I just thought I would fire off a quick post and share my experiences with "Advanced Segments" functionality in Google Analytics.
Imagine this scenario, you are granted "read" access to a client's GA account. Yes, "Read" access will allow you to view all reports. Missing within "read" access (amongst a several other capabilities) is the ability to filter data - in this case, traffic associated with your physical location as well as your client's location. You're stuck, and must ask the admin of this account to grant you "admin" access, ehh?
Enter "Advanced Segments". Using this functionality it is extremely simple to segment (or in this case, parse) out unneeded metrics.
At the left, you will notice "dimensions" and "metrics". If you are not familiar with the two data types, "dimensions" are the types of data you are looking to analyze while "metrics" are the values you would find within these dimensions.
For this example, assuming you are met with the same situation I have mentioned above, log into your account and click "advanced segments" within the navigation on the left.
First, choose a dimension or metric to segement. For this example, choose Visitors > City. Drag the green "City graphic" into the dotted line area that says "dimension or metric".
Next, choose a condition. Since we are looking to segment out test data derived from a particular location or locations, our condition needs to be set to "Does not match exactly". The "Value" drop down will then be equal to whichever City you do not wish to record within your reports.
Repeat this with as many cities that you are wishing to remove from your reports. Just make you you follow the above-mentioned instructions and do not drop your metric/dimension within the "or" but rather the "and" location on the list.
Lastly, choose a name for this custom segment and click "Save Segment". That's it!
Back on the main page of your GA profile, you simply need to enable the segment. Click on the "Advanced Segments" button in the upper right of your screen. Next select the segment's name. Lastly, click "Apply."
Pretty simple, huh?Labels: Advanced Segmentation, Google Analytics, metrics, web analytics
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