As of Friday, May 25, Google will begin to reduce the amount of data it stores in Google Analytics accounts. Currently, it stores data for all time, but as of May 25, unless you tell Google otherwise, it will delete all data older than 26 months.
If your historical data is valuable to you (it should be!) then there is a simple way to let Google know that you want to retain it.
- Log into Google Analytics at analytics.google.com using the appropriate Google profile email and password (the one you used to set up your Google Analytics account)
- When you arrive, you’ll see a bright yellow banner at the top telling you that you have an opportunity to update the settings. If it hasn’t already been done, you’ll also see a pop-up with options. Currently, the default is to retain data for 26 months.
- Click on the drop-down menu arrow and select the last option “Do not automatically expire”.
- Click the button to save your changes, and you’re done!
If you don’t see a pop-up, it means someone else in your organisation has already taken care of the update. To check your settings (and adjust if necessary):
1. In your Analytics Dashboard, click on the orange Admin link in the lower left column. You’ll see three columns of information: you’ll need to look at the middle column, “Property”. Click on the third item, “Tracking Info”.
2. The Tracking Info menu will open up: click on the “Data Retention” link (third one down).
3. Check that your Data Retention setting is “Do not automatically expire” (or whatever your preference is). Keep the “Reset on new activity” option set to ON. Click the “Save Button” if you have made any changes.
You can read more about Data Retention by Google here: https://support.google.
If you run into any trouble, the Dental Web Strategies team is here to help!
Feeling pretty pumped today – I’ve just completed a certification in SEO Fundamentals.