Getting started with Google Analytics can be challenging. The tool contains so many reports, filters, and ability for customizations that it can be overwhelming to figure out where to look first. There is a definite learning curve for moving from looking at data to drawing insights that will help you make business decisions.
Google is helping to shorten that learning curve with their Google Analytics Solution Gallery. This solution gallery contains Dashboards, Advanced Segments and Custom Reports that you can quickly import into your own analytics account.
The tool helps you find the right component to answer the business question you want to address. Here is a snapshot of the dropdowns you can use to filter and find the the metrics that matter to you (click the image to see a larger version):
The Analytics Solution dropdown allows you to narrow down your choices to the available Dashboard, Custom Report, or Advanced Segment categories.
Use the Business Objective dropdown to indicate the type of website you have – Publisher, E-commerce, Branding, Lead Generation or Support.
The Marketing Function filter helps you select tools to help you answer questions about SEO, Social Sharing, Engagement, PPC, Acquisition, Mobile, and Site Optimization.
As you change the dropdowns, the page will display the different tools available in the area below, along with a description of each tool. For example, here is an image of the custom reports for e-commerce that are related to acquisition:
To add one of these solutions to your Google Analytics account:
- Make sure you are logged into your GA account
- Click on the download link under the description of the solution you want to add to your account
- Accept the solution into your account and indicate which Web Profile you want to apply it to.
That’s it, you should now have the tool in your GA account ready to use.
Bill Brelsford Small Business Marketing Consultant
