Odysys Academy: Google Analytics - Setting up for Success Rapid Start Foundation: Proper Google Analytics setup between your Website and your booking engine so you have real, actionable data. Ben Lloyd
Why is Your Google Analytics Setup so Important?
“If you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”
We regularly hear something like this from customers: “TripAdvisor wants me to renew my business listing but I don’t FEEL like it is worth it.” or “I don’t FEEL like I’m getting my value out of XYZ association membership.” etc.
You don’t have to and shouldn’t be using feelings or your ‘gut’ to make these decisions. Use the data!
If it’s setup correctly - Google Analytics can just tell you whether or not you’re getting a valuable return on investment (ROI). If it isn't setup properly - your Google Analytics data is pretty much useless.
Set Up Google Analytics for Revenue Tracking (ie - Bookings)
In order for Google Analytics to work properly, your website AND your booking engine need to have Google Analytics on BOTH of them. In order to have Google Analytics track the visitor between your website and booking engine, the default Google Analytics tracking code needs to be edited. In addition, your Google Analytics account needs to be configured properly.
If you don’t have a Google Analytics account, you can create one for free here: https://analytics.google.com/ .
Step 0: Get Started: Click this link to open an instructional PDF
Step 1: Google Analytics on your Website
Follow the instructions in the first section of the PDF titled “Google Analytics Script for Your Website”
NOTE: IF YOU ARE AN ODYSYS WEBSITE CUSTOMER. SKIP THIS STEP! We will take care of it for you as a part of the website onboarding & launch process.
Step 2: Google Analytics on Your Booking Engine
Now see the section of the PDF titled “Google Analytics for Your Booking Engine”
This step is up to you to complete with your booking engine provider.
Step 3: Configure Your Google Analytics Account for Ecommerce Tracking
Now see the section of the PDF titled “Other Google Analytics Settings”
NOTE: IF YOU ARE AN ODYSYS WEBSITE CUSTOMER. SKIP THIS STEP! We will take care of it for you as a part of the website onboarding & launch process.
Everyone should complete step 2 above. If you are NOT an Odysys website customer, you'll need to complete steps 1 & 3 as well.
Done? Congrats! You’re one step further down the roadmap towards more bookings and a commission-free future.
Extra Credit
Want to learn a little more about the subject? Here's a couple recommended resources:
Connect your Google Analytics account to Odysys so we can pull your Google Analytics data into Odysys. https://support.odysys.com/en/articles/1102752-connect-or-reconnect-google-analytics
If you've linked your Google Analytics account to Odysys, here’s a primer video on analyzing your reports in Odysys: https://support.odysys.com/en/articles/658889-analytics-overview-analyzing-your-reports-video
Read the blog post: "Website Analytics: Metrics that Matter": https://www.odysys.com/blog/website-analytics-metrics-matter/
Download the PDF: “Google Analytics for Innkeepers” https://www.odysys.com/learn/google-analytics-for-innkeepers/
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