Google Analytics
 

Before I started using this tool I had little idea of who was visiting my site.

I have got to say its transformed my understanding of visitors to my site.

Anyone else using this tool?

Cheers

Mike T

Re: Google Analytics
 

Yep, using it too.

Terry

Re: Google Analytics
 

We used it, starting in 2006, as we brought a new company out of "stealth mode". It was very useful and gave us excellent oversight of which words attracted most visitors. Within a further 5 to 6 weeks, it enabled us to quadruple unique visits and sales began to roll in. The product was a security app for mobile phones based on a granted patent. Ultimately, the site attracted a well-heeled buyer for the company and patent, enabling us to retire comfortably!

Colin

Re: Google Analytics
 

Google Analytics may give you the results you want to know and even "for free", but I and with me many others, block them (using Ghostery or other browser plugins) since you as a web-site owner are essentially selling my soul to Google. If I want to sell my soul, I'll do so myself to a company of my own choice, thank you very much.

I would encourage you to look for alternative scripts that just parse your web servers logs and give almost as much useful information without leaking it to dubious advertisment companies such as Google.

Re: Google Analytics
 

Keep your eyes peeled on legislation. EU GDPR is coming in March 2018. This means you can be fined for not having clear policies, consent, opt out and data erasure in place. GA collections PII by default (IP addresses).

Re: Google Analytics
 

RS Components use Google Analytics and sometimes the website hangs with the words 'waiting for google analytics' in the bottom left corner.

Re: Google Analytics
 

Not at all business related but I have a web site using godaddy and I’m working on another using WIX.
I enabled google analytics and was surprised at the level of detail, location, browser, os, mobile etc etc. Just a bit of fun for me but I’m sure it’s a valuable tool for commercial sites.

John

Re: Google Analytics
 

Just a bit of fun for me as well.

My site isn't at all commercial I dont sell anything on it :)

I may decide to use it more commercially in the future but more as a service rather than profit driven.

Cheers

Mike T

Re: Google Analytics
 

Some information in the reverse direction is also viewable, on Firefox at least, with Lightbeam. You'd be surprised how many sites you connect with, or rather who connect with you!

Re: Google Analytics
 

That's interesting

Personally I am not interested in individuals that their own business.

I am interested in what pages people visit and if they return :thumbsup:

Like many I am trying to inform and educate.

It's my hobby as it has been for more than 40 years.

Google Analytics is too sophisticated in many ways for my use but its a free tool so I use it.

Cheers Mike T

Re: Google Analytics
 

Thanks to Maarten I've installed ghostery. Eye-opening just who's tracking you. Farnell for example have between 20-40 trackers gworkin before you've even added a product to a basket. No wonder their website's so slow! It might be my imagination but it's sped-up since blocking them . The only one not on the blacklist is 'bazaarvoice'.

Re: Google Analytics
 

You can set "do not track" in modern browsers, but whether or not they take heed of this is chance at best I read.

Re: Google Analytics
 

they ignore it IMHO