Google Analytics Implementation
Google Analytics first step: Installing the Tracking Code
Every journey starts with a first tiny step. Don’t stumble at the beginning of your Analytics adventure.
This issue is quite simple but we have seen online marketing strategies fail due to decisions taken based on good analysis of wrong data.
Do I really need it?
Yes, definitely. If you are serious about your online business you need to analyse what is happening with your site, no matter what type of website you have or the kind of business you run.
Google Analytics offers some great features and benefits, but the most remarkable one: it’s free!
http://www.google.com/analytics/features.html
How to get it
Sing in for Google Analytics with your GMail account.
Create an account for the website you want to track and then create a profile.
The tracking code is associated to a profile so Analytics will give the option so select the code you have to copy and paste into your website Html code.
http://www.google.com/analytics/sign_up.html
Which one should I choose?
GA offers two different tracking codes: New Tracking Code (ga.js) and Legacy Tracking Code (urchin.js). Select the first option. This has some advantages and makes custom or advanced setup easier.
‘Forewarned is forearmed’ so you are thinking to include both just in case? NO.
Where to place it
Recommendation is crystal clear:
Copy the following code block into every web page you want to track
immediately before the </body> tag
The basic structure of a webpage or Html document is:
<html>
<head>
…
</head>
<body>
…
</body>
</html>
Every browser has an option to show you the Html code of the page you are looking at, Ctrl+U in Firefox for example.
and the specs ask you to place it “immediately before the </body> tag” so this is the right place
<html>
<head>
…
</head>
<body>
…
HERE!
</body>
</html>
Are you an imaginative person and think it would be better to place it somewhere else? NO.
