Don't Leave Money on the Table... Know Your Google Analytics

Google Analytics - the mere mention of the word takes me back to uncomfortable statistics and math classes where I was relegated to the back seats. Apparently, I'm not alone. Many of my clients show me their reports and sheepishly admit "I never look at these, somebody told me it was a good idea to have 'em, so here ya go."

Yes, it's absolutely a great idea to have Google Analytics or some measuring device on your site. However, if you don't understand the reports, you could be leaving money on the table. A good web designer or marketer will go through these reports and explain what they're for and how to read them.

The best part about Google Analytics? It's FREE! That's right, if you know how to copy and paste the coding on your site, you're all set. Within a couple of days, you'll start seeing activity. Here are some pointers to get you started in the right direction with your Google Analytics:

1) Own the Statistics: If you have a web designer add the coding to your site, that's great, but MAKE SURE YOU OWN THE STATISTICS. Make certain you have Administrative rights where you can edit or delete information. If your designer manages your stats and the relationship goes bad, they own your valuable statistics and your left with no control over your information.

2) Bounce Rate: Know what the bounce rate means for you. If you have over a 50% bounce rate, that means people are leaving your site the minute the arrive. That's a red flag that you need to improve your home page to entice viewers to go deeper into your site, or sign up for your newsletter, or purchase your product/service. This is where a consultant can really give you a hand with figuring out how the statistics can lead you to a successful campaign.

3) Function: What do you want the site to do??? You just wouldn't believe how many people (myself included!) miss this point. Do you want newsletter sign-ups? Do you want them to read info on your business? Do you want to direct them to buy? Take all of this into account for your strategizing using Google Analytics and other marketing techniques.

Global Classroom is offering an Introduction to Google Analytics course July 14th. It's an online course (webinar-based) that you take at your own pace, anytime, anywhere. It offers great tips on how to interpret these reports to get improved results. This is the perfect way to get yourself started in the right direction with Google Analytics. You can register HERE

Happy Clicking!
Sarah

Doing Business with "The Man"

I just came back from the Department of Defense (PTAC) Matchmaker event in Killington, Vermont. It was a great experience and well worth the $60 bucks I shelled out for it. It's rare that you can meet and greet the movers and shakers of some of the largest prime contractors in the Federal Government. Don't think that because your company's small that you can't play along... there are TONS of opportunities there provided you look for your niche.

I started with just the Got Clicks videos that I wanted to sell to veterans or to the Small Business Administration. I blossomed out into other companies wanting to have training videos created for their own internal purposes. How cool is that? Creating another revenue stream on the fly! Love that!

Some pointers if you're thinking of starting to work with the government:

1. Get your Dunn and Bradstreet number 1800-333-0505
   
2. Contact your local PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center) there's one in just about every state. They have a wealth of information and will even arrange to visit you in your office to get all the paperwork rolling.
3. Wait
4. Wait some more
   

The hardest part is waiting for the right deal to come along. But when it does, cross your t's and dot your i's and get ready for an adventure. The nicest surprise I had yesterday was how willing the primary contractors were to encourage small businesses to work with them. Not once did I have the "go away little girl" mentality at all. In fact, many of these businesses helped me brainstorm ideas.

Have you worked with the Federal Government? Do you have some other nuggets of wisdom to share? If you want more information on how to get started, shoot me an email at info@gotclicks.biz.

Happy Clicking

Sarah