How to use Google Analytics for your Hubpages
96What is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is a free service provided by Google which gives detailed statistics to webmasters (and it works very well for hubbers too). With Google Analytics tracking your hubpages you will be able to find out lots of information, such as:
- How many visitors (both unique and repeat) you are getting to each hub
- Where in the world your visitors come from
- How people get to your hubs (e.g. from a search engine or by clicking a link)
- Which keywords they use to get to your hubs
- How long they spend looking at each hub
...and lots lots more - but we'll stick to the basics for now.
Google Analytics Screenshot
Why use Google Analytics?
Why use Google Analytics when you can already get stats on Hubpages?
The stats produced by Google Analytics are much more detailed that on Hubpages.
Looking at the key phrases which have been used to find your hub will give you ideas for writing other related hubs. Personally I find it fascinating to see which countries my visitors are accessing my site from. It's also interesting to note the times in the week (or over the year for some hubs) which get the most visitors. The screenshot above shows a hub which experiences a dip in traffic every weekend.
How to start using Google Analytics
- If you haven't already got one, you will need to get yourself a Google Account.
- Sign in to your Google Account (go to Google and click Sign In top right).
- Click My Account (top right), then click the link for Analytics.
- Click Analytics Settings (top left), then Add Website Profile (bottom left).
- Type in hubpages.com and click continue. Don't worry, you won't be tracking all of hubpages.com content, just the pages with your unique tracking ID in them.
- A text box containing JavaScript code will be produced. People who have created their own websites would have to copy all this code into their pages, but Hubpages handles all that for you - all you need to do is look through the code and find your unique Tracking ID, which will look something like this: UA-123456-7. Select and copy this code (hold down Ctrl and press C).
- Now go to your Hubpages account and click Affiliate Settings. Paste your Google Analytics tracking code into the box labelled Analytics (not the box labelled Google - that's for your Adsense ID) and click to update.
Completing the Google Analytics Setup
When you have entered the tracking code on your Hubpages account, you will need to go back to Google Analytics.
Click the Finish button on the page showing the tracking code. Your hubpage should be listed with a message alongside inviting you to check the status of the tracking code. When you've checked the status and the code is found, you should get the "Waiting for data" message.
It can be quite a long wait...it can take up to 24 hours for the stats to be updated, so don't wait up!
Using Google Analytics for multiple Hubpages
I've been using Google Analytics to track some of my websites for quite a while now, and I was initially confused about how it would work with multiple hubs. I thought I would need a different tracking code for each hub and there didn't seem to be anywhere to enter multiple codes. I decided then that maybe only overall stats would be produced, rather than for individual hubs. But I was wrong! I couldn't work out how to do it, so I gave up. And guess what? It just happened all by itself. Hubpages are so clever. Once you have entered your Google Analytics Tracking ID in your affiliate settings, ALL of your hubs will be automatically tracked and you will be able to access overall stats as well as stats for individual hubs.
Google Analytics Dashboard
Once Google Analytics has started collecting data from your hubpages, you will see the stats summarised on the Dashboard when you visit Google Analytics (see screenshot at the top of this page).
There is a wealth of information just in this first screen, but there is plenty more to find when you explore.
Content Overview
The content overview panel appears at the bottom right hand corner of the Analytics dashboard. This is probably the most important section for hubbers. It will list all your hubs (or if you have too many to show in the panel, just click "view report" to see them all).
Clicking any of the hub URLs in the content overview panel will provide detailed stats for the individual hub.
Visits Graph
The graph at the top of the Google Analytics dashboard shows the number of visitors over a period of time (you can easily change the date range).
Map Overlay
The map overlay shows where in the world your visitors have come from (darker areas have most visitors). You can click "view report" to get much more detail.
Traffic Sources Overview
The traffic sources overview shows how much of your traffic came from a search engine, the number of visits referred from other sites and how many accessed directly. Again, you can click "view report" to find out more.
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Let me know how you get on
If you have any problems installing Google Analytics on your Hubpage, let me know. When I decided to write this article, I'd already got them working on my hubs, so it's been quite hard to remember exactly what I did. I'd welcome any comments below.
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Comments
Good information. Well written. I didn't have any trouble getting things set up for hubpages. Also using it to track my blogs.
Thanks for your comments Marisa and Boppster. I use the results partly to keep an eye on overall traffic for each page. It's also useful to check out the keywords which people have used to find my more popular pages, as these can give me more ideas for more targeted hubs.
I read half of this and tried to generate a unique ID for a couple of pages and got stumped. Then I came back to read the rest and found that google analytics automatically tracks the hubpages. My question now is this: Does google analytics automatically populate the pages or do you have to load them manually?
Thanks, this hub was a great help.
Caspar
What I actually meant was, I can't make heads nor tails of what theresult mean, so I have no idea how to use them! If others are in the same boat, it might be worth a Hub.
e0117967 - yes, analytics automatically tracks any new hubpages, you don't have to add them manually. However, you won't see the individual pages on the front page when you log into analytics - you will have to click the site you used initially to set up analytics (probably your profile page), and that will take you to a page where you can click individual hub page URLs to get the tracking info on each one.
caspar - I initially set up GA for my personal website. Do I need to add an account and set a new tracking code up for my profile page to get GA to give me info on my hubpages?
Thanks
Hi e0117967 - no, you will not need a new account, you can use your existing tracking code, it will work fine. You will be able to click each URL when you view your analytics to check the stats for your existing website and each of your hubs individually.
Great. it helps so much
Now that I know a little more about google analytics, I might spend more time over there.
Thanks so much, I may have never figured this out without the help of your hub!
Very useful information. Although I have an Analytics account, never got around to really figuring it out. Thank you so much for this hub. I am sure all the hubbers can put it to good use.
Best Regards
Fantastic! I'm going to implement this right away. Thanks for the great info. :-)
Thanks! I tried it on my own, but stopped at the sea of Java. You made it all easier. Now I did all this, and am waiting for them to update. May your tribe prosper!
When I put the URL to my profile it gives me "Invalid Input". Any idea? I removed http:// part as well.
Great info. I'll tryto do it just now. I hope I get it right. If not I'll back to bother you asking for a "Google Analytics for dummies" version. Thanks
Brilliant hub, I acutally made it there myself. More than I can say for referral thingy's. I still cant work that out properly. But this has helped me to understand this much more. Gee we are never too old to learn just a bit slower. But at least we are still learning. Thats the beauty of all of this....Thanks again. great hub
Merry Xmas Ho Ho Ho.
I am also getting invalid input message.
I've been using the analytics since reading this hub over a week ago. The article was a big help when I set up the Google account!
I was impressed with what you wrote, so I linked this page from an article I just wrote about making more attractive hubs. I would have sent you an e-mail to tell you about it, rather than posting here, but I didn't see an e-mail link for you.
Merry Christmas. :-)
Thank you so much for all this info. Immediately, I followed your instructions. I am slowly trying to build up a writing base and I am looking for as many ways as possible to get attention! It certainly helps to know what works! Thanks again!
Happy New Year!
bobang and retireyoung
Hope this link works:
http://www.google.com/support/analytics/bin/answer
I think Google must have changed the way it validates your URL (since using your profile address used to work) - try using just hubpages.com, instead of your profile address. This is accepted as valid (I've tried that far) and you are given a unique tracking ID, which you can then enter into your hubpages affiliate settings.
If this works, let me know and I'll change this hub to reflect the new info.
Thanks for all your comments.
This is so helpful Thanks for the post.
I was trying to figure out how to add Google Analytics and gave up as I couldn't figure it out, so, typed "google analytics" in the search key to get information, and found your hub. Thank you so much for this very well done and informative hub. I followed your instructions carefully, and I did it!
Thanks for this. I was having a problem with "Invalid Input" but I guess you updated your Hubpage. Thanks.
ah.. nvm.. doesn't work..
I think I missed the part that said Google Analytics could be used. Thanks for the great directions.
I think I missed the part that said Google Analytics could be used. Thanks for the great directions.
One of the things that I always wanted to do and never dared, is to try Google Analytics. Thanks to your simple step-by-step directions, finally I do it.
Another thing that I would wish is to be a great novelist. Do You have a "Write Like Graham Greene in 3 Easy Steps" tutorial?
Good luck with trying Google Analytics, StefanMDP. Let me know if it works with your profile address or with hubpages.com
Hi caspar.
Firstly I attempted indicating my profile address, but didn't like it so much. With hubpages.com allowed me to continue.
I am very glad with G.A. The quality of the statistics is impressive: for example my reports says in Jan 13, a fellow from UK visit my Hubs for 5 mins. starting at my profile page.
It's the wee early hours of the morning here, and I can't possibly try this now.
I can see if I follow your advice, and others here, it will help me.
Good Hub. I'm Betty Jo Petty Ar. USA
I did it!!!!! thanks for the advice. I was ready to come back saying that I couldn't do it... When all of a sudden : "voila" did it!
Thanks. Great hub.
Well done Princessa! It looks daunting, but if you follow the steps it's well worth it to see where your visitors are coming from and how long they spend on your hubs.
Thank you!!! I finally did it! - Steph
I'm glad I stumbled upon your hub. I will definitely try it out now... Thanks!
Nice Hub Caspar, I have been using google analytics now since I joined and it is very helpful.
Thanks for your comments everyone.
Well done Steph and give it a try, ripplemaker.
Thanks for the excellent step-by-step guidance.
Now, if only some of the google support team could imitate your clear and personable style!
Thanks for the compliment C-Lee, glad to be of service!
Eileen said we're never too old to learn, but I think I just proved her wrong. I was goiing along smoothly until the darn thing insisted "tracking code not detected" after I inserted the code. I'm stumped! But that's par for the course for me.
Thanks for this hub! I now know one more way to make Google useful!
William - have you clicked Check Status under where it says "tracking code not detected"?
If Google Analytics still can't detect your code, double-check that you've entered the code correctly in your affiliate settings - it should be in the Analytics box, not the Google box (the Google box is for your Adsense ID).
Vietnamese - you're welcome.
I inserted the code in the analytics box, which lists the status as "active." But when I click the "Check Status" link under the "Tracking Code Not Detected" it takes me back to the previous page. But line 2 has a check mark where it says "Receiving Data Conversion Goals" and when I click view reports there it gives me figures for visits, pageviews and pages/visits and percentages for "Bounce Rate" "Avg. Time on Site" and "% New Visits." This sounds great, but I'm confused about it. I also can't figure out why this comment is coming out in Italic.
I'm getting statistics, so I guess I've successfully established my analytics account. I don't understand how it happened, but it apparently has. Thank you very much, Caspar, for all your help. I appreciate it very much.
Glad you got it working in the end William, even if you're not sure how!
I was looking for how to get this set up, because I forgot. Thanks!
I followed the steps, putting in "hubpages.com". Clicking on "Check status" comes up with "Tracking Not Installed". Maybe it's too soon since I only installed it 10 minutes ago. Will provide an update tomorrow. Thanks for the tip though.
Just wanted to update that everything is A-OK!
stevedimatteo: Glad to be of assistance.
That's good, WebBriefcase - a little patience paid off!
I was so confused about this, but this hub really helped. Now I can check out what people are searching for in Google when they end up at my hubs. Thanks!
I still can't get it to work. I get this error message "The Google Analytics tracking code has not been detected on your website's home page. For Analytics to function, you or your web administrator must add the code to each page of your website."
Any suggestions?
Hi Rick - check that you have entered your tracking code (UA-xxxxxx-xx) correctly in the Analytics box in your Hubpages affiliate details. Once you've entered the code it should be inserted automatically by Hubpages in all your hubs.
Casper,
I couldn't get tha Analytics to work yesterday at all. I had already double checked your out lined steps (which were awesome by the way!) Nothing worked.
But this morning when I logged in everything was fine. I guess I'll just chalk it up to a 1000 other things my computer does that I'll never understand.
I really appreciate your article, but I am particularly grateful for you taking the time to respond to my post.
Thanks,Rick
Thanks for the thanks, Rick...I think like alot of things on the internet, stuff seems to sort itself out given time!
Great Hub. You have provided a lot of useful information and you have taken the mystery out of using Analytics with HubPages.
Thanks Keith!
Such and excellent and helpful page you created! Thank you!
Great post - very helpful. Thank you!
Can't believe my own eyes - I signed up with GA and followed the steps outlines in this hub! ;) Until that, I never dared to even touch GA because of the fear to mess things up. Currently it shows 'tracking not installed blah-blah-blah', but obviously it will change tomorrow. Can't wait to see what it will show!
Thanks for the great tutorial, caspar!
Thanks craigan, Wanderlust and charlemont - I hope you enjoy keeping track of your stats on GA!
This answered all the questions I had so far. I did it about 24 hours ago and i am still getting the message, "Tracking Code Not Detected". How much longer should I have to wait. I double, triple, and quadruple checked my code and it is right and I followed the directions and the code was the same so I know I did it right. I was worried because the article said it could be as long as 24 hours and I think it has been longer. Ideas?
BTW I stumbled the article and reviewed it, it is useful for anyone trying to use GA. If anyone uses Stumble Upon please stumble the Hub Pages you find useful as well.
Fantastic, useful hub. Thank you very much!
I tried this and did everything but each time I click on check status it takes me back to the whole code, I'll wait till tomorrow to see what happens, will let you know... Thanks
I'm still getting the same tracking code not detected message. Is it a problem on Hub Pages end?
Thanks caspar, that was really helpful. I'm definitely gonna try this out now.
Seems to have come right over night, thanks for the tips, all is working now...
Thank you so much.
I am very new to HubPages and Hubs like this one are such a help. I really appreciate all the time and trouble you have taken to produce this excellent Hub
Thank you
Viv
Excellent Google Analytics Hub...Your detail actually corrects the directions given in the FAQ on the subject...(i.e. hubpages.com/profile/hubpages is NOT a VALID URL to use when you sign up)....Thanks again!
I have been here for 6 months now and still couldn't get analytics to work right. Great hub showing how simple it really is.
good hub, I was trying to put analytics in my hub but I have a hard time in doing so. Thanks for the information
thankyou for all your help, you made this so easy.
Ah...great hub. Just wondering how to do this and found this hub. Thanks!
Awesome hub! Do you know if there is something similar for Youtube? I'd love to see better tracking there also.
Thanks!!
Thanks for all your positive comments...sorry, I've got no experience with Youtube, auctionmem.
This is a great hub and very clear and precise thanks for writing it
Cant really put it any better than those that already have, but thanks. Still waiting for the code to update of the GA page to installed, but it was just put in today. Thanks a lot, will definately give the thumbs up and a stumbleupon submission!
Thanks alot, originally I put int he url to my hub page and I couldn't work out why it wasn't working until I read your Hub
Cheers
This was a nice information .. thanks a lot
Thanks for the great hub!
Great info. Just added my hubpages to my account.
This is exactly what I needed. I installed my code months ago, but I was getting no data and it turns out I installed it incorrectly. This hub cleared it up for me. Thanks!
A very useful hub, hopefully this will make things clearer!
Hey Casper,
I will add this hub to mine!! Very handy for everyone;)
Thank you very much for this. Really nice and simple instructions. I wish I'd looked into this earlier!
DOH!! It was already added in my hub!! so have placed link in another appropriate one!
;)
Thank you all for your feedback...compu-smart, I am truly honoured - you're a hubbing legend!
THANK YOU!!!!! I've been sitting here for an hour reading other hubpages trying to figure out how to put the code into a hubpage and couldn't figure it out. Your hub helped so much. Now I know that hubpages does it for you. THANK YOU!!!
great hub. finally i know how to use google analytics. thank you very much
Great hub. So I guess I was mistaken when I thought you can make money through Google Anayltics? Its just a traffic monitoring site?
Yes, that's right johnb0127 Analytics is for monitoring how many visitors you're getting, where theyr'e from etc. To make money you need Google Adsense - with an Adsense account and code on your site or hubpage you will get Google ads displayed, and if a visitor clicks on an ad you get a few pennies!
Caspar
Yeah, I know all that. I have made a wopping $8.30! LOL
--JOhn
very much informative... great hub!
great hub!!
You wouldn't happen to know how to do this for multiple HubPages profiles, would you? I thought I had it figured out, but then I am only seeing page views for my other profile. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
You can certainly track multiple websites with GA and I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work with multiple HubPages profiles. In GA look for a link to add website profile. You can then put in your alternative HubPages profile address and you'll get a new tracking code. Add the code to your HubPage profile affiliate settings. It should work, but I haven't tried it as I only have one HubPage profile at the moment.
Caspar
WOW!!! You put a lot of time into this HUB, it definetlyshows!!! I found the information extremely helpful! I became a fan of yours and rated you UP too, please join my fanclub as well! Keep up the excellent work! Barry ;)
Thanks for this hub. It's really appreciated.
Good Hub. It answered my question about mutiple hubs and is very informative. Nice job!
Thanks, it was very helpful
Thank you, I was doing it right but it may take some time to Analytics detect the tracking code.
Thanks, it was very helpful!!!
thank you again
Marisa Wright says:
2 years ago
Great hub! Maybe you could do a followup now, explaining how to interpret the results you get.