If you haven’t created a Google Analytics account for your business, there is no better time than now—especially if you want to monitor the progress from your digital marketing efforts. Google Analytics can help you monitor everything from your SEO and mobile efforts to your social media success, PPC campaigns, and much more. The following is a step-by-step guide for setting up your account, as well as any potential issues you’ll want to try to avoid along the way:

1. Signing up for a Google Analytics Account

The first thing you want to do is go to analytics.google.com, where you’ll be prompted to sign into your Google account, and then to sign up for a Google Analytics (GA) account. If you don’t already have a Google account, you’ll also have the option to sign up for free.

Potential issues to avoid: If you are creating a Google Analytics account for a business, you’ll ideally want to avoid setting up your Google Analytics account under your personal account. If you aren’t the only one who will be logging into this account directly, you will need to share this login information. And even if you are a sole proprietor creating your business Google Analytics account, it’s better to keep your personal Google account separated from your business account. 

2. Setting up Your Business GA Account

Once you log into your Google account, you’ll be taken to another screen to begin setting up your business Google Analytics account. You’ll have the option of choosing whether you want to set up your Google Analytics with a website or an app. You’ll choose an account name, which can be the name of your business (or can be more specific if you’d prefer), plus the website or app name. If you’re setting up a website with Google Analytics, you’ll be required to enter the URL. You’ll then be asked to select an industry category, as well as a reporting time zone.

Finally, you’ll be asked about data sharing settings. Google recommends you give Google access to your Google Analytics, which can benefit both you and Google. There are four specific items you can check or uncheck: Products and services (helps Google improve products and services), benchmarking (helps you better understand data trends), technical support (allows Google to assess any potential technical issues with your account), and account specialists (allows Google to offer customized tips). 

Potential issues to avoid: Each Google account allows up to 100 user accounts for Google Analytics. Depending on the size of your business, this might be more than enough, or you might need to create an additional account if you exceed 100 accounts. If you’re creating more than one Google Analytics account to track multiple apps and/or websites, be sure to keep track of your login information. If you have multiple Google Analytics accounts for different websites and/or apps that are part of the same business, but they’re registered under multiple Google accounts, that can be frustrating and messy. Ideally, try to keep everything under one account, and keep the account name consistent with the business.

3. Google Analytics Terms of Service

You will then be asked to agree to the Google Analytics Terms of Service as the final step.

Potential issues to avoid: Part of these terms and conditions include allowing data sharing. Although data sharing is meant to improve your experience with Google Analytics, some people may not be comfortable with sharing all or parts of their data, depending on the type of business and subsequent privacy concerns of said data. If you meant to leave those boxes unchecked, but you are still being asked to agree to the data sharing terms, you may have accidentally left something checked and you will want to correct it before proceeding. 

4. Google Analytics Dashboard

You will then be taken to what will become your Google Analytics dashboard. This is where you are provided with a unique tracking code, and it is how your Google Analytics account will track data from your website or app. You will need to add this code into the HTML of every page on your site that you’d like to track.

Potential issues to avoid: You may be the one installing the code, or it may be someone else at your company. It’s important to be aware that websites using a third-party hosting provider, such as Wix or Wordpress, will have their own instructions for installation. If you are planning on installing the code yourself and it’s something you are unfamiliar with, it could be worth enlisting the help of someone else to ensure everything is done correctly. 

5. Create a Google Tag Manager Account

You will also be given the option to create a Google Tag Manager account, which can simplify the process when it comes to adding tags to your website’s pages. You’ll be able to sign up with any Google account you already have, including the one you use for your business Google Analytics. 

Potential issues to avoid:  Again, if you are taking care of the technical side of Google Analytics for your business and don’t have prior experience, it could be worth contracting or enlisting help.

Creating a Google Analytics account for your business is the first step in ensuring your digital marketing campaigns are on the right track. But it helps to fully understand everything in order to completely take advantage of the features and tools offered. Simplilearn’s Digital Marketing Specialist Course is designed to do just that. You’ll learn everything you need to master the digital marketing world, including the essentials of Google Analytics. Sign up today!

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