To me, just the name “Google” sounds complicated and tech-savvy.

Before we dive in, let me assure you that you’re smart enough to learn the basics.

Try to keep an open mind and, please, do not be intimidated by the techiness of it all. 

What is Google Analytics?

It’s an online tool that tracks and reports website traffic.

By installing the free program, it will tell you who is coming to your site, what those visitors are looking at, when they’re visiting, and where they’re coming from.

Do you need to install it?

The short answer is yes.

Even if you don’t look at the data for months, having it there can be eye-opening when you’re ready to redesign your site or dive into the behind-the-scenes numbers.

Here’s the good news.

It’s quick and easy to set up. This should only take you fifteen minutes, max.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log on to Gmail.

2. Go here: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/1008015?hl=en

3. Link your Gmail account to your website, and follow the instructions onscreen.

4. Get your unique code and add it to the top of each page on your site.

If just reading this made your head spin (even though I know you can do this!), rest assured that you don’t have to do much beyond setting it up. When you’re ready to review your data, you’ll magically have a plethora of information at your fingertips.

Here’s the even better news.

You probably have enough data already installed on your current platforms, i.e., Squarespace, Mailchimp, and WordPress. But when’s the last time you’ve reviewed it?

Before redesigning your website, the first step is to look at current data trends.

Step two is to spend a boatload of time working on your business strategy and goal- setting. Your website should absolutely mirror this.

While working on a recent project, I chatted with my client about her big dreams for her business.

Hands down, it was the passion and connection she felt when leading weekend retreats.

Typically, About pages or homepages are the most visited areas of a website. But when I investigated what was happening for her, her retreat page had three times the amount of traffic. Wins all around!

Now she has the data to confirm what she instinctively knew – that her message was deeply resonating with women in a retreat setting.

Which brings me to this.

The best news of all.

Your intuition is greater than any data. If you have an offering that’s in your heart or an idea you want to put out into the world, DO IT.

 There’s a balance between having the data to drive strategy and having the intuition to create. When in doubt, go with your gut.

Are you inspired to learn more about your website data? Email me and let’s figure it out together.