This article describes what to expect from the Data Import example articles listed in the Next steps section below. Each example describe a specific import scenario, with step-by-step instructions for importing that import type into Analytics. Each article is presented in a similar format, with the following sections:
In this article:Scenario
This section describes the scenario used for this example. Each scenario presents a common simple but real-world need you can solve using Data Import. You can modify the details of these scenarios to match your situation.
Decide what data to import
The first step is to decide what you want to import and how it will join with your existing hit data.
Create any needed custom dimensions or metrics
If you are using custom dimensions or metrics for either the key or imported data, you'll need to create these prior to uploading the data.
Create the Data Set
This step walks you through the process of creating a Data Set (the structure that holds your imported data and joins it with collected hit data).
Upload the data
This step walks you through creating your upload CSV file and uploading it into Analytics.
Learn more about formatting upload files.
See the data in reports
The final step in each scenario is to see your uploaded data in a report. (Remember, though, it can take some time before your imported data is processed and available for reporting.)
Next steps
Select an import scenario that's relevant to you:
| If you want to... | Join data on | Typical import dimensions/metrics | Import example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use CRM data to analyze site usage by customer interest, loyalty rating, lifetime value, etc. | User ID | Custom dimensions and metrics such as Segment, Rating, Value. | User Data example |
| Reuse and expand on campaign tagging to track traffic from non-Google sources. | Campaign ID | Source, Medium | Campaign Data example |
| Use CMS data to see which authors on your site are the most popular. | Article ID | Custom dimensions such as Author, Category. | Content Data example |
| Generate reports on your most popular products categorized by price, color, size, etc. | Product ID (SKU) | Custom dimensions such as Price, Color, Size. | Product Data example |
| Process refunds in a batch. | Transaction ID | Product Price, Quantity Refunded, Revenue | Refund Data example |
| Analyze 3rd party (non-Google) ad network click and cost performance. | Source, Medium, Campaign, Keyword | Clicks, Impressions, Cost | Cost Data example |
| Add data that doesn't match one of the above. | * | * | Custom Data example |
* You can use many, but not all, dimensions and metrics with Custom Data import, including custom dimensions/metrics. See Limits of Data Import for more details.
