Google Analytics 101 - What You Absolutely Need To Know

[derekjay]

There shouldn't be any problem with verification. I've used landlines and cellphones to verify before and never had a problem...

I hate to point out the obvious, but I've had a few clients miss this one before - It is an automated message - some people hear the automation and hang up immediately thinking its a telesales call...

[Dave A]

Maybe I need to use my cellphone number in future. I used the office line number - perhaps the call came after hours.

[ava_camen]

this is really big help, thanks for this!

[ELBiz]

Interesting reading. I use GA and have found it extremely useful - especially when running a marketing campaign to decide which strategy achieves the best results.

[IanF]

Interesting reading. I use GA and have found it extremely useful - especially when running a marketing campaign to decide which strategy achieves the best results.

What results are you measuring? Also do you measure the sales generated?

[Dave A]

Something I discovered while following a trail left elsewhere - this blog entry on Google Places really covers the ground! Good one, Bryan

[BryanCasson]

Google Places is one of the most powerful tools on the web at this point in time. I can proudly say that ALL my clients are benefiting very well from Google places and my own site is #4 in Johannesburg under the word "SEO" because of a places listing. Google Places allows you to get to the top under those really hard dense words. Remember that Google will only show a places listing if the key-phrase you use gets enough traffic.

A tip from a pro on getting a good listing: Don't use cellphone numbers or toll free numbers as Google prefers to see a dialing code to help it with location... eg 011 tells Google you are in Johannesburg. It will then go double check this with the contact page of the website you listed under your profile. If it see's the same 011 number then you have just gained some trust points from Google.

[BryanCasson]

Dave, the call from Google is immediate (between 2-10 seconds) if you have not got the call you will need to go into the Google Places dashboard and try again.

[BryanCasson]

Nice one IanF, now all you need to do is make sure you complete your profile and make sure it is 100%. That should give you an even bigger boost.

[Dave A]

Dave, the call from Google is immediate (between 2-10 seconds) if you have not got the call you will need to go into the Google Places dashboard and try again.

Sounds like I need to tip off my switchboard then before making the entry.

[BryanCasson]

Yes, if you have switchboard staff you will need to let them know, and automated press 1 stuff will need to be turned off. Google can't ask for Dave It is all automated and just starts talking as soon as something answers.