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What Are Segments in Google Analytics and How to Use Them

When considering Google Analytics data, the more segregated the reports, the better. To improve your marketing and work better on leads, you need to dissect segments easily to filter out the information you don’t need and concentrate solely on the information you do. Google Analytics custom segments feature means you can better separate chosen information…
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When considering Google Analytics data, the more segregated the reports, the better. To improve your marketing and work better on leads, you need to dissect segments easily to filter out the information you don’t need and concentrate solely on the information you do. Google Analytics custom segments feature means you can better separate chosen information into relevant categories. What customer segments in Google Analytics means for data analysis is that you can isolate certain traffic methods to conduct more in-depth analysis and reporting.

If your business has never used Google Analytics customer segmentation before, then now is the time to start to better your data reporting and learn more from your traffic.

How You Can Use Custom Segments in Google Analytics

There is an abundant amount of benefits for using the customer segments of Google Analytics. Google Analytics create custom segment options for businesses to identify their traffic better and gain access to key insights.

The reasons to take advantage of Google customer segments include:

  • The ability to analyze traffic and data based on specific criteria which can be divided into their relevant segments
  • Completely customize your segments to use your data in a way that works specifically for you, and not using default segments created by Google. Not only that, but this customization option is very easy to use within Google Analytics.
  • Take advantage of custom segment Google Analytics criteria by being able to filter information into key categories, such as demographics, behavior, date of the first visit, and traffic source
  • Learn more about your visitors based on key features like age and interests
  • Take advantage of ready-made segments provided by Google Analytics
  • You can even share your customer segments for Google with others, too

So, how exactly should you go about using customer segmentation Google Analytics?

How to Use Google’s Advanced Segments to Better Your Business

The following step-by-step guide will help you to understand better Google segments and how to implement them.

Step 1: Access the advanced segments pane in Google Analytics.

To do this, load up the default All Visits view under your overview panel, and click on the drop-down arrow. You will then have access to the Advanced Segments screen, which will lead you to learn how to create a custom segment in Google Analytics.

Step 2: Review Your Segments

This new pane will display all relevant segments. These could be ready-made segments, or any customized segments you’ve personally created will show up on this screen. If you haven’t created any yet, they will display there in the future.

There is also a search option within this panel, which will make it easier for you to search for specific segments you may have created or favored.

Step 3: Click on your chosen segment

You can view one segment at a time, or you can view up to four at a time if you would prefer to concentrate on a few at once. Make sure you have selected all the segments which you wish to view data for.

Step 4: Bring up the data

When all chosen segments have been selected, click Apply to view your data.

google analytics segments

How You Can Create a Custom Segment

If you’re looking to analyze your data in even more detail, you may want to create a completely tailored segment. This could be a Google Ads custom segment for any paid advertising you have implemented, or perhaps just a general segment for traffic data which you wish to customize. Either way, Google Analytics segment custom dimension will help you.

To create a custom segment, you can select the New button back on the general overview screen. This will allow you to both name your new segment and select five applicable categories to apply, whether this be a general segment or Google ads custom conversion segment.

The five categories you will be able to choose from are listed as:

  • Demographics. This allows you to select specific demographic information, such as age, gender, and location. This can be very helpful if you’re trying to analyze data about something specific about your audience demographic.
  • Technology. Learn more about your audience’s chosen operating system, device, and screen resolution.
  • Behavior. Conduct research into how often your website viewers visit your pages or make particular interactions.
  • Date of First Visit. Learn how many new visitors you’ve had on certain dates.
  • Traffic Sources. Find out how your website visitors found your website or content.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, using segments within Google Analytics can reveal a veritable supply of information relating to your audience and your target market. Learn more about the interactions with your content and analyze your data in a more improved way.

James Owen, Co-Founder & Head Of Search

James has been involved in SEO and digital marketing projects since 2007. James has led many SEO projects for well-known brands in Travel, Gaming and Retail such as Jackpotjoy, Marriott, Intercontinental Hotels, Hotels.com, Expedia, Betway, Gumtree, 888, Ax Paris, Ebyuer, Ebay, Hotels combined, Smyths toys, love honey and Pearson to name a few. James has also been a speaker at SEO and digital marketing conferences and events such as Brighton SEO.

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