Comparing data between different periods is great practice in many instances. The following are just a few ways this type of analysis can help:
- Before and after a website change (e.g. checkout process, home page, primary navigation, etc…)
- Year-over-year comparisons
- Month-over-month comparisons
- Week-over-week comparisons
- Day-over-day comparisons
- Holiday vs. non-Holiday
- Weekend vs. weekday
- And the list goes on!
Most website analytics services/software provides features for you to conduct these types of comparisons. Let’s take a look at Google Analytics’ comparison feature. In Google Analytics, the comparison feature is available in the Date drop-down area on the top-right of page.
1. Click on the Date as shown in the red box:
2. When the box opens, check the “Compare to Past” checkbox:
3. Select or enter your preferred Date Range (blue) and Past Date Range (green) – then Apply:
NOTE: depending on your business/industry type, you may have days, weeks or months that convert better than others so take that under consideration when selecting your dates.
It’s as simple as 1-2-3. All your reports will now be set in this specific date comparison mode. The following is an example of how your reports should be structured:
Don’t know where to start or what to analyze? Contact Us!