Mastering Google Analytics: Comparing Traffic from Last Year to This Year

As a website owner or digital marketer, keeping track of your website's performance is vital to making informed decisions and driving growth. One essential aspect of website analysis is comparing traffic from different time periods, such as comparing traffic from last year to this year.

In this blog post, we will guide you through a simple step-by-step process using Google Analytics to perform this insightful comparison.

Step 1: Login to Google Analytics

The first step in comparing traffic from last year to this year is to log in to your Google Analytics account. If you don't have one yet, you can easily set it up by visiting https://analytics.google.com and following the registration process. Once you're logged in, you'll have access to a wealth of valuable data about your website's performance.

Step 2: Select a Date Range

After logging in, you'll land on the Google Analytics dashboard. To compare traffic from last year to this year, you need to choose a specific date range to analyze. At the top right corner of the dashboard, you'll find a dropdown menu labeled "Date Range." Click on it to open the calendar view.

Step 3: Click on the Option to Compare to Past

In the calendar view, you'll see various options for selecting your date range. To enable the comparison feature, look for the checkbox labeled "Compare to Past" and make sure it is checked. This option allows you to compare the selected date range with a previous period, such as last year.

Step 4: Choose the Additional Date Range for Comparison

Once you have enabled the "Compare to Past" option, an additional date range option will appear below the first one. This is where you can specify the period you want to compare with the initial date range you selected. For example, if you selected the current year as your primary date range, you can choose the previous year as the comparison period.

Step 5: Click Apply and Analyze the Results

After selecting both the primary date range and the comparison period, click the "Apply" button. Google Analytics will now generate the comparative analysis, allowing you to see whether your website's traffic has increased or decreased between the two periods.

Conclusion

By following these simple steps in Google Analytics, you can effectively compare traffic from last year to this year and gain valuable insights into your website's performance. This analysis will help you identify trends, assess the impact of your marketing efforts, and make data-driven decisions to improve your website's performance and drive growth.

Don't underestimate the power of regular traffic comparisons—they provide a clear picture of your website's progress and enable you to refine your strategies accordingly. Take advantage of the valuable data offered by Google Analytics and start harnessing the insights to elevate your online presence.