You’re savvy enough to know that you must have a Google Analytics (GA) account set up. After all, ya gotta have a way to track what’s happening with your various online properties (like your website, social media, etc.). That’s all well and good but have you ventured into the world of data dashboards from within that GA account?
No? Not to worry. Step into my parlor ….
What Is a Dashboard?
There is a LOT of data available within Google Analytics. A dashboard gives you a way to quickly scan information about many things in one place. This overview allows you see at a glance details about your Key Performance Indicators and any other information you deem relevant to track.
How fast are you going? Are you straining the engine? Did you blow a tire? Just like the dashboard of your car gives you a view of what’s happening with many of the vehicle systems, a Google dashboard can do the same thing for your website. How much traffic are you getting? Where is it coming from? Are they buying (or opting in) or leaving without exploring further?

Templates Make It Easy
While it is possible to create your own dashboards, if you’re new to all this let me suggest a quicker and easier solution. Explore the Google Analytics Solutions Gallery and simply use a template that someone else has set up.
Inside this gallery you’ll find a plethora of pre-built dashboards. At least some of these will undoubtedly meet your needs — especially if you’re new to Google dashboards. There’s even one called “New Google Analytics User Starter Bundle” you may want to review.
Downloading is a Simple 1-2-3 Process
1. Go to the gallery and select a dashboard.

2. Click on the “Import” button.

3. Select the appropriate Account View from the drop-down menu.

That’s all there is to it. Quick. Easy. Painless. That’s a prescription we can all live with.
Better insight into your website’s performance is just a few clicks away, so take a little time to explore the Google Analytics Solutions Gallery and get to downloading!
Deborah is a reformed tennis bum and inbound marketing strategist whose main professional purpose is to support local business owners, experts and entrepreneurs by helping them understand the impact and importance of online marketing. She is one happy camper when she can help clients be more visible on the Internet, increase their own customer base and become more profitable. How can she help you?