I’m on a war path with Google Analytics. That’s probably nothing new to those who read my lengthy Google Analytics post about how it works and most importantly what it doesn’t do and how it doesn’t reflect your traffic accurately. I’ve been trying to educate bloggers and PR people alike about this issue, but so far to no avail. But I’m not going to give up.
Another issue has now crystalised in the past few days for Google and Google Analytics, and that’s got to do with Blogger enforcing localised Blogspot addresses. “Localised Blogspot addresses?” I hear you say. Let me explain what it is first.
Before, all blogs on Blogspot/Blogger had a “username.blogspot.com” address format, right? My blogspot address was msdriftedsw.blogspot.com. But now, to enforce some country-based legislations (or something along those lines), the ending of the Blogspot address now is controlled by where you are. Say you are in the UK. If you type in a blogspot.com. address into your address bar, you’ll see seconds later that the ending changed to .co.uk. If you are in Germany, it’ll end on .de, if you are in Australia, it’ll be .com.au, etc. Only those in the US will continue to see the .com ending. It’s got to do with where you are based in the world. Hurrah for them ;-)
Of course for your visitors it doesn’t make too much of a difference, because they will still type in your Blogspot address and probably won’t even necessarily notice that the address in their browser’s address bar changed slightly. And it doesn’t screw up those who have custom domains either. That all stays the same.
But the issue is for those who track their traffic through Google Analytics (for personal or monetizing reasons). I discussed before that Google Analytics only tracks the traffic for the address/url that it’s set up for. If you’re Google Analytics code is set up for your blogspot.com address, it will now not pick up the traffic that comes from outside the US because for everyone non-US based the address will change to the localised Blogspot address.
And there is no real fix to this, unfortunately. There is a bit of code that can suppress the ending change visually, but it won’t do any difference to Google Analytics not picking up traffic accurately. Here’s how to install the code if you do wish so (thanks to Faye Marie from Girl does Geek)
Step 1: Go to Blogger > Design/Template > Edit HTML
Step 2: Press Ctrl+F and type “” (without the “” symbols) – you will only find it once
Step 3: Right above that line that has “” in it, paste the following code into it:
Step 4: Click ‘Save’
I’d stick to Blogger Stats (because they pick up traffic to your blog regardless of what address your visitors access it from, including custom domains). But even Blogger Stats isn’t 100% accurate (I’ll explain this in another post soon I hope), but at least it doesn’t run on JavaScript (which is another main reason why Google Analytics and also StatCounter are traffic inaccurately as many users disable JavaScript on their web browsers manually or through adblockers and then aren’t tracked).
More importantly, this localised Blogspot address crap is REALLY screwing with Google and its search methodology and PageRank, SEO and all of that jazz. Basically for Google‘s search crawlers, your blog exists multiple times now under the Blogspot-type addresses. And Google crawlers don’t like that, because they think that you’re creating duplicated content to artificially improve your coming up in searches and punish you for that by not listing you at all in search results (and that will obviously affect your traffic too).
Here’s a bit of code that’s supposedly fixing that issue too (again, thanks to Faye Marie from Girl does Geek):
Step 1: Go to Blogger > Design/Template > Edit HTML
” (without the “” symbols) – you will only find it once
Step 2: Press Ctrl + F and type in “
Step 3: Right below that line with “” in it, paste the following:
Step 4: Click ‘Save’
So while your Google Analytics stats won’t be fixed, at least you won’t have any future issues with confused visitors and your search results and ranking should remain the same.
Hope this helps xx
♥♥♥
Follow on Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram | Blog-Connect
I find that co.uk thing annoyin sice I dont believe that its legally right to change someones domain without even notifying them, but oh wells. Google Analytics however does pick up both for me? I set it up last week? And its working just fine for both .com & co.uk :) x
well technically blogger still own the domain, it's a free service they are providing, and it's not a permanent change if that makes sense. how do you know that it picks up the traffic that come through these different addresses?
Yeh makes sense, but it just aint fair, should still at least tell you before they do that.Because my blog is still sorta new so I can predict my traffic on basis of blogger I guess? What GA picks up is A) even higher than what Blogger says and B) on Real Time it shows all the locations from all sorts of countries.. Am confused, maybe I just get it wrong? x
thats really unusual that you get higher stats on GA than on blogger stats. Are you sure you are comparing the same information? GA displays visits as default graph and also possibly a different time frame than blogger stats? the other thing about the locations of the visitos im not quite sure how to explain, need to think about it xx
I know its strange, its not like a massive difference, im lookin at day views n visitors since I set it up last week properly lol I just think it works for me, but have no idea why haha let me know if yu figure it out:-)xx
as i said, GA displays visits by default, to compare it to blogger stats you'd have to change GA to display pageviews and also set the same time frame, etc. just posted a picture of the pageviews that i get from FOUR different stats trackers for the same website. clearly something is up: <a href="http://instagr.am/p/I6t7JzAOb9/http://instagr.am/p/I6t7JzAOb9/<br />♥
Thanks for this Maria… how incredibly frustrating! I have added the code (thanks to you and Faerie for this) & will switch to Blogger Stats.Nic x
no worries. it's massively frustrating and causes major issues again for those bloggers who monetize their blogs :s try and educate people if you can, let them know about the issues with GA!xx
Is there no working stat reader out there or are these our only options? I have no clue what I am doing lol x
unfortunately Blogger Stats are the only stats counter I know of that doesn't track traffic via Javascript or dependent on blog address, so I consider it the most reliable at the moment.Unfortunately PR companies won't consider those stats because a) it doesnt give Unique Visitors numbers and b) they can't access it unless you give them FULL rights to your blog.♥
Hmmm I've heard about this before but I don't really care for my stats anyway so this is not really an issue for me. I guess Blogger stats work well anyway x
its not just the issue with stats that is the result of that – i'm glad that doesn't affect you that much.but the more important issue is the SEO / Google Search Results stuff, the 2nd part of the post, that will affect you too cuz it will basically just not crawl your blog anymore (and thus you wont be showing up in search results)
You know I didn't understand a bloody word of this right?It's not you, it's me. I'm as technical as an abacus
hey, you know what an abacus is ;) i had to google it :p
i finally followed the steps. was very handy to have the 2 things in one blog post. love to see how blogger gets confused. i type my blog address and it types .com, and then .co.uk and then .com again haha x
Quality Targeted Website Traffic. 100% Guaranteed Real Targeted Visitors. Buy website traffic, buy targeted traffic, and increase web site traffic.
thanks Mohamed For This Usefull Information I need It Thanks Again,link building company india
SEO on Googlehttp://www.universalutsi.com/SEO on Google covers the latest SEO and promotional techniques to get more visitors to your website.SEO on GoogleSEO on Google, Web design, Website designing
I had been so confused about my this, my GA stats dropped drastically when they switches to this and I started getting all my hits from the US which didn't make sense since I'm in the UK. I need to find a way to sort this out…
What a great post!! Thanks for the information What a terrific post.
click hereNational institute is the largest leading chain of skill based hands-on line -training providers for Vast Rang of :-v Air Line Ticketing,v Cabin Crew Air Hostessv Safety Officer/Engineerv Seo Search Engine Optimizationv spoken Englishv Hotel management.v Call center trainingv Web Developmentv Technical VocationalTraining Courses Pakistan and All over the World. Its Educational Heritage Can Be Traced Since 2007. National Institute has always led the market by introducing latest market driven IT, linguistics and online Courses. National institute is a trusted name in the field of on line education and training having the largest chain of institutions in the on line worldwide. National institute has a large group of happy &satisfied students attaining successes in their future lives & prospects.click here
click hereNational institute is the largest leading chain of skill based hands-on line -training providers for Vast Rang of :-v Air Line Ticketing,v Cabin Crew Air Hostessv Safety Officer/Engineerv Seo Search Engine Optimizationv spoken Englishv Hotel management.v Call center trainingv Web Developmentv Technical VocationalTraining Courses Pakistan and All over the World. Its Educational Heritage Can Be Traced Since 2007. National Institute has always led the market by introducing latest market driven IT, linguistics and online Courses. National institute is a trusted name in the field of on line education and training having the largest chain of institutions in the on line worldwide. National institute has a large group of happy &satisfied students attaining successes in their future lives & prospects.click here
Hi..
thank you for the sharing this blog for the more details then link ?
Google SEO
Hey! This is a great post – so interesting. I’d love to use the code in the second box, but after “… paste the following:” I can’t see any code. Can you help at all? Sorry if I’m being useless!! Julia x
Your writings, articles, blogs I mean over all contents is must read matter. Thanks
seo </a
En la Combinado de Europa 1973/1974 el Deportivo de
Madrid disputó la final contra el Bayern de Múnich.
18.
From different sources you may have the knowledge about all such companies.
Being a local company gives them the advantage of having in-depth
knowledge of the Las Vegas residents. Each level
has increasingly stringent requirements.
Magnificent overcome! I must apprentice all at once as you amend your internet site, exactly how could possibly i sign up for your blog site website? This profile helped me any proper offer. I have been previously small bit knowledgeable on this a person’s broadcast supplied bright see-thorugh strategy
Figure out what emergencies you will be most likely to experience so you can better tailor you plans and emergency kit to fit
any special needs you may have. Health Kit- That is another criteria which could never be
overlooked of the bug out bag contents list.
To further prepare you can begin creating both a 3 month and 1 year long
tern emergency supply kit depending on you situation and means.
If you do not want to invest in an entire home security
system, you can buy inexpensive single alarms. When a
disaster strikes, it is too late to start planning what to
do.
Feel free to visit my web page causes of natural disasters
Starting a business in Dubai is not a very complicated task but the overall success depends on how well you are managing it.
For the company to be formed the first and important step
is the registration of the company whether the company is private or public but the registration is must.
The globalization, continued innovation and growing economy of Singapore
increased the numbers of investors and entrepreneurs who are
willing to setup a Singapore company. The Site is not directed
at nor targeted to children under the age of 13 and we do not use the
Site to knowingly solicit PII from or market to children under
the age of 13. No additional income tax is given to a limited liability company and they are only taxed once.
Stop by my webpage … start a company
It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve learn this publish and if I may I wish to suggest you few attention-grabbing things or suggestions.
Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this article.
I want to read more things approximately it!
Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Hello, the whole thing is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing
information, that’s genuinely good, keep up writing.
My webpage tv with built in dvd
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate
your efforts and I am waiting for your next post thanks once again.
When someone writtes an rticle he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her mind that how a user can understand it.
Therefore that’s why this piece of writing is great.
Thanks!
Hi to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of thhis website; this blog includes remarkable and genuinely good material in favor of visitors.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this
superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking
and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my
Facebook group. Talk soon!
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is
tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell
unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly
the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
The Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry recipe is one of the
best dessert recipes for weight reduction at home.
Also you can become feeling very hungry and consume a lot
next time you obtain your hands on some food. Each day,
set goals for the types of foods you’ll stick to as well as any
exercise you could possibly incorporate into the routine.
Excellent post, Its very useful for me. Thanks for sharing.
A lot of thanks for all your labor on this blog. Kate really likes managing research and it’s easy to see why. My partner and i hear all about the dynamic manner you create rewarding things on this blog and as well welcome response from other ones on that situation and my girl is undoubtedly becoming educated so much. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year. You have been performing a fantastic job.
I in addition to my friends have already been studying the best advice on your web page and so immediately developed a horrible suspicion I had not thanked the site owner for them. All of the boys had been certainly thrilled to read through all of them and have now definitely been making the most of them. Appreciate your getting very thoughtful and then for having variety of brilliant subject areas millions of individuals are really eager to be aware of. My personal sincere regret for not expressing gratitude to sooner.
My wife and i were absolutely cheerful Louis managed to conclude his survey through your ideas he came across from your very own blog. It is now and again perplexing to simply be offering steps most people have been selling. Therefore we recognize we have you to be grateful to because of that. These illustrations you made, the easy website menu, the friendships you make it easier to promote – it’s many sensational, and it’s leading our son and our family believe that that subject is excellent, which is certainly really serious. Thank you for the whole lot!
I must show some appreciation to you just for rescuing me from such a circumstance. Because of scouting throughout the the net and getting advice which were not beneficial, I assumed my life was done. Living minus the solutions to the problems you have resolved by way of your good short post is a critical case, as well as the kind which may have negatively damaged my entire career if I hadn’t encountered your site. Your personal competence and kindness in taking care of all the things was tremendous. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t encountered such a thing like this. I can at this moment look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time very much for your specialized and result oriented guide. I will not hesitate to suggest your web page to anybody who will need recommendations on this problem.
Thanks so much for providing individuals with a very brilliant possiblity to read in detail from this site. It’s always very useful and as well , jam-packed with fun for me and my office fellow workers to visit your web site not less than thrice in one week to see the new things you have got. And definitely, I’m so at all times fascinated concerning the good tips served by you. Certain two points on this page are unequivocally the best I have had.
I am glad for writing to let you be aware of of the amazing discovery my friend’s princess enjoyed viewing your site. She mastered lots of pieces, which include what it’s like to have a very effective helping spirit to make most people very easily know just exactly selected tricky topics. You actually did more than her expectations. Thanks for coming up with such valuable, healthy, explanatory and unique tips about that topic to Emily.
I must show some thanks to the writer just for bailing me out of such a dilemma. Right after surfing through the the net and finding opinions which were not pleasant, I assumed my entire life was over. Being alive minus the strategies to the issues you have solved through the short article is a crucial case, as well as the kind which could have in a wrong way affected my career if I hadn’t encountered the blog. Your actual ability and kindness in dealing with a lot of things was precious. I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a thing like this. I can also at this point relish my future. Thanks a lot so much for the impressive and effective guide. I won’t be reluctant to suggest your web sites to any person who should have care about this matter.
I’m writing to let you know of the brilliant experience our daughter undergone using your site. She came to find such a lot of issues, including how it is like to have a marvelous teaching style to let other people with ease fully grasp several grueling matters. You truly did more than our desires. Thanks for churning out the powerful, safe, revealing and even unique tips about the topic to Emily.