10 Google Analytics Browser Extensions to Save Time
There’s only so much time in a day, which is why we always look for ways to automate repetitive processes. When we could focus on developing tools to scale link research, writing macros in Excel to evaluate data, or hacking APIs, why waste time on basic, redundant tasks? Browser extensions are a staple for time-saving, so check out these 10 extensions to save time while improving your use of Google Analytics.
1) Analytics Helper
Good for: All Google Analytics Users
GA version: All
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
Disclaimer: Tool has occasionally given false negatives, particularly about issues with the code, but never gives a false positive.
What it does: Notifies users immediately to whether the Google Analytics code is detected on a page while browsing. Includes the code type (asynchronous, traditional), any UAs present on the page, and a quick blurb on the code position.
2) Better Google Analytics
Good for: All Google Analytics Users
GA version: Old version
Browser: Firefox
Download: here
Disclaimer: Original userscripts don’t all function.
What it does: A compilation of Greasemonkey userscripts by Erik Vold, Tyson Kirksey, and other talented developers, including some favorite functions:
- Add Social Media Metrics
- Export to Google Docs
- Cleaner profile switching – Keeps the date and report intact when you switch reports.
- Access “Profile Settings” from any screen (also seen above).
3) Copy Profiles in Google Analytics
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: Old version
Browser: Firefox
Download: here
Disclaimer: Filter order is not maintained when profiles are copied. Doesn’t copy Event goals that were set up in GA v5. When working on a profile with Event goals already set up, Paste functions times out when it gets to that goal.
What it does: This is a Greasemonkey script that makes it easy to replicate Google Analytics profiles. When goals, filters, users, and settings are 90% the same across 10 profiles, why waste time creating the same initial profile 10 times? This script literally lets users hit “Copy” and “Paste” to have the initial work automated. Plus it’s really fun to watch while pasting!
4) Goal Analytics Goal Copy
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: Old version
Browser: Firefox
Download: here
Disclaimer: Works on up to 5 goals. Doesn’t always save the “Required step” checkbox. Doesn’t copy Event goals that were set up in GA v5.
What it does: When profiles are already in place, #2 above is not a good solution, but neither is manually creating the same goal a dozen times. Solution? GoalCopy Firefox extension! Copy individual goals from one profile to another.
5) GA Bookmarks
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: Old version
Browser: Chrome and Firefox
Download: here
What it does:This tool also copies goals and filters, as well as profiles, by creating easy bookmarks. (Prior to the creation of #6 below, I always used this for Chrome. Now I use this tool primarily to set the filter order across multiple profiles.)
6) GA Copy & Paste (aka My New Favorite Plugin)
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: New version
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
Disclaimer: Not sure what the limits are yet. At one point, I had 11 goals and six filters saved. This tool is still being worked on.
What it does: Similar to #4 above, GA Copy & Paste is a brand new Chrome plugin. Props to Educardo Cereto of Cardinal Path for this tool! Goals and filters are ridiculously easy to copy and paste, even easier to delete. The appearance is clean and perfectly matches GA.
7) gaSwitchr
Good for: All Google Analytics Users
GA version: Old version
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
What it does: Switch between profiles, but keep the report and date settings.
8) Straight to Google Analytics
Good for: All Google Analytics Users
GA version: All
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
What it does: Jump right into Google Analytics without clicking the “Access Analytics” button.
9) RegEx Checker
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: All
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
What it does: Handy little browser add-on Regular Expression checker to use when creating filters and goals.
10) Google Analytics Debugger
Good for: Google Analytics Power Users
GA version: All
Browser: Chrome
Download: here
What it does: Check your analytics code for errors without waiting 24 hours. Detailed explanation from Chris Le can be found here. (Firecookie can be used similarly for Firefox, but I never use it.)
Bonus – Add-on Compatibility Reporter
Good for: Everyone
GA version: N/A
Browser: Firefox
Download: here
What it does: This last tool isn’t GA-specific, but is probably one of the biggest lifesavers on the list. Looking at the Firefox extensions, they aren’t all compatible with the latest version of Firefox. However, I’m not willing to lose my favorite extensions when Firefox updates. The Add-On Compatibility Reporter extension prevents Firefox from checking compatibility. Almost every extension keeps working, no matter which version of Firefox is being used.
Were any of your favorite tools missed? Share them in the comments below!
Posted: 09.02.11
Eduardo Cereto:
Nice list Rachel and thanks for featuring me and the GA copy & paste extension. There will be an update later this week to enable support to all filter types (not only advanced filters).
PS: There’s a small typo in my name.
Julien Coquet:
There is a new GreaseMonkey plugin for copying GA Annotations – a must-have!
http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/110025
Rachael Gerson:
@Eduardo Thanks! Looking forward to the update, and to your upcoming post. Fixed the typo, too.
@Julien Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Shaun Maharaj:
Great post Rachael, thanks for sharing all these!
Stephane Guerin:
It’s not a browser extension, but I think it’s relevant and of interest: Do you know Google Analytics Addons?
http://gaaddons.com/
James Svoboda:
Good list. I’m going to be adding several of these today!
I did just want to mention that you do not need use #8 “Straight to Google Analytics” if you bookmark the correct main page URL. There are 2 and the one you will use depends on which version of Google Analytics you use:
Original GA Version : https://www.google.com/analytics/settings/
New GA Version: https://www.google.com/analytics/web/
Cheers!
Rachael Gerson:
@Shaun Thanks! Have fun playing with them :)
@Stephane Yes, I played with gaaddons.com, although it’s been some time. Looks like I should check it out again soon. Signed up for newsletter to get the updated info once it comes out – Thanks!
@James Good call!!
Paul Maddock:
Love lists like this!
I’d say that number 10 is the most useful for me, I’ve been using it for some time. It’s excellent help when analysing all aspects of tracking.
Heather Hudson:
So glad I took the time to visit here after Ben WIlls (Ontolo) gave this blog a shout out. Saving this link to pass on to my team members. Thanks Rachael! I’m too much of a newbie to have any to give back – but I’ll get there.
Joel Klettke:
Brilliant. The RegEx checker is my favorite for sure, so much time to be saved now!
Tommy:
Great extensions, it saves a lot of time when you work with Google analytics.
Seo is about getting things done, this list helps me a lot.
Rachael Gerson:
@Paul – Agreed, this one is a must-have for me.
@Heather – Thanks Heather! If I can help you at all, please let me know.
@Joel – Thank you!
@Tommy – Exactly, that’s the goal. The less time you need to spend on tedious things, the more you can spend on the actions that will help drive your clients forward :)
Paul Gailey:
nice list, thanks fellas!
this https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/eaphmdhkekdbhegddncdenfapchofnmd?hl=en-US allows you segment on the fly in GA and GWO by referrer and is dead useful and also this http://www.michaelwhitaker.com/blog/2011/11/02/stats-calculator-google-analytics/ bookmarlet will display statisticall confidence inside of GA for ecommerce (and goal) conversions.
Rachael Gerson:
Paul, great additions! I haven’t tried the first one yet, looking forward to playing with it.
Mridul Gupta:
These are amazing tools…
I like RegEx checker..
Becky:
Thanks Rachel! These are some great tools I can use with my clients!
Rachael Gerson:
Becky, no problem, happy these could help you!