Google Analytics is a powerful tool that can help you track your website’s performance. But what is a metric in Google Analytics, and what is a dimension? Below, we’ll explain what each of these terms means and how you can use them to your advantage.
What Is a Metric in Google Analytics & Why Track Them?
First, what is a metric in Google Analytics? A metric is a quantitative measurement. In Google Analytics, metrics are the numerical data that you collect about your website and its visitors. This data can be anything from the number of pageviews to the average time spent on a page.
You can use metrics to track your website’s progress over time and see which areas need improvement. Metrics are also helpful for identifying trends and patterns in your data.
What Is a Dimension & Why Track Them?
A dimension is a qualitative attribute of your data. In Google Analytics, dimensions are the characteristics of your website’s visitors. This can include things like their location, what device they’re using, or what pages they visit.
You can use dimensions to segment your data and get a more detailed picture of who your visitors are and how they’re using your website. This way, you can tailor your marketing and website design to better meet their needs.
Examples of Metrics and Dimensions in Google Analytics
Here are some examples of dimensions and metrics that you can track in Google Analytics:
- Dimension: Location. Metric: Pageviews.
- Dimension: Device. Metric: Sessions.
- Dimension: Behavior. Metric: Pages/Session.
As you can see, dimensions and metrics go hand-in-hand. You need both types of data to get a complete picture of your website’s performance. So make sure you’re tracking both metrics and dimensions in Google Analytics!
Google Analytics Metrics – The Full List of Relevant Ones
What is a metric in Google Analytics that is especially relevant and important to track? While this will differ from business to business, some essential metrics that all businesses should eventually track include:
- number of sessions;
- number of new users;
- average session duration;
- number of pages per session;
- ratio of new to returning visitors;
- pageviews;
- unique pageviews;
- bounce rate;
- organic vs. paid sessions;
- newsletter opens;
- top queries in search;
- the click-through rates and positions of the queries;
- top landing pages.
That’s quite a lot of metrics! But don’t worry, you don’t need to track all of them at once. Start with a few that are most relevant to your business and go from there. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of them.
Pages per Session
The pages per session metric tells you how many pages your visitors are viewing during a single session. This is a good way to gauge engagement and see how well your website is keeping your visitors’ attention. To track this metric, go to Google Analytics and navigate to the “Behavior” section. Then, click on “Site Content” and “All Pages”.
Pageviews and Unique Pageviews
Pageviews and unique pageviews are two similar but slightly different metrics. Pageviews count every time a page is loaded, regardless of whether it’s the same visitor viewing it multiple times. Unique pageviews, on the other hand, count each time a page is loaded by a unique visitor.
So if one person views a page three times, that will count as three pageviews but only one unique pageview. To track these metrics, go to Google Analytics and navigate to the “Audience” section. Then, click on “Overview.”
Bounce Rate
The bounce rate is the percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate can indicate that your website isn’t providing what visitors are looking for. To track this metric, go to Google Analytics and navigate to the “Audience Overview” page. Then, click on “Bounce Rate.”
Track Dimensions and Metrics to Increase Conversions
So, what is a metric in Google Analytics? Any number-based data. By tracking dimensions and metrics, you can get a better understanding of your website’s performance. This way, you can make changes to improve your website and increase conversions. So don’t wait, start tracking today!