If you want to know how to use default tracking codes, you might ask when the same default tracking code is installed on pages with different domains, what will result?
This issue can be particularly problematic for website owners who have multiple domains or subdomains.
If you are tracking data from multiple domains, it is important to ensure that each domain has its own unique tracking code.
This will allow you to accurately track and analyze performance data for each domain, and make informed decisions about how to optimize your website for better results.
Another potential issue with using the same default tracking code on pages with different domains is that it can lead to duplicate data collection.
Google Analytics may send an alert about this problem, which can be confusing and time-consuming to resolve.
To avoid this issue, it is important to ensure that each domain has its own unique tracking code, and that you are not inadvertently collecting duplicate data.
When The Same Default Tracking Code Is Installed On Pages With Different Domains, What Will Result?
If you have multiple domains or subdomains that you want to track with Google Analytics, you need to make some modifications to the default tracking code.
By default, the tracking code is set up to track a single domain, so if you try to use it on multiple domains, you may encounter issues with data accuracy and tracking.
Data Aggregation
When the same default tracking code is installed on pages with different domains, Google Analytics will count these users and sessions separately.
This means that the data will not be aggregated, and you will not be able to see a complete picture of your website’s performance.
Potential Issues
Using default tracking code on pages with different domains can have potential implications that you should be aware of.
One of the most significant implications is that it can lead to inaccurate data tracking.
When you install the default tracking code on a page with a different domain, the code will be unable to differentiate between the data collected on each domain, leading to inaccurate data tracking.
To avoid these issues, you can use cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics.
Cross-domain tracking allows you to track users across multiple domains and subdomains, providing you with a complete picture of your website’s performance.
In conclusion, when the same default tracking code is installed on pages with different domains, it can lead to inaccurate data tracking and prevent data aggregation.
To avoid these issues, you should use cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics.
Alternatives to Using the Same Tracking Code on Different Domains
If you have multiple domains with different content, it is not recommended to use the same default tracking code on all of them.
Doing so can result in inaccurate data and tracking errors.
Here are some alternatives you can use instead:
Separate Tracking Codes
One option is to use separate tracking codes for each domain. This allows you to track each domain’s data separately and accurately.
However, it also means that you will need to manage multiple tracking codes, which can be time-consuming.
Cross-Domain Tracking
Another alternative is to use cross-domain tracking.
This allows you to track user behavior across multiple domains.
To implement cross-domain tracking, you will need to modify the tracking code on each domain to include the same tracking ID.
You will also need to set up cross-domain tracking in Google Analytics.
Keep in mind that cross-domain tracking may not be suitable for all situations.
For example, if your domains have different levels of security or are hosted on different servers, cross-domain tracking may not work properly.
In conclusion, using the same default tracking code on pages with different domains can result in inaccurate data and tracking errors.
It is recommended to use separate tracking codes or cross-domain tracking instead.
Key Takeaways
When you install the same default tracking code on pages with different domains, you need to modify the tracking code snippet to include the domain of each page you want to track. This ensures that the data is correctly attributed to the respective domains.
- If you don’t modify the tracking code, the code will be unable to differentiate between the data from the two domains.
- This means that the data will be combined, and it will be challenging to determine which domain is driving traffic and conversions.
- Google Analytics will count users and sessions separately if the default tracking code is installed on pages with different domains.
- However, it will associate users and sessions with their respective domains if the tracking code is modified correctly.
- You can use either the older version of the tracking code (urchin.js) or the newer version (ga.js) to track data from multiple domains.
- Once you’ve installed the tracking code and have elected to share your data, the Benchmarking Service accrues data from all the sites and pages on which you’ve placed the Google Analytics tracking code.
To summarize, modifying the tracking code snippet to include the domain of each page you want to track is crucial when installing the same default tracking code on pages with different domains.
This ensures that the data is correctly attributed to the respective domains, and you can accurately determine which domain is driving traffic and conversions.