My thoughts on Google Analytics as promised. As one might expect from the search giant, it is a very different take on the generic site statistics to which you may be used. Filled with graphical representations, it aims to offer true analysis rather than merely raw data. Setting up “goals” it provides information on how successful the site is in achieving them. Ideally designed for those selling a product, it allows you to see the efficiency of your site in acquiring sales. Unfortunately the interface is designed with this sort of “executive” use in mind, making the system of collapsable menus rather unweildy until you know the location of what you are after.
However, even for general use, it provide some interesting options. The graphical overlay geo tracking, for examples, displays markers on top of a world map to show from where your visitors come. The more often they visit, the larger the marker. So I can now see the regularity with which certain indivudals read the site from, say, Harrow or Colchester.
It seems that the use of permalinks on the site has really boosted the number of visitors who arrive here through search engines. With the title of any post now appearing in its URL, we are actually the top ranked result for certain strings like “Silent Garfield“, whilst others are seeking all sorts of things from the “ingredients of Skittles Vodka” to “Jamie Kane albums”. It’s good to know the site is able to direct other people towards what they are after as well as earning a few new readers.
Although I’m pleased with the new system, it won’t be replacing the alternative sources of raw data I previously used. They simply allow a flexibility and depth that isn’t available in Google’s analysis. Yet for its pleasant appearance and the ease of excluding my own activity on my site which can significantly skew statistics, it will be by most regularly checked source.
9 April 2006 at 9:03 pm
Now that I’m back, Cambridge is gonna beat them all! :d :p
9 April 2006 at 11:10 pm
Woo Harrow thas me <):)
9 April 2006 at 11:16 pm
Uh oh, we seem to have sparked off a bit of rivalry here. Maybe I should be announcing the top 5 regions on a regular basis… 😕
10 April 2006 at 12:05 pm
Colchester – that’s me! I can’t decide if that’s cool (in the sense that I obviously like you, haha) or just plain sad. 😕
…but dude, whatever. I beat all y’all. Hands down. Colchester for the win! :d
10 April 2006 at 10:24 pm
Nah blood is thicker than lighter fluid (which evapourates btw!). Harrow is much much better!
And yeah you shud announce the top 5, that’d be cool
11 April 2006 at 12:29 pm
Yes! Do it weekly. “And this week, the winner is….”
And you should give out some sort of prize to the most dedicated (i.e. the saddest) person who visits your site.
…or something. :d
11 April 2006 at 7:47 pm
If I can pick the price… like nice shoes for me, or that shirt for me, or dinner at Bella Italia for me… :p
12 April 2006 at 8:52 am
Hey I wudn’t mind some shoes a shirt and a dinner, though if I could pick a prize it would be that you do my C4 exam for me. Its well hard :-ss:-ss
12 April 2006 at 10:57 am
I don’t know what any of you are talking about. Acting like you’re actually going to win? HA!
I laugh in the face of competition.
(But dinner and shoes and a shirt sounds lovely. :d)
12 April 2006 at 10:58 am
I don’t know what any of you are talking about. Acting like you’re actually going to win? HA!
I laugh in the face of competition. HA HA!
(But dinner and shoes and a shirt sounds lovely. :d)
12 April 2006 at 1:21 pm
I would like a copy of Oblivion and a computer that’s capable of playing Oblivion properly. Oh, and some spare time to play it in.
Thank you.
*presses F5*
*repeatedly*
12 April 2006 at 5:03 pm
Yeah, I’m busy enough messing up my own exams, but if I can spare a minute, I’ll ruin the C4 as well… and yes, you’re welcome! 😉
12 April 2006 at 11:08 pm
Lol