Okay, class. We hope you’ve behaved real good all week as we’re about to give you a very special lesson on the immensely popular web analytics tool called (surprise-surprise) Google Analytics and it’s several magical dimensions.
Let’s take a look at what secondary dimension in Google Analytics is used for, how to add one and why should you, and oh — if you were wondering, here’s also a whole article on What is the Difference Between Dimension and Metric in Google Analytics.
Let the lesson begin!
What is a Dimension in Google Analytics
So you guys remember the difference between metric and dimension in Google Analytics, right? If you don’t, here’s a great article about it. In short, metrics represent the numerical value of your data, which means metrics are displayed in the form of digits and fractions.
On the other hand, dimensions showcase a descriptive side of your data, which means that while looking at Google Analytics dimensions you’ll see capitals, user types, devices and any other verbal data depictions.
Take a look at the table below for the quick reminder of what is what:
What is a Secondary Dimension in Google Analytics
Now let’s say knowing the city itself is not enough, and you’d like to retrieve more information about the customers – for example, which device or browser they used when visiting your website. In this case, City will serve as a primary dimension and Browser will serve as a secondary dimension, as this latter report slice has been added secondarily.
Now you know that secondary dimension is just that — a second verbal filter for your data, and a pretty useful one. Furthermore, let’s find out how to add a secondary dimension in your Google Analytics reports in the next paragraph.
How to add a Secondary Dimension in Google Analytics
This web analytics tool we’re talking about is quite nice to its users and wants you to get the most out of your data, which means it’s no trouble adding a secondary dimension in it.
All you have to do is choose your target table and look at the top of it. On it’s far left you’ll see a phrase saying Primary Dimension, which can also be changed by clicking Other, and a drawdown Secondary Dimension right next to it.
Here you can go ahead and press the down arrow symbol and choose among the numerous dimension categories. Once you settle on your secondary dimension your table should look something like this:
Conclusion
Yes, you did it! You absolutely added that secondary dimension to your table and it was a piece of cake, wasn’t it? Now here are the next phenomenal and hands-on Google Analytics articles on the line, take a look:
