In a couple of recent consulting workshops with our members, I've recommended this report Google Analytics report (shown below), but the marketing managers I was working with were unaware of it and, more to the point, they thought they were really useful. I find similar in training workshops too.
The chart shows that you can see the Male / Female breakdown for your site visitors and you can also see the age breakdown too. It's useful for both B2B and B2C.
It becomes more interesting when you compare it to the profile of traditional customers acquired by other channels - this prompts questions as to whether you are reaching new audiences online or similar audiences.
The data becomes even more interesting if you compare it to the most important segments in Google Analytics. For example, how does your audience vary for mobile visitors, visitors using search, visitors arriving on different landing pages, visitors browsing different product categories, converting visitors or returning visitors?
You can find this data within the Audience reports of Google Analytics, but only if have you enabled it. The chart above shows that it's under the Audience, Demographics section in the left nav. This GA Help page explains how to enable Demographic reporting including:
Good question! If we're going to present this data to colleagues or clients we need to be confident in it...
The source is based on Google owning Ad network Doubleclick from which they're able to share profile information collected by publishers. The data is linked by cookies or browsers who use Google Accounts.
When explaining this you can show that Google Analytics shares the percentage of people who Google can positively identify.
So, I hope you find this interesting and more to the point, useful! Let us know how if and how you use it!
By Dave Chaffey
Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.
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