Google Analytics Smart Goals

Google has come out with a new type of conversion tactic called ‘Smart Goals’. This new goal type Google says is for those who don’t have a high amount of real conversion data to diagnose properly in which they can use these ‘smart goals’ as a secondary conversion type.

This goal type is much different than normal custom created goals which could be using destination URLs, event tracking, duration, etc. Smart goal conversions occur when your site sees a ‘quality session’ based on a couple factors. Below is a list of example factors that would trigger this goal type:

• Session Duration
• Pages per Session
• Location
• Device
• Browser

Google takes the data it already knows from your Analytics account and tries to count these smart goal conversions when a session has better than average data for the above example factors.

The purpose of this goal to be used with the Google AdWords program and ‘Target CPA Bidding’ which that bid type is similar to the old conversion optimizer. Target CPA bidding allows you to set bids for a ‘conversion’ as opposed to a ‘click’. Therefore, with the use of these new smart goals you can have a way to bid easier to get more ‘qualified leads’.

Now that we have all of this new conversion data, and conversion bid structure we must take a look at the overall picture. Conversion weight or priority must be given to all goal types so that more focus can go towards the real conversions (eCommerce transaction, destination URL goal after a form submission, etc.) as opposed to these new smart goal conversions (quality session based on factors listed above).

With that said, make sure to bid appropriately knowing that these ‘smart goals’ may not be the correct goals that you are looking for from your site. TheSEMarket is here for advice and counseling for any Google Adwords or Analytics related question so never hesitate to contact us via the forms, email address or phone number below.