Definition
Google Analytics not set is a report dimension that is used by Google Analytics is used to identify unknown data relative to known data. It is used to aggregate data that cannot be associated or stored. It can also be referred to as " Unconfigured " or " Unknown ".
How do I handle (not set) in Google Analytics?
A common issue that confuses many users is the term "(not set)" in reports. Let me explain what it means and how to deal with it:
1. what does "(not set)" mean in Google Analytics?
"(not set)" is basically a placeholder designation in Google Analytics for data that has not been recorded or transmitted to the tool for some reason. This can occur in various reports, e.g. in the Traffic-sources, in the landing pages, in the content and many others.
2. why does "(not set)" appear?
There are several reasons why data appears as "(not set)":
- Missing tracking codes: If a page on your website does not contain a tracking code from Google Analytics the data for this page will be displayed as "(not set)".
- Problems with the tracking code: Sometimes the code is present but does not work correctly due to errors.
- Use of filters: If filters are used in Google Analytics to exclude certain data, they may be displayed as "(not set)".
- Privacy settings of the user: Some users have disabled third-party tracking in their browser settings. This may result in their data not being collected.
3. how to handle "(not set)" data?
- Check the tracking code: Make sure that every page of your website has the Google Analytics code. There are several tools and Browser-extensions that can help you check tracking on your site.
- Use the Google Tag Manager: Google Tag Manager can simplify the implementation and management of Analytics code and reduce errors.
- Check the filters: If filters are set up in Google Analytics, check that they are configured correctly and do not inadvertently exclude relevant data.
- Segment the data: By segmenting data in Google Analytics, you can find out exactly where and when "(not set)" entries occur and respond accordingly.
- Search for patterns: Do "(not set)" entries only occur in certain reports or at certain times? Recognizing patterns can help identify the underlying problem.
In summary, while "(not set)" entries in Google Analytics can be frustrating, they often provide valuable clues as to where there are problems with tracking or the website. With a little detective work and the tips above, you can often fix these problems and get even more accurate and valuable data about the website and its visitors.
Advantages
Google Analytics not set has many advantages. It can prevent unexpected data from affecting the quality of your data. It can also help you avoid incorrect mappings by displaying a "dummy" range of values. It can also prevent data from being lost.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantage of Google Analytics not set is that it is difficult to analyze the usage that leads to this data. It is also difficult to discern the patterns of behavior that generate this data. Therefore, it is difficult to effectively track and understand the data.
Use cases
Google Analytics not set is useful in numerous use cases. For example, you can use it to study behavior patterns on your website, to find out which pages are visited the most, which pages are visited the least, and how visitors navigate through your website. It can also be used to capture and track form submissions to your website, as well as for many other use cases.
Examples
Example 1: If a user clicks a button on your website and you don't know where they came from, you will Google Analytics not set displayed.
Example 2:
If a user fills out a form on your website, but you don't know what page they were on, it will Google Analytics not set displayed.
Conclusion
Google Analytics not set is a very useful feature of Google Analytics that can help improve your data quality and help you avoid false attributions. It can also prevent data from being lost. However, it is important to understand the benefits of Google Analytics not set to understand it in order to use it effectively.
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