Google Analytics Tagging

[AmandaValle.Digital]

Hi.

I'm trying to figure out a solution to three questions one of my current clients has asked me in regards to Google Analytics tagging, and I'm unsure how to respond. Can anyone help? See below the questions,

1. In Google Acquisition > Overview, their paid media is reporting as "Other". They do not run any Google paid ads. They only run Facebook paid ads. Is there a way to update the source so that it says "Paid" versus "Other" within the default channel?

The current solution was advised to create a channel group that the client has to then tick on overtime they want to see this data with the correct labeling. They would prefer to see it in the default.

Is it just a matter of going into the *default channel, choosing the "Paid" option, and then specifying the source/medium that contains Facebook, CPC, or referral to be categorized under this channel? Or is it something else?

*Aware that changes to the Default Channel are permanent changes and will change how new traffic is classified.

2. In Google Acquisition > Overview > Referral, the clients website is showing up as a referring domain, both the TLD and the subdomain. My understanding is that it should actually be reporting under the "Direct" channel. How do I correct this? Is it just a matter of updating the Direct channel to include those domains? Or do I need to update the settings? The domain's www. http: all 301 redirect to their https://domain.com and https://subdomain.domain.com. Within settings it has been specified as www.domain.com and URL is http:// - also noticed that Bot Filtering has not been checked, assuming this could mess up the analytic data if not define? Do you know?

3. Audience segmentation > The client wants to be able to define it's audience by shopping intent and informational intent. Is there a clear way to do this, for example, by keywords used, e.g. buy, product name, entry (shopping intent), versus e.g. non-purchase intent, entry to the blog, length of time on site (info intent). Would be happy to have a conversation about the last question, since I'm conscious that there are probably multiple ways to define this - thanks.

To the group, thank you for readying my questions and helping me with these solutions - your time is appreciated and valued.

Sincerely,

Amanda

[Joe_Stoffel]

Hello Amanda,

Speaking to issue #2, it sounds like a cross domain tracking issue. These resources should help you resolve the issue:

Self-Referrals - https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6350128?hl=en

How to Fix Self Referrals in Google Analytics - https://threeventures.com/how-to-fix-self-referrals-in-google-analytics/

Hope these help!

Best,
Joe