Fun in the Google Analytics Forum

Have you ever needed some quick advice about using Google Analytics, or wanted to learn some cool tricks? The Analytics Help Forum in Google Groups is a great place to go to see people helping out their peers by asking for, and quickly sharing, best practices, references, advice, and observations.


There are six discussion sections: Analytics Basics , Tracking Your Site , Your ROI, Troubleshooting, Urchin 5 Software, and Miscellaneous, each with a good number of interesting contributions.

For example, in this helpful discussion thread user 'MercuryTide' asks, "Does anyone know if it is possible to have tracking report to 2 different GA accounts?" User 'ShoreTel' and user 'bac' reply that this can be accomplished by resetting the _uff flag, each giving a different method of doing so.

And sometimes experienced users will answer a request for tips on more than just troubleshooting Google Analytics. In another discussion thread , user 'agapit' says, "I have just changed a site design and layout. I have not changed any marketing parameters. Bounce rate went down from 62% on home page to 49%. What proven design suggestions that lower Bounce Rates are there?"

'Caleb @ Pop,' an experienced Google Analytics Authorized Consultant, replies, "The most important thing to keeping bounce rate low is giving the visitor what they want to find right away." He goes on to give a helpful example of the path from ad click to conversion, citing that when possible, the landing pages should be customized to contain the converting action mentioned in the ad or link. And he recommends linking to a specific product page when advertising that product, rather than linking to the home page which would require some navigation by the visitor.

For lively discussion about Google Analytics, visit our Google Group. You can ask for answers to your questions, contribute your own knowledge, or just read through the different discussion threads to learn more.

Posted by Keyon Hedayati, Google Analytics Team

Help Wanted: GAAC Partner Program

We have big plans in 2007 for the Google Analytics Authorized Consultant (GAAC) program. And we'd like your help.

The GAAC network provides advanced technical support and professional services to Google Analytics customers beyond the free email support offered by Google. GAACs are entrusted with the important responsibility of helping Google Analytics customers measure and get the most value from their marketing and websites. The program has become a big success and has helped many of our customers.

If your company would like to become a GAAC, now is the time to apply. We have a group training coming up in March that is mandatory for GAAC partners, so if you think your business is a fit, let us know you're interested by emailing gaac-requests@google.com and we'll reply letting you know more about the requirements and asking for some specific information about your company.

We're also looking to hire a new full-time candidate who has the partner management skills to take the GAAC global network to the next level. In-depth knowledge of the web analytics industry and experience managing a channel program are important. To meet Google's exacting hiring standards, you'll need an outstanding academic record from a highly ranked university and have a history of professional achievement. You'll spearhead an expanding program at Google and be visible as a thought leader and evangelist in the web analytics space. Read the full job description and apply here.

2007 will be an exciting year!

Posted by Brett Crosby, Google Analytics Team

New Google Mini Integrates Google Analytics

Google's enterprise team has just released an update to the Google Mini that features integration with Google Analytics. The Google Mini is a hardware and software solution that businesses use to search internal corporate data, as well as public websites. By adding integration with Google Analytics, the Mini just became an even better solution for searching public websites. By adding Analytics tracking code into the search results, the Mini's administrator can understand what visitors are searching for and whether searchers are able to find the information they need. Previously Mini owners had to manually customize their search results to include tracking code, and the new integration makes this process much easier.

To configure a Google Mini to use Google Analytics, an admin need only set the Google Analytics account number inside of the Mini's administrative interface. The output format of the search results will automatically include the JavaScript that Google Analytics uses to study a user's navigation across your website.

Learn more about the mini and Google's enterprise search solutions, and buy the mini at the Google Store.

Posted by Jeff Gillis, Google Analytics Team

Update: Reporting is now up-to-date

Hello again Google Analytics users,
Please note that system maintenance has been completed and your reports should now be up-to-date.

Thanks again for your patience and for using Google Analytics.

Posted by Jeff Gillis, Google Analytics Team

Update: Temporary Reporting Delay within Accounts

Google Analytics users,
There is a temporary reporting delay within your Google Analytics accounts due to system maintenance. You are still able to log in to accounts and please note that no data will be lost - data will continue to be collected and processed during this time.

We expect Google Analytics account data to be fully updated and displayed within your reports before the end of the day. We apologize for any inconvenience this delay in reporting has caused.

Thank you for using Google Analytics.

Posted by Jeff Gillis, Google Analytics Team