Google Analytics is a reliable tool to measure website traffic, return data, landing pages, code changes, and give you valuable knowledge concerning your site. That's why keeping on top of things, namely ensuring that Google Analytics is working correctly, is crucial to your success.
With the release of GA4 in October 2020, there has never been a better time to use Google Analytics’ power. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the tool or feel overwhelmed by its aspects, it’s well worth checking to see if everything’s in working order. After all, this could determine how well your website performs.
But what are some of the best ways to check and see if GA is performing up to speed? Let's see what you can do to avoid problems, better track website data, and thrive online.
Is My Google Analytics Working Properly?
If you're running a campaign, you're going to want the most up-to-date, most accurate data possible. What are some ways to dig in and take matters into your own hands?
Is Your Website Sending Data?
Before you do any in-depth digging, you want to ensure that everything is running at a basic level. Is your website even sending data to Google Analytics? It may seem insultingly simple, but it's more common than you may think.
To do a quick check to see if Google Analytics is working properly, make your way to the Admin page within Google Analytics. Once there, go to Tracking Info. You'll quickly see if your website is even transmitting data to GA. If everything is going according to plan, you'll see either:
- Waiting for Data
- Receiving Data
These are the two things you want to see. However, if Google Analytics isn't receiving data, you'll have to examine your website's code and make sure everything lines up with GA.
Use the Tag Assistant
Let's start off a bit simpler than other methods by recommending a Chrome extension. This extension, Tag Assistant, helps you and your team determine if you placed your tags on your page correctly from your browser. A significant part of this extension is that it checks everything across the board: everything from Google Analytics to conversion tracking.
Once you have it installed, go into the options and click 'enable' on your site. You'll then see the tag analysis.
Google Analytics Debugging
A quick way to determine if your page is running correctly with GA is through Google Analytics debugging. This is another browser extension.
To use Google Analytics Debugger, make your way to your page, click on Inspect to see your tracking ID on the website's code.
Keep a Data Log
Sudden drops or changes in your GA data may be more straightforward than you may think: other users. If you're running a marketing campaign alongside other admins, it only takes one instance of poor communication for something to go awry.
Those with GA admin access allow for settings to change. As such, it's helpful to organize any significant changes to GA through reports or logs.
This simple act of keeping everything and everyone up to date can make monitoring your data through GA a lot easier.
Finding Solutions to Whether Google Analytics Is Working Properly or Not
Having GA up and running is key to maintaining data quality, website rank, and user interactions. With the more recent release of GA, it can be tricky to check your website to ensure everything is
What's the best solution to your GA problems? It depends on what your issue may be. However, thanks to the plethora of solutions should have your website tracking data, traffic, and impressions.