This is Part 2 of our series, “Google Analytics 101: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Smarter Website Decisions” — discover how Google Analytics can help you understand your audience, improve your website, and make informed business decisions.

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As a small business owner, you know how important it is to understand your customers. But when it comes to your website, it’s not always clear what’s working and what isn’t. That’s where Google Analytics comes in. Track website traffic, measure performance, and gain insights to make smarter business decisions — all without data expertise!

Why Google Analytics Matters

Your website is often the first place customers interact with your brand. With Google Analytics, you can see how people find your site, what pages they visit most, how long they stay, and whether they take important actions, like signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. This data can guide your marketing strategy, highlight areas for improvement, and help you use your time and budget more effectively.

Steps to Get Started

1. Create a Google Analytics Account
   If you haven’t already, visit Google Analytics and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t already have one for your business, it’s a good idea to set one up.
   
   
2. Set Up a Property for Your Website
   Think of a “property” as the specific website or app you want to track. Add your small business website details to start collecting data.
   
   
3. Install the Tracking Code
   Once your property is created, Google Analytics provides a tracking code. Add this snippet of code to your website’s header so it can collect data. If you use WordPress, you’ll find a simple spot to paste this code — or you can use a plugin to help.
   
   
4. Connect with Google Tag Manager
   Google Tag Manager makes it easier to manage your tracking codes and add new ones later (like Facebook Pixel) without editing your site’s code every time. This is optional, but we recommend it!
   
   
5. Set Up Goals
   Goals allow you to track specific actions visitors take, like filling out a contact form, booking an appointment, or completing a purchase. This way, you can measure success beyond page views.
   
   

Making the Most of It

Once everything is set up, take time to explore your reports. Start simple: look at where your visitors are coming from, which pages get the most views, and how people interact with your content. Over time, these insights will help you refine your marketing strategy, improve your website, and grow your business more effectively.

Snoack Studios is here to help you get started!

We will set up Google Analytics for your new website and add a plugin to allow you to view the stats in your WordPress admin panel. We provide training, where we will show you how to maintain your website and review Google Analytics basics! We can also set you up with full access to your Google Analytics dashboard.

Setting up Google Analytics may sound daunting at first, but the payoff is worth it. With just a little effort, you’ll gain a clear picture of how your website supports your business goals. Think of it as your digital dashboard, helping you to make better decisions and maximize your online presence.

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This post is part of our series, Google Analytics 101: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Smarter Website Decisions. If you’re just starting out, check out the first post, What Is Google Analytics and Why Every Small Business Needs It, to understand why this tool matters for your business. 

Watch for Part 3 in our series to build upon your Google Analytics knowledge!

Part 3: Understanding the Basics: Key Google Analytics Metrics Explained
Learn what all of the numbers mean so you can confidently track performance and growth using important metrics.

Recommended:
5 Essential Tips for Maximizing Google Analytics
What Is Google Analytics and Why Every Small Business Needs It