of your traffic. If you would like to track multiple sites at once, then in the "value" box just put a "|" symbol between each site like this: twitter\.com | facebook\.com | linkedin\.com.
To learn more about segmentation, look at Avinash Kaushik's blog, Google Blog, or this nifty YouTube video.
Tracking Phone Calls with Google Analytics
Now let's say you have a small company and you want to track the number of telephone call leads generated as a result of landing on your site. This is the case for many companies who simply need to talk to their customers before a sale can happen.
Other tools and companies plug into Google Analytics to help you track phone conversions. ClickThrough Marketing just announced a module, and also look at the Google Analytics Blog for other sources.
Integrating your PPC campaign into Google Analytics
Wouldn't it be nice if you could get some better insight into your PPC campaign right from Google Analytics? Well you can. Here's how:
- Sign into your Google Analytics Account for your site.
- Find "Edit Account Settings."
- Check the box that says "With other Google products only" and save changes.
- On the Analytics setting page that shows your site(s) click on the "edit" link under Actions.
- This takes you to the profile settings.
- You should now see a message that your goals and transactions are ready to be linked.
- Now click "Link to your Analytics goals and transactions."
- Then select the goals or transactions you want from the list.
- Finally select "link" at the bottom to finish.
Once this is set up, your AdWords and Analytics accounts will be linked and sharing information. Look at the Google Analytics help page for more info.
These are just a small sampling of ways that Google Analytics can help your organization grow. If you've been using Google Analytics and have found other nifty ways it has helped you, please post a comment below.
To see more examples, visit this link on more useful tools.
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Biography
Ron is President/CEO of Symetri Internet Marketing, which provides strategic SEM consulting and training. Ron is actively involved in the SEM community and speaks at conferences and seminars, as well as hosting regional SEM events where he provides participants SEM training and education best practices. Ron also serves on the Board of Directors for SEMPO and is also one of the authors for the SEMPO Institute Fundamentals and Advanced courses.
Article Archives by Ron Jones:
» Google Analytics 101, Part 2 - August 31, 2009
» Google Analytics 101, Part 1 - August 24, 2009
» Developing a Social Media Strategy 101, Part 2 - August 17, 2009
» Developing a Social Media Strategy 101, Part 1 - August 10, 2009
» Link Building Tactics 101, Part 2 - August 3, 2009
» Link Building Tactics 101, Part 1 - July 27, 2009
» More Articles by Ron Jones
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