Profile Copy – Google Analytics Time Saver

New features such as remarketing lists in Google Analytics have been officially announced, but still nothing about copying profiles.  Perhaps it’s because profile copy is for mainly for Admins.  However, users should be aware of this new feature because Admins should be groaning a lot less when asked to create another profile variant.

Released about a month ago, not only is the ability to copy Google Analytics profiles a major time saver, it reduces the potential for manual errors (and data errors) in applying filters, and saves eyestrain needed to ensure that you have:

1. Added all the right filters
2. Added them in the right order
3. Added all the right goals – even with the handy ‘goal copy’ plugin from our friends at Lunametrics, copying profiles was a dreaded chore.

Now, it’s less than a 5 minute job.  Information about copying a profile isn’t available in the help centre, so here’s how you can you copy a profile:

1. As an Admin, browse to the ‘Profile Settings’ for the profile you want to copy.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the profile, past the area where you’d set the Site Search parameters.  Look to the bottom right corner and you’ll see a ‘Copy this profile‘ link.
   
3. Click on ‘Copy this profile’.  Rename the new profile, add/edit your revised filters, and your new profile will be collecting data.

One reminder: If you’ve added a new filter, it will probably be at the bottom of the filter list.  Go to the Filters tab, select your new profile and use [Assign Filter Order] to nudge your new filter into the right position.

Why is this profile copy such a timesaver?  What’s the big deal?

To manage within sampling limits in Google Analytics and do long tail content and keyword analysis, we find that we are creating more profiles.  Same for campaign analysis over a year for accounts with significant traffic.