It’s time to make your metrics work for you…

Analytics are probably the least sexy topic for a lot of us entrepreneurs, amiright? I’ll be the first one to say that I’m certainly no pro at them, but over the last 4 years of running Rebel Office, I’ve learned that one of the most valuable things you can do in your business is review and reflect. Metrics are a big part of that.

The biggest question: “What worked and what didn’t?”

Asking this question, and having real, quantifiable answers to it can seriously move the needle in the business. Not only does it validate what’s working, but it also brings to light the activities and functions of your business that aren’t doing anything but sucking your time, money and attention.

Frankly, putting your metrics to work means you don’t have to work as much at taking your business to the next level. 

“Okay, that’s cool. But how do I actually do that?” Wow, I am so glad you asked. Let me run through my three steps for easily prioritizing your metrics in your business.

Step 1: Google Analytics 

Every social media platform has built-in analytics for business pages these days. But you know what doesn’t? Your website. Setting up Google Analytics is a breeze, and a lot of website builders have a spot specifically for the Analytics “Tracking Code” that you’ll create when you follow the step-by-step instructions from Google.

If you have a self-hosted WordPress site, it’s a little bit more complicated, so I’d recommend you download the Insert Headers & Footers plugin, copy the script code from Google, and paste it right on into the Headers section of your site.

For help, check out these tutorials I found:

• WordPress
• Squarespace
• Wix
• Shopify

Step 2: Centralize your tracking

What’s that even mean, right? It means, have somewhere where you can bring all of your numbers together on a regular basis to actually make some meaning out of them. Having one spot where you can go to see monthly traffic trends, growth trends, popular content trends, etc. is key to ensuring that your metrics make your life easier, not more chaotic.

Step 3: Actually use your info to make better decisions 

Schedule in your calendar once per week or once per month a review session to update your stats, look at trends, and re-evaluate your business activities. No really, go do it right now while you read this. I can wait.

Okay, done? Making this review and reflection time non-negotiable means that you spend less time doing things that hold you back or keep you in the same spot, and more time looking for solutions to skyrocket you forward.

And don’t forget to always be asking yourself: what’s working, and what’s not?