• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

GILL Solutions

Growing your business..Should be Strategic!

  • Our Process
  • Services
    • Full Service
      • Search Engine Optimization Service
      • Conversion Optimization
      • PPC Advertising Management
      • Social Media Marketing Service
      • Full Stack Development
    • Google Analytics Audit
    • Marketing Coach
    • Domains & Hosting
  • Training
    • Marketing Certification
      • Conversion Optimization Certification
      • Digital Advertising Certification
      • Search Engine Optimization Certification
      • Marketing Automation Certification
      • Content Marketing Certification
      • Social Media Strategy and Deployment Certification
    • Google Analytics Training
  • About
    • Our Story
    • Contact Us
  • Call 1-877-801-4090

Jun 18 2014

How to Setup A Basic Regex for Google Analytics

Time and time again we’ve discussed how important Google Analytics is. This tool can help in many aspects of our business, which in turn, can help us reduce risks that may potentially affect our results.

However, there will be instances when using Analytics that can be quite confusing and even frustrating. In some cases, you might be overwhelmed with too many aspects and details that you might end up not being able to do what needs to be done.

In this video, I go over a basic setup of narrowing down to a couple of traffic sources for clearer analysis.

This is where “Regular Expressions” or “Regex” comes into play…

Regex can be used as a strategy or tool designed to narrow down options, to give you a clearer picture of the details that you’ll need to take into account. Accordingly, this will make it easier for you to see the needed information, ultimately making things more efficient for you.

Here are some extra things that you might want to know about Google Analytics and Regex:

Segmentation: Why You Should Use It

If you try to look at your Google Analytics dashboard, you’ll notice that it has various data, including traffic sources, referrals and many—many—other details. And just by taking a look at it, you’ll realize that if you don’t segment in some way, not only will you have a lot of work to do, but the likelihood of making a mistake is drastically increased.

For ease of use, some might suggest the use of “filters” and “advanced filters” to make their job easier. However, sometimes, such strategy just doesn’t work and it definitely has its limitations

In order to avoid having to deal with excess data (most especially for complex searches), you might want to create an “advanced segment.” Using segments will make your information more specific. Accordingly, this will allow you to make a more thorough and right analysis, which is actually the main reason we are using Analytics in the first place.

So, how can we make use of Regex to make our searches more accurate, specific and complete?

Let’s discuss further…

How to Use Regex Matches for Your Analytics Searches

Remember: Google Analytics only allows users to control one source if you use the “contains” function. What this means is that you will not be able to input more than one traffic source, whether it may Bing, Yahoo or Google.

By using Regex matches, you actually get to use more than one source. In effect, this allows you have more information, tailored and you get to be far more specific.

As an example, let’s try to use Regex when segmenting for Bing results…

  1.    Click on the button “add segment” and create a new segment.
  2.    Choose “traffic source.” Afterwards, go to “source.”
  3.    Input the word “bing” in the box beside “source” (using the “contains” function). There appear multiple spellings of  “Bing” “bing”, and maybe other options. Keep note of them—from their spelling, caps, and other details.
  4.    Click on “preview” to see the results (however, this will be for “bing” alone, and this won’t include the results for “Bing.”)
  5.    In the same box, use “|” (also called the vertical bar) in order to separate the different options that appeared in the source box. So, it will most probably look like this: bing|Bing. Take note: make sure that you’re using the same spelling, caps, and details as they appeared in your previous search.
  6.    Before clicking on “preview,” change the “contains” function into “matches Regex.” Click on “preview.” This will allow you see the results both for “bing” and “Bing” (and other options you may have imputed), thereby making your search more complete.
  7.    Analyze your search results.

This is just one basic way you can use a Regex for your Google Analytics searches and analysis. Accordingly, this strategy will not only make your searches more effective, but it can definitely put you on the right track as well.

Now it’s your turn…do you use Regex Expressions? Leave me a comment below, on how you use Regex to improve your analysis process.

 

Video Transcription

CLICK HERE to download a transcript of the video (PDF)

Written by George Gill · Categorized: Marketing · Tagged: conversion optimization, google, google analytics, google optimization, seo basics, video

About George Gill

George Gill is the founder of GILL Solutions. He lives in Peterborough Canada, and is an avid learner, passionate trainer and speaker. For over 20+ years, he's helped businesses implement growth strategies and systems to consistently out perform their expectations. Measurement is always key!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. mrravi20i Rajput says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Nice and very informative.
    Can you show me any example of regex in google analytics. .?

    Thanks !!

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Email Newsletter

Sign up to receive email updates weekly and to hear what’s going on with us!

Business Strategy

GILL Solutions Management Is an Industry Game Changer in Canada

March 9, 2022 By George Gill

GILL Solutions Management takes pride in its ability to deliver world-class digital solutions for reasonable costs. We’re an experienced team that works with businesses in identifying the most optimal ways to … Continue Reading about GILL Solutions Management Is an Industry Game Changer in Canada

Important Benefits of Facebook for Your Business

May 15, 2020 By George Gill

Whether you are a person who likes social media or not, if you're in business, there is a good chance that at some point you've considered FaceBook for your business. Understanding what the benefits are, is an … Continue Reading about Important Benefits of Facebook for Your Business

Before You Start – Is Social Media Marketing Profitable

May 14, 2020 By George Gill

We all know Social Media is popular. But before your business goes down the path of investing resources and budget into this marketing channel, you need to know what to expect. Most importantly can it be profitable … Continue Reading about Before You Start – Is Social Media Marketing Profitable

Do You Have to Pay for Search Engine Optimization

May 12, 2020 By George Gill

Every business I have ever spoken to has unanimously agreed, they would love to be on page one of Google for the keywords directly related to their business. Most believe they deserve to be at the top, and the … Continue Reading about Do You Have to Pay for Search Engine Optimization

How Important is Conversion Optimization to Your Business

May 11, 2020 By George Gill

With over 20 years in the digital marketing field, the number one approach to quickly generate the greatest impact on a business's results that I've witnessed has been accomplished through conversion rate … Continue Reading about How Important is Conversion Optimization to Your Business

Why is Siteground so expensive vs competitors

Why is Siteground so Expensive vs Competitors

May 7, 2020 By George Gill

Hosting your website is a very big deal for many reasons that we'll discuss in this article. Siteground is a hosting company (click to see Siteground's current offer) we often recommend, even though they tend to be … Continue Reading about Why is Siteground so Expensive vs Competitors

Footer

GILL Solutions Management
7901 4th St. N STE 4155
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

GILL Solutions Management
3080 Yonge Street, Suite 6060
Toronto, Ontario M4N-3N1

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

GILL Solutions Management
P.O. Box 30024 RPO Chemong
Peterborough, Ontario, K9H 7R4

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Our Blog
  • Student Login
  • Contact Us

©2020 GILL Solutions Management LLC