web management Archives

Google Analytics: The Quick Guide to Getting Started

by Hannah O'Neill | Nov 3, 2020 | Website Management

Google website analytics is one of the most popular tools around. Marketing Land published an article which shows research that 52.9% of websites in the world use analytics. In this short guide, we’re going to discuss how to get started with analytics.

Why Use Google Website Analytics?

Google Analytics is a free to use tool that enables you to monitor your website metrics. In simple terms, it offers a complete picture of the performance of your site.

There are lots of helpful reports, including your audience demographics, which pages perform the best, your top posts, click-through and bounce rates, and much more.

You can also discover which marketing methods work best for your website traffic, so using the platform offers a lot of advantages.

There are way too many reports that analytics offers to mention in this brief guide, but you can click here to learn more about them.

Getting Started With Analytics

If you want to get started with Google Analytics, then you’ll need to register for an account. You also need to embed the application into your website so it can track and monitor the performance.

When you sign-up, Google will generate a tracking code and take you through the steps of how to install it.

The best thing about analytics is it offers a set of instructions depending on the platform you use. Wix, WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace and GoDaddy users will have no problem installing the code, as long as they follow the instructions.

If you’re not using one of those platforms, you can still use analytics. All you need to do is install the tracking code into the header of your site’s HTML editor.

Setting Up Site Search & Goals

Every business should take advantage of the site search feature and goals features. Site search enables you to view how your visitors use the search function within your website.

Which pages do they look for the most? What queries do they use? There is so much you can accomplish by setting the site search feature, and it can give you an in-depth look at how you can improve the navigational aspects of your website.

Goals are also easy to set up, and most of the time, you’ll find a suitable template. Setting and tracking your goals can make it easier to look at where your website is failing and how you can make changes.

Learning Google Website Analytics

We’re not going to lie; when it comes to analytics, there’s a lot to learn. But once you know what you’re doing, the results can be incredible. If you don’t know where you’re going wrong with your site, Google Analytics will remove any ambiguity and help you improve the performance.

Luckily there are simple – and free- options to learn about the platform. You can join Google Analytics training courses and once you complete them, take an exam to gain a Google Analytics Certification.

Hopefully, you’ve found this brief guide informative. If you’d like some support to set up analytics, don’t hesitate to contact Zapp. As a UK website management platform, we can help you get online and be noticed.

How to List A Business on Google Local

by Hannah O'Neill | Nov 1, 2020 | Website Management

If you want to get the most out of your business, then you must make sure people can see it. There are so many free directories to choose from, but the most effective platform is Google My Business. In this post, we’re going to tell you how to list your business on Google local.

What Is Google Local?

Google Local is a listing which aims itself towards local businesses. Using the platform means you can list your business, post reviews and show up in the local SERP results.

For example, if you type Italian restaurants in London into the search engine, these local businesses will show up in the listings.

You can also use Google Local to advertise your business. The service enables you to target people in your vicinity primarily.

Last year Statista conducted a research study and asked people if they prefer shopping in-store or online. The results showed that 64% of respondents like to buy their items in a shop.

While many businesses think they should primarily focus on their online sales, the research shows that local companies will miss out on an ample opportunity if they don’t advertise themselves locally.

How to List Your Business

If you want a local listing, you need to register to Google My Business first. While a lot of people prefer to use their personal account, it’s advisable to open a new account to focus on your local efforts.

The Basics

Once you’ve created your account, you can claim your business. It’s essential to choose the storefront option – especially if you want to appear on local searches. Any company with a physical location counts, including doctors, dentists and agencies.

Now it’s time for the important part – writing your information. If you already have a business, then you should claim it and follow Google’s suggestions, because they make a big difference.

For example, if your business is registered as a St, Google might tell you to change it to Street. Doing this seems like a small thing, but they can boost your optimisation for your listing.

Telling People Who You Are

Once you fill in the necessary information, you need to use your local listing to make sure your company stands out.

You can pick from a range of category options, so make sure you choose the one that fits your business best.

Once you confirm your business, you can pick an unlimited amount of categories, but make sure they’re relevant to your business. Listing yourself as a web design platform when you only offer marketing will negatively impact your Google local SEO.

When your business listing is complete, it won’t be live until you activate the code. Most times the code arrives on a postcard which goes to your business address.

Wrapping Up

Once you’re officially listed on Google Local, you can write a great description, and with some time and effort, you’ll find a place in three-pack on the local SERP page.

If you need some help with your listing, Zapp Sites is here for you. We offer a range of UK website management services to suit your requirements.