Web Analytics

What are Web Analytics and How Can They Enhance Your Website?

Website analytics provide data and insights about your website that can enhance visitors’ experiences of your site.

In addition to understanding the number of visitors your website receives, there are several ways that web analytics can be useful. 

Who Are the People Visiting Your Site? If you would like to learn whether your website is reaching a diverse audience, Google Analytics, using a feature called Google Signals, can provide demographic data if visitors have given permission for this data to be collected.  

Where Do Visitors Live? Are you interested in reaching audiences in certain cities or countries? Does your research grant require that you demonstrate national or international impact? Geographic data can provide answers to these questions.

What Days or Times Do Most Visitors Engage with Your Website? If you are getting ready to launch a social media or email campaign and want to know the days and times that your website receives the most traffic, engagement data can help guide your decision about best launch days and times. 

What Words or Phrases do Visitors Use to Search for a Service or Topic? Do you want your website to be listed in the top search results for a research or service area? Google Search Console can provide data on what key words and phrases visitors are using to find your website. By using similar words and phrases in your content, you can reach your visitors more effectively.

What Analytics Services does Web Services Offer? 

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) Web Services uses Looker Studio dashboards to help you track and interpret your site’s analytics using Google Analytics (GA4). We also use a tool called Siteimprove to track visitor engagement and web accessibility. The Web Analytics Support Specialist will provide access to your website analytics account, custom analytics reporting, as well as consultations on data that can improve your website. Please note that these Google Analytics related services for CU Denver and CU Anschutz are limited to University websites hosted on our Sitefinity content management system.

How do I get Started or Request a Consultation?

To get started, send an email to websitehelp@ucdenver.edu asking for access to Google Analytics and Siteimprove or for a consultation. Include your department’s url or web address in your email. Our Web Analytics Support Specialist will provide the relevant permissions and give you access to a customized dashboard that visualizes the metrics you wish to track.