On May 25th, a new data retention setting in Google Analytics will go into effect.
If you do not go into Google Analytics and set your data retention setting, the default data retention setting of 26 months will take effect on May 25 and you will lose all Google Analytics data from more than 26 months ago.
Google is making this change to comply with the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which goes into effect the same day.
I highly recommend all organizations keep all of their Google Analytics data as far back as possible because it can help you recognize year over year trends.
Wouldn’t you like to know how many visitors your website got from various sources in 2016 vs 2017 vs 2018? If you don’t change your data retention setting you’ll never know because you’ll immediately lose data from the beginning of 2016 and you’ll continue to lose data every day as that 26 month window moves forward. Remember…
Data is your friend.
How to keep your Google Analtyics data
Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Login to your Google Analtyics account
- If you have more than one website in your Google Analytics account, select for which you want to change the data retention setting in the top left corner.
- Click the “Admin” option in the bottom left corner
- In the middle column under “Property” click “Tracking info” and then “Data Retention”
- Select “Do not automatically expire” and Save
If you’re more of a visual person, you can find step by step instructions with screenshots in this churchm.ag article by Eric Dye.
Note that if you have more than one website, you will have to change the data retention for each one individually.
Also note, if OurChurch.Com provides church SEO services to your church or other SEO services to your business or nonprofit, we have already taken care of this for you.
If you would like some help improving your search rankings and getting more people from search engines to your website, click through to the SEO section of our website and request a free consultation.
Got any thoughts or questions about the new Google Analytics data retention setting? Post ‘em in a comment below.
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.