Why Google’s new in-page analytics sorta sucks: A video
I lie at the beginning of this video. I say that there are some things I love about Google Analytics’ new ‘in-page analytics’ feature. Truth is, I hate it. You know I’m a fan of all things Google Analytics, but man, this one stinks up the joint like a rotting pig carcass. Watch the video to see why, and learn an alternative:
In which I say “don’t use in-page analytics!”, explain why, and present alternatives.
PS: I don’t even mention the part where Google Analytics’ page overlay then burrows into your browser like a tick and refuses to go away, so every time you load your site after using it, you get the overlay. Waaaah.
Related
- In web analytics, everything is relative
- My Google Analytics e-Book, the Fat Free Guide to Google Analytics
- Which, by the way, costs $17. You can get it for free if you sign up for my online training site, The Fat Free Guide to Internet Marketing, which costs $7/month. Hmmm.
- Google Analytics: Basic Stats
Portent's Founder & CEO
Ian Lurie is founder and CEO of Portent Inc., an internet marketing agency that has provided internet marketing, including PPC, SEO, social and analytics services, since 1995. more >
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Ian I enjoy your content.
You probably already know this but the link tracking behavior you are talking about in the new “in-page analytics” (I have not even played with it yet) is the same as it was with older site overlay method.
@Mike Yup, I know. I’m just… disappointed.
Ian, to get rid of the “sticky” overlay on your site, just remove a cookie from Google. I can’t remember it off the top of my head, but I found it easily.
It’s annoying though, I agree. I don’t particularly like the feature either.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for the video – so is this new feature any different to the previous content overlay analytics had?
I too have used Clicktale, although the one negative I find is the javascript is a little slow loading when put through a speed test. I guess thats the trade off for the amount of cool information you get from it!
Definitely worth installing for a few months to see how your pages really work.
@Andrew It’s the same, basically, except they made it prettier. I agree on Clicktale – but the data is worth the brief hit.
I absolutely agree and use Clicktale in addition to GA now.
However, have you ever given Clicky a try? If I remember correctly, it has a pretty decent on page analytics module.
Some web analytics tools offer real clicktracking as addon. Very easy if you don’t even have to add an extra code – like with clicktale or crazyegg.