How to use Google Analytics for your shop or blog

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Whenever there's a problem with my computer, I joke with my husband that we need to "run a diagnostic" and that "it must be a problem with the configuration." That's the extent of the lingo I know for computer issues...

So, I will rely on others who have gone before me to show you how to make the best use of Google Analytics for your Etsy shop, blog or personal website.

What is Google Analytics? It's a way to measure who comes to your website, how long they spend there, where they're from, what time of day they're coming, and so much more. Ever wondered if anyone from Israel has been to your site? (I do!) Here's a list of resources to get you started:

Set up Google Analytics for your etsy shop (step-by-step):

Etsy Storque (pdf download) or the short and sweet version at Etsy help

Set up Google Analytics for your blog:

Strategic Online Marketing

Overview of Google Analytics features:

An 11-minute video, including customizing your dashboard and creating a custom report at Handmadeology

Stop tracking your own views:

(Remember to do this from each computer you use) JanRa Jewelry Design

Track the search terms used to find your website:

Etsy Storque

Track visitors based on time of day:

I can handle this one! Click on Visitors, then Visitor Trending, then Visits. Look for the clock icon at the top right of the graph and click it. Now you can see what time of day your visitors are coming in YOUR time zone.

Track regional visits based on time of day:

Blog Handmade

Decode Traffic Sources "ref codes":

Google Spreadsheets

Track your Etsy shop and item hearts:

CraftCult


Hope that's enough to get you started. I love checking Google Analytics almost as much as I love getting a sale from my Etsy shop!

First time blogger

So I made it to the world of blogging. Finally!

Now what?

Well, this blog will be both a personal blog and a blog for my etsy shop. The two are basically intertwined since my Little Sweets is my 24/7 job/life and she inspires all my craftiness these days. But first, let me share with you a few things I'm working on right now for my shop:

*My first giveaway! Check out Discovering the Me in Mommy's blog and enter to win one of my hooded baby/toddler towels on her Facebook page here to enter. If you friend me on Facebook here, you'll get an extra entry for the giveaway! Contest ends February 13th at 10 p.m. EST.

*I just joined a couple of Etsy teams, SAHM of Etsy and EtsyKids. I'm on a treasury team for EtsyKids which means I have been curating some fun treasuries lately... If you like to browse the treasuries, or if you're wondering what the heck treasuries are, check mine out here! I'll post my new treasuries on this blog occasionally.

*As my regular customers know, my shop currently has hooded baby/toddler towels, hair clips, headbands and hair pins. I've recently added clothing and my next project is burp cloths!

*Stocking up my stash of sensory blankets... can't sell them on Etsy but I love making them and giving them as gifts, so I'm adding to my stock.

*My obsession with Excel spreadsheets continues... as the ladies in my Bible study know, I'm trying to keep my spending in check for my crafting habit. It's still a work-in-progress, but now I'm keeping better track of my spending and profits.

*Coming soon to this blog: pictures from Little Sweets' 2nd birthday! I made her a cupcake shirt that will be the inspiration for some new stuff in my shop and a giant cupcake cake. Now she's crazy about cupcakes and never wants to take her cupcake pajamas off in the mornings.

*Hopefully also coming soon to this blog: Traffic! I'm going to figure out this blogging world and I'd love some advice or help on how to get the word out about my blog! =)