Google Analytics is a powerful, free statistical analysis service from Google. Mahalo Page Managers can use Google Analytics to track information such as the number of visitors a page has received, where those people came from, when they came, etc. This data helps you determine the impact of changes in Google Search algorithms.
The two tutorial videos contained on this page will first give you an overview of Google Analytics and then will dive into the depths of Google Analytics to show you how to customize your dashboard with data that is relevant for Mahalo Page Managers. Major algorithm changes in Google Search will also be described.
This tutorial will outline the basics of Google Analytics and specifically outline how a Mahalo Page Manager can use Google Analytics to his or her advantage. Using Google Analytics and reviewing the statistics that are available a Page Manager can significantly improve the earnings that a page receives.
If you haven't already, setup Google Analytics by referring to the first video in this 3 part series. How To Use Google Analytics With Mahalo is a concise How To guide that outlines exactly how to connect your Mahalo account to Google Analytics.
If you have questions after viewing these tutorials, the best place to get answers is of course, Mahalo Answers. Post a question and a number of people will be happy to help you!
If you would like more information about Google Analytics, an in depth general guide has been created that describes How To Use Google Analytics For Beginners.
Introduction To Google Analytics
You can access Google Analytics by visiting: http://www.google.com/analytics
Once there, click on the profile for your Mahalo Page Manager account. If you haven't connected Mahalo to Google Analytics or you don't see your Mahalo profile listed in Google Analytics, review the tutorial describing How To Use Google Analytics With Mahalo.
Getting Started - Linking Analytics with your Mahalo Account
In this tutorial Rob Brown teaches you how to connect your Mahalo Account with Google Analytics.
In this video, Rob Brown provides an overview of Google Analytics including the location and functions of many important components.
Important Data and Setting Up Your Dashboard
Google Analytics users have the ability to customize their dashboard. Google Analytics has the ability to track and record an incredible number of statistics. Not all of these statistics are important for every goal or application. Mahalo Page Managers for example are interested in data that a regular website owner may not be.
By selecting the Google Analytics components that are useful and highlighting that information on the dashboard, you will be able to quickly and easily review the most relevant pieces of information.
One of the most useful is "Compare to Past" found by clicking on the date range. Your traffic (or other metric) for a page can be compared to the previous time period (e.g., month).
In this video, Rob Brown describes some of the basic terminology used in Google Analytics and sets up the Dashboard with data that is important to Mahalo Page Managers.
Important Google Analytics Data For Page Managers
While there are a number of useful statistics in Google Analytics, each report has a unique application. Beyond simply telling you how many people viewed your managed pages, the goal of Google Analytics is to help you understand why people visit your pages.
Five of the reports that can help you include: Time on Site, Keywords, All Traffic Sources, Referring Sites, and Content by Title.
These reports tell you what keywords someone used to find your pages, what sites they came from, which pages are the most popular and even how long people spend on your pages.
How To Export Google Analytics Data
It can be useful to export some Google Analytics Data for use and comparison outside of the service. On the top of every report, the option to export the data presented exists.
One of my favorite reports to export is the "Content By Title" report to track and analyze which pages were viewed how many times.
Quickly clicking on the Export button near the top of the right hand column will reveal several export formats including PDF, XML and CSV.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Take your time and have a good look around Google Analytics. There are a lot of options!
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If you change the date range, it will update all of your reports automatically.
