When we initially take on a new client, one of the first things we always check is to see if Google Analytics has been correctly implemented. We regularly see websites which have the Google Analytics Tracking Code (GATC) implemented incorrectly. You will be amazed at some of the scenarios including only adding half the code, or only adding the code to a selection of pages.
Very often if the Analytics Account isn’t recording the data it is normally due to the tracking code not being implemented correctly on every page. It needs to be every page otherwise nothing will be recorded. Don’t forget to add the code to your 404 page so you are able to monitor how often your error page is shown.
No Tracking Code = No Data!
EpikOne have created a great tool called SiteScan which will scan all the pages on your site to check to see if the code is present and correct. At the end of the scan a spreadsheet is provided which shows all the pages which are either missing the code or where there are errors.
It is important to regularly check that the JavaScript code for Google Analytics is still implemented correctly. If you see your own domain appearing in the Referring Sites report then this can be an indication that not all your pages have the code. If you do see your own domain name appearing then it is advisable to investigate further.
If you would like more help with your Analytics Account then please review our Website Analytics Consulting Services.
You might be interested in the following related posts:
[...] Under the Reporting tab in AdWords you will find the link to Google Analytics and follow the instructions on how to set up an Analytics Account and implementing the Google Analytics Tracking Code on your website. To check to see if you have correctly implemented the code, see our previous post on Implementing Google Analytics. [...]