This document discusses how to go beyond basic analytics script implementation to ensure valid and reliable web analytics data. It emphasizes that data quality is important and outlines several ways to improve data quality, such as exploring tracking tool settings beyond defaults, placing tracking scripts on all pages including 404 and search pages, excluding internal IP addresses and URL query parameters, implementing event and campaign tracking, and working with an analytics professional. The overall message is that web analytics requires attention to details beyond just adding a basic tracking script.
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Analytics is more than adding a script
1. Analytics is more than adding a
script to your website
By Rune Andersen
Web Analytics Consultant
21-10-2013
@SiteimproveUK #Siteimprove13
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14. Beyond the script
Exploring beyond the default setting
WHY
The settings (=options) are there for a reason
They can make the difference on reliable and valid data.
HOW
Be sure what you are doing (or get help from someone that knows)
TIP
Use the same settings on different sites (or know why you dont do it)
And if multiple tracking tools are used ensure they are using the same settings.
Filters, IP exclusion, Session length etc
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17. Beyond the script
Place the script on ALL pages
WHY
Non-tagged pages makes the data misleading
HOW
Be meticulous when adding script to site
Optionally use a site audit tool or a tag manager
TIP
Remember 404 pages, search result and campaign pages
And if multiple tracking tools are used ensure they are implemented the same way
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19. Beyond the script
Exclude URL Query parameters
WHY
What
Get clean data
Remove duplicated pages
Part after ? In a URL
Separated by &
HOW
Identify URL Query parameters used on site.
Ask: Can I remove it without the content being changed or broken ?
Remove or keep the parameter
TIP
In Siteimprove: Choose Track on page and see page specific data for
parameters
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25. Beyond the script
Exclude internal IP addresses
WHY
See data for real visitors not the employees
HOW
Ask IT for the complete IP range list (dont try to look it up yourself)
Keep the list updated (and make a routine for keeping it updated)
TIP
An Include only internal IP can be useful
Forced Homepage as start page can generate many fake visits
Especially when the laptop is used at home
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29. Beyond the script
Remember Internal Search
WHY
Essential source of insight about the visitors
HOW
With JavaScript or parameters (depends on the tool)
TIP
Remember all the search fields
Look at Search with 0 results
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30. Beyond the script
Remember Internal Search
Siteimprove Analytics: Internal Search
Completed by support as a free service
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32. Beyond the script
Event tracking
What
Track specific user interactions on a website that
WHY
Get even more insight
doesnt load a new page when used
Typical tab shift, form submit, video play etc,
HOW
With JavaScript or HTML code
An event is assigned with a category, action and label
TIPS
Be proactive, and think ahead when making a naming syntax for category,
action and label
On most sites JavaScript are the best solution for event tracking
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39. Beyond the script
Campaign tracking
What
UTM parameters originate from
WHY
Measure the effect of the campaign
HOW
Google but can be used in many
tools. Other campaign parameters
exists.
Track campaign traffic with parameters
Add UTM campaign parameters to the link in campaigns
TIPS
Use campaign tracking consistently, be careful with the naming and test
when using redirect
Take the time to define a workable, future proof and logical naming
procedure and follow it consistently.
NEVER use UTM parameters on internal campaigns
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45. Beyond the script
Have an Analytics professional
WHY
Analytics without a skilled analyst are just numbers
HOW
Assign resources and time for analytics (Internal or external)
Set up business goals and listen to the analyst
TIPS
The analyst should know the analytics tool or should learn the tool
The analyst needs insight into your Business Goals
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46. Beyond the script
THE DEVIL IS IN THE
DETAILS
21-10-2013
@SiteimproveUK #Siteimprove13
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