Tracking with Google Analytics

I recently signed up for Google Analytics to see what sort of web site tracking they offered. I like the idea of easily-accessible data, and Google has typically been very good at providing just what I need.

Since the service has apparently received overwhelming response, Google has turned off the ability to sign up for new profiles. Presumably this will be back soon. I hope so, because I was waiting until things worked on one site to set up the other. Yes, I know you can track two sites using the same code with filters. I didn’t want to do that.

The first thing that really bothered me was that it didn’t seem that I was able to get it to recognize my JavaScript tracking code. Strangely enough, it still worked, so I assumed that it was a problem on their side, not on mine. And this morning, it says it’s working, yet I haven’t changed anything, so that seems like a good assumption.

The second thing that bugs me is that it shows “/” and “/index.html” as two different pages, despite the fact that I’ve set the default page as instructed. It’s not a big deal. But it would just be nice. With this consideration, a page may be higher-ranked than it is if the hits are split into two different pages, so it makes keeping up with things more challenging than it should.

Other than that? I like it. I don’t know that it will replace my full-blown stats program anytime soon, but I like the simple overview that it provides, and for general information, it’s perfect. In most cases, I don’t need a ton of information – if I do, I can use that provided by most host to drill-down to whatever level is needed. In the meantime, I can take in an overview in no time at all. Sweet.

Tip:
Don’t want your activities logged by Google? Try this tip to change your hosts file.


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2 responses to “Tracking with Google Analytics”

  1. Chad Everett Avatar

    Heh. I figured as much, but I didn’t actually go through the process of trying to figure it out. Sure enough, it works. Thanks!

  2. Jeroen Sangers Avatar

    You can add new site profiles, if you know the right URL: How to add a website profile to Google Analytics.