Real-Time Data Validation with Google Tag Assistant Recordings

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: great analytics can only happen with great data.  

That's why we've made it a priority to help our users confirm that their data is top-quality. Last year we released our automated data diagnostics feature, and now we’re proud to announce the launch of another powerful new feature: Google Tag Assistant Recordings.  

This tool helps you instantly validate your Google Analytics or Google Analytics Premium implementation. If it finds data quality issues, it helps you troubleshoot them and then recheck them on the spot.  It’s available as part of the Google Tag Assistant Chrome Extension.

"Tag Assistant Recordings is fast becoming one of my favorite tools for debugging Google Analytics Premium installations!  I use it multiple times a day with my Premium clients to help explain odd trends in their data or debug configuration issues. Already I'm building it into my core workflow." 

- Dan Rowe, Director of Analytics at Analytics Pros

What can I use it for?

Tag Assistant Recordings works with all kinds of data events: purchases, logins, and so on. What if you sell flowers online and want to confirm that Enhanced Ecommerce is capturing the checkout flow correctly? With Tag Assistant Recordings, you can record yourself going through the checkout process as you buy a dozen red roses, and then review what Google Analytics captured.

If you find that your account isn’t set up properly — if the sale wasn't recorded or was mis-labeled — you can make adjustments and test it all over again instantly.  With Tag Assistant Recordings, you know you’re capturing all the data that’s important to you.

Tag Assistant Recordings can be particularly useful when (1) you’re in the process of implementing Google Analytics or Google Analytics Premium, (2) you’ve recently made updates to your site, or (3) you’re making changes to your Google Analytics or Google Analytics Premium configuration. It works even if your new site or your updates aren't visible to the public yet, so you can feel confident before you go live.

Tag Assistant Recordings can also help if you want to reconfigure your Google Analytics account to better reflect your business.  For example, you may want to configure multi-channel funnels to detect your AdWords channel.  Tag Assistant Recordings lets you set up this new functionality in Google Analytics and test immediately whether everything is working as you expect.  

"Tag Assistant Recordings has already been a HUGE help! Analytics Pros and About.com were working on an issue with sessions double-counting and Tag Assistant Recordings let us narrow down precisely which hits were having new sessions counted. It saved us hours of time and helped us jump right to where the problem was. So, in summary, this is awesome!"  

- Greg McDonald, Business Intelligence Analyst at About.com

How does it work?

Tag Assistant Recordings works through the Google Tag Assistant Chrome Extension, so you’ll need to download the extension if you aren’t already using it.  From there, setup is easy.  Simply open Google Tag Assistant, record the user flow you’d like to check, and then view the full report in Tag Assistant.  You’ll want to view both tabs in the report (Tag Assistant and Google Analytics) to verify that you see the intended tags.  Keep in mind that the Google Analytics data is only available if you have access to the appropriate property or view.

Here's a nifty bonus: If you find a problem, and you think you have fixed it by changing settings from within Google Analytics, return to the Google Analytics tab in Tag Assistant Recordings and click the “Update” button. You'll see instantly how your configuration changes would have affected this recording.

We hope that Google Tag Assistant will be a valuable new tool in your analytics toolkit.  

Why not start using it today?


Posted by:  Ajay Nainani, Frank Kieviet, and Jocelyn Whittenburg, Google Analytics team

Affiliate Attribution: Putting the Pieces Together

Originally Posted on the Adometry M2R Blog

Recently I was reminded of an article from a little while back, titled, “2013: The Year of Affiliate Attribution?” It’s an interesting take and worthwhile read for those interested in affiliate marketing and the associated measurement challenges. Given that some time has passed, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at progress to date towards realizing a more holistic and accurate view of affiliate performance as part of a comprehensive cross-channel strategy.

Most affiliate managers have a similar goal to manage affiliate holistically, meaning investing in those that predominantly drive net-new customers independent of other paid marketing investments. Ultimately, this model allows them to optimize CPA by managing commissions, coupon discounts, and brand appropriateness based on true “incremental value” provided to business. Unfortunately, due to a lack of transparency and inadequate measurement, many marketers find themselves short of this goal. The result is the ongoing nagging question, “Is my affiliate strategy working and am I overpaying for what I’m getting?”

Why ‘Affiliate Attribution’ Is Hard

Affiliate marketers’ challenges range from competing against affiliates in PPC ad programs to concerns about questionable business practices employed by some “opportunistic” affiliates offering marginal value, but still receiving credit for sales that likely would have happened regardless. Which brings us to the central question:

How do marketers determine how much credit an affiliate should receive?

As you may know, opinions about how much conversion credit affiliates deserve for any given transaction vary widely. While there are a number of factors that influence affiliate performance (e.g. where they appear in the sales funnel, industry/sector, time-to-purchase length, etc.) for most brands the attribution model that is utilized will have a significant impact on which affiliates are over- and under-valued.

For example, in a last-click world affiliates that enter the purchase path towards the bottom of the funnel often hold their own; yet, when brands begin measuring on a full-funnel basis incorporating impression data, many struggle to prove their incremental value as the consumer has many exposures to marketing long before they reach the affiliate site. Conversely, affiliates that act predominantly as top- or mid-funnel (content, loyalty, etc.) are usually undervalued using last-click but can garner more credit using a full-funnel, data-driven attribution methodology. I should also mention these are broad generalizations only meant as examples, and it’s not necessarily a zero-sum game.

Another challenge is that fractional, data-driven attribution is difficult to implement for some types of promotions. One instance of this is cash back, loyalty and reward sites that must know an exact commission amount they will receive for each transaction so that they can pass on discounts to members. Given the complexity of more sophisticated attribution models, this data isn’t readily available.

Lastly, there several organizational challenges that inhibit the use of data-driven attribution among affiliate marketers. Some industry experts have indicated that many publishers, as much as 70-80%, strip impression tracking code from affiliate URLs. Another measurement challenge we see frequently is brands managing affiliates at the channel level leaving little sub-channel categorization which is where significant optimization opportunities exist.

Affiliate Attribution and the Performance Marketing Goldmine

Of course, part of our work at Adometry is helping customers address these challenges (and more) to ensure they are measuring affiliate contributions accurately and able to take appropriate action based on fully-attributed results.

Some key advantages of using data-driven attribution to measure affiliate sales include:

• The ability to create a unified framework to compare performance (clicks and Impressions) in which affiliates compete for budgets on equal footing,
• Increased visibility into which publishers are truly driving net-new customers through specifying which are an integral part of a multi-touch path and which are expendable,
• The knowledge required to implement a Publisher category taxonomy to allow more insights into how different types of publishers perform by funnel stage and areas to improve efficiency,
• Insight into the true incremental value publishers are providing and the offering commission rates to reflect this actual value,
• A better understanding of affiliate’s role in the overall mix, further informing marketers use of complementary tactics to maximize affiliate contributions in concert with other channels,
• The ability to use actual performance data to counter myths and frustrations with affiliates (cookie stuffing, stealing conversions, etc.)

Taken separately, each of these represents a significant opportunity to both be more effective in how you identify and utilize affiliate attribution to drive new opportunities. Together, they represent a fundamental improvement in how you manage your overall marketing spending, strategic planning and optimization efforts.

Top-performing affiliates, particularly those at the top and middle of the funnel, also stand to benefit from more transparent, accurate and fair system for crediting conversions. In fact, several large-scale, forward-thinking affiliates are already investing in data-driven attribution to arm themselves with the data required to effectively compete and win business in the market as brands become more sophisticated and judicious with their affiliates budgets.

It’s an exciting time for performance marketing. Change is always hard, but in this case it’s absolutely change for the better.  And frankly, its time.  What are your thoughts and experiences with measuring affiliate performance and attribution?

Posted by Casey Carey, Google Analytics team

Stress Can Be a Fitness Killer

I am not a fan of stress and how it can make me feel.  Unfortunately, stress is part of the life package deal with no opting out button.  Stress can become a chronic ugly thing with negative physical and emotional side effects.  Studies are also linking stress to hypertension, heart disease, and weight gain.  Who the heck wants a whole bunch of extra fat with the heart attack waiting to happen sign sitting on our stressed out shoulders?

So many of us are living in a constant state of stress whether from family problems, illness, financial strain, or unhappy marriages and are accepting it as our normal way of life.  Stress places wear and tear on our body as cortisol is leaking out of the adrenal glands in abundance and causing increased blood pressure and waistlines. Stress, straight up is a fitness killer.  I for one refuse to live in a constant state of stress and do implement healthy strategies to eliminate it from my life.

The way stress is handled is the answer to maintaining our health and fitness.  Some use stressful situations to make excuses to eat crappy, give up on themselves, and have a bitter resentful attitude about life.  This of course leads to all that "comfort food" over-eating, no exercise, and blaming everyone for self-induced problems.  Chronic stress behaviors like this lead to the ultimate fitness killer and eventual body riddled with illness and unhappiness. Stress can be either out of our control which we need to learn to let go, or fixable.

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it." I love this true statement and live this philosophy to reduce stress and maintain my fit and healthy life.  Learning to let go and remove stresses not within our control is important to healthy boundaries and improving the quality of our life.  Also, reviewing our priorities and eliminating things creating a "too busy" life will make for a happier, healthier you. Focusing on how to become a better you is the only thing that falls under the "fixable stress" category.  We tend to put undue stress on ourselves and from un-meaningful things in life.  Who cares what others are thinking, saying or even doing that may be about you?   Learning to let go, walk away from unimportant things, and picking up positive growth from the stresses in life will create a stronger, healthier person.

I enjoy a great workout when I feel stressed or anxious and use it as "cheap man's" therapy for self improvement.  God and I have pretty good talks during that time as well and usually within that sweaty hour, I have put the stress behind me and ready to move on with a positive day.  I also do not reach for  "junk" food to comfort me or fill some sort of empty void during times of stress.  I am a mindful eater and think before throwing just anything in my face.  My body, mind, and spirit are worthy of more than trash in the form of food or a bitter attitude.  I also like to deep breathe during my stretch time and contemplate everything about life.  I choose to be happy and healthy and that calls for action and choices to respond to stress in a healthy way.

Read my recent article "Is Stress and Cortisol Making You Fat"  on the about.com network for great information on how stress contributes to increased fat.

IS STRESS MAKING ME FAT?

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Darla

Google Analytics User Conference: G’day Australia

The Australian Google Analytics User Conference is worth clearing your diaries for, with some of the most well-known and respected international industry influencers making their way to Sydney and Melbourne to present at the conference this September.

Hosted by Google Certified Partners, Loves Data, you’ll be learning about the latest features, what’s trending and popular, best practices and uncovering ways to get the most out of Google Analytics. Topics covered include: making sure digital analytics is indispensable to your organisation; applying analytics frameworks to your whole organisation; improving your data quality and collection; data insights you can action; and presenting data to get results.

Presenting the keynote is Jim Sterne, Chairman of the Digital Analytics Association, founder of eMetrics and also known as the godfather of analytics. Joining him are two speakers from Google in the US: Krista Seiden, Google Product Manager and Analytics Advocate and Mike Kwong, Senior Staff Software Engineer.

Other leading international industry influencers presenting at the conference include Simo Ahava (Google Developer Expert; Reaktor), Chris Chapo (Enjoy), Benjamin Mangold (Loves Data), Lea Pica (Consultant, Leapica.com), Chris Samila (Optimizely), Carey Wilkins (Evolytics) and Tim Wilson (Web Analytics Demystified).  

Expect to network with other like-minded data enthusiasts, marketers, developers and strategists, plus get to know the speakers better during the Conference’s Ask Me Anything session. We’ve even covered our bases for those seeking next-level expertise with a marketing or technical masterclass available the day before the conference. Find out more information about the speakers and check out the full program.

Last year’s conference sold out way in advance and this year’s conference is heading in the same direction. Book your tickets now to avoid disappointment. 

Event details Sydney

Masterclass & Conference | 8 & 9 September 2015

Event details Melbourne

Masterclass & Conference | 10 & 11 September 2015

Posted by Will Pryor, Google Analytics team

Google Analytics Conference Nordic in Stockholm, Sweden

Join the Google Analytics Certified Partners for Google Analytics Conference Nordic in Sweden. 

The event takes place August 26 in Stockholm, Sweden, and is followed by a workshop on August 27.

Started based on an initiative by Outfox, who gathered the other Google Analytics Certified Partners, the conference is now returning for the fifth consecutive year.

Our Stockholm conference includes:

 • Case studies from businesses and other organizations, such as The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, Viaplay, and Storebrand. In other words, Google Analytics for sales, entertainment, non-profits, insurance, and more!

 • Expert presentations by Google Analytics Certified Partners.

 • Opportunities to interact with peers and experts

 • ...much more!

The conference is being visited by two top speakers from Google, Sagnik Nandy and Daniel Waisberg.

Sagnik Nandy is technical leader and manager of several Analytics and Reporting efforts in Google. He has hands on experience in building, scaling, deploying and managing large scale systems used by millions of web sites around the world. 

Daniel Waisberg is Analytics Advocate at Google, where he is responsible for fostering Google Analytics by educating and inspiring Online Marketing professionals. Both at Google and his previous positions, Daniel has worked with some of the biggest Internet brands to measure and optimize online behavior. 

Besides meeting Google, you’ll meet several Nordic Google Analytics Certified Partners. You will also meet and learn from several end users who use Google Analytics on a daily basis.

To join us in Stockholm in August, visit the conference site and secure your ticket.

Posted by Lars Johansson, Google Analytics Certified Partner and Google Analytics Premium Authorized Reseller

How To Avoid The Dreaded Camel Toe

By Tiffany James, Run Haven   Published Jul. 28, 2015   Updated Jul. 29, 2015

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image: http://cdn.womensrunning.competitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/shutterstock_36756190-560x420.jpg

Photo: Shutterstock.com

*Courtesy of Run Haven

Let’s address the camel in the room.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we’ve all had it. It sneaks up on us when we least expect it and lets everyone know it’s there. It’s almost like it’s waving, “HELLO!” and we’re the last ones to know. Until that race photo shows exactly what it’s been up to. Yes, I am referring to our infamous camel toe. Thanks to race photos, we are lucky enough to catch sight of it in all its glory. I have, however, learned from experience how to avoid the dreaded camel toe.
With summer in full swing, it can be tricky to avoid the toe and still stay cool. I know sometimes it’s an unavoidable suction in our body that creates this silhouette. By using the following tips, you can avoid camel toe while running. You can let the rest of your body do all the talking.
1. Always try on running shorts before you buy them.
Not just shorts, but all lower body workout bottoms, should be tried on before being purchased. Try walking out of the fitting room to see what they look like in different lighting. Also, move around in them while you try them on. Try squatting, jumping and running in place.
2. Make sure to purchase bottoms that aren’t high-waisted.
“High-waisted” and “workout gear” are two terms that should never be used in the same sentence. I find that workout bottoms that fit comfortably on your hips are the best option. High-waisted workout apparel has a tendency to ride up and gather at the toe.
3. Don’t wear new bottoms on the day of a race.
Every runner knows to not try new foods, new shoes, new GUs on race day, and your shorts or bottoms shouldn’t be an exception. Make sure to wear a pair that you’ve worn before and are comfortable in.
4. Buy running bottoms with attached underwear.
I’m always much more comfortable when I can wear running bottoms that already have attached underwear. These bottoms were created to allow proper ventilation and avoid bunching at the toe. These types of shorts are sold in several different brands and materials.
5. Use chafing cream.
When there is friction, garments can get “sucked” into areas they don’t belong. Embrace chafing cream and lather up! Why go through the pain (physical and emotional) when you can address both issues with one simple-to-use product?
Related links:
A Friend Once Told Me, ‘Running Is a F’ing Privilege’
Going Commando Has Never Felt Better: What’s the Deal With Go Commandos
Worst Smells Encountered While Running
Try Yoga—Doggie Style!
Which Bug Repellent Works Best? Not What You May Think

Read more at http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2015/07/just-for-fun/how-to-avoid-the-dreaded-camel-toe_44548#b5zwFLMx0pTiIoUp.99

Baby Gate: Running During Pregnancy

Photo by Erik Isakson

Is it safe to lace up your running shoes with a bun in the oven? What some people call irresponsible, others believe is bene cial. Maternal health expert Sheeva Talebian, M.D., sheds light on this hotly contested issue.
IS IT SAFE TO RUN WHILE PREGNANT?
Dr. Sheeva Talebian: Yes! That’s the one-word answer. Running is safe anytime—during the  rst, second and third trimester—if you are having an uncomplicated pregnancy. You should not run if you have complications like elevated blood pressure or, in some cases, multiple gestation, that would cause an obstetrician to advise no high-impact exercise.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
ST: Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t stay in shape. All of the same reasons you normally exercise— heart health, stress reduction, weight maintenance, lower blood pressure—are reasons to run during pregnancy. Additionally, women who exercise while pregnant have lower rates of diabetes and preeclampsia, and they are less likely to gain an unhealthy (and potentially dangerous) amount of weight. There’s even some data that suggests babies born to women who worked out while expecting have stronger cardiovascular systems.
RELATED ARTICLE: EXERCISE DOS AND DON’TS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS
WHEN IS RUNNING DANGEROUS?
ST: In the early ’90s, the thinking was that women should maintain a heart rate lower than 140 beats per minute during pregnancy—but there was no real data to support this claim and it’s since been revoked. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now gives no specific heart rate women must stay below. I tell my patients to listen to their bodies. If your heart is racing out of control, slow down. If you can talk while running, you should be fine. Your heart aside, there are two things pregnant women need to be wary of: overheating (specifically in the first trimester) and falling (in the second and third trimesters).
ARE THERE SPECIFIC WORKOUTS WOMEN SHOULD AVOID?
ST: Again, it’s best to stay away from workouts that will lead to overheating or falling. It’s important to maintain a core temperature that is as close to normal (98.6 degrees) as possible. Maternal temperatures above 102 are related to an increased risk of spina bi da. To prevent overheating, stay inside on hot or humid days. It’s completely okay to sweat—perspiration actually helps keep your body cool—just don’t overdo it. Later in your pregnancy your center of gravity is changing, so there is a risk of falling and having direct trauma to the abdomen. Don’t run on icy paths or uneven trails. Also, make sure to hydrate properly as dehydration can lead to premature contractions.
WHY IS THERE A STIGMA SURROUNDING PREGNANT RUNNERS?
ST: Sometimes people view pregnancy as a “disability” and there is an expectation that the pregnant woman should be sedentary. But as long as a mom is smart, there’s much more good than harm that comes from exercising during pregnancy—both for her and her baby. I hope that stigma will eventually go away.
WHEN IS IT SAFE TO RUN FOLLOWING CHILDBIRTH?
ST: The general guideline is six weeks, which is when you usually go for a post-partum checkup. If you had a straightforward vaginal delivery, you may be able to run sooner than that. If you had a C-section or other complications, you definitely want to wait. ■
Women’s Running Magazine has tons of tips for every mother runner. Subscribe today!
_________________________________
Sheeva Talebian, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is on staff at The Valley Hospital Fertility Center in Ridgewood, N.J. A marathoner and mom of two, Dr. Talebian is board certi ed in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology, and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Read more at http://womensrunning.competitor.com/2013/06/training-tips/baby-gate-running-during-pregnancy_13431#WMMeFqsmTB316Yk8.99