See Google Analytics tracking stats from short cross domain redirect URL used in print media

Question

I am using a different domain for some ads to track how many people access the main site through this domain.

How can I see this in Google Analytics?

I have DOMAIN A (on the ad) redirecting to DOMAIN B (main site).

Why use a domain rather than UTM parameters that work well in Google Analytics? GA is notoriously bad at tracking redirects because no JS can run on the redirect. — Stephen Ostermiller, Commented Oct 11, 2019 at 16:50
@StephenOstermiller Because on print advertising I am trying to use a very simple domain name so that people are more likely to access it easily and remember it. Any creative ideas for my problem? — Timur G, Commented Oct 12, 2019 at 18:09

Stephen Ostermiller · Accepted Answer · 2019-10-12 20:46:10Z

0

You need to change the redirect so that it adds UTM parameters. Instead of:

http://domaina.example/ -> http://domainb.example/

Use the Google Analytics Campaign URL Builder to build your final URL something like:

http://domaina.example/ -> http://domainb.example/?utm_source=the-global-times&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=2019-push

That way your customers will be able to type in the simple short URL and Google Analytics will get the data it needs to track your campaign.

answered Oct 12, 2019 at 20:46

Stephen Ostermiller♦

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That's a fantastic and simple explanation. Thank you!
– Timur G
Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 17:50

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