Asynchronous Tracking

By Scot Manaher · Leave a Comment

Asynchronous tracking is a fairly new feature of Google Webmaster Central. Some of the key benefits of switching over your website to the new tracking method are, the code loads faster than the old Google Analytics tracking code, you still get the same great way of monitoring visits and it comes with added boost in page speed. The new code snippet is java script based which takes advantage of JavaScript supported browsers. So in the end you can put the tracking code higher in the page allowing for a quick loading of the important content your visitors are wanting.

Replace UA-XXXXX-X with your original tracking code id.

<script type=”text/javascript”>// <![CDATA[
var _gaq = _gaq || [];
_gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-XXXXX-X']);
_gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);

(function() {
var ga = document.createElement(‘script’); ga.type = ‘text/javascript’; ga.async = true;
ga.src = (‘https:’ == document.location.protocol ? ‘https://ssl’ : ‘http://www’) + ‘.google-analytics.com/ga.js’;
var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);
})();
// ]]></script>

Once the code is in place make sure you go back and remove the old tracking snippet code you had in their to begin with. Google does not recommend running both snippets together. Plus it will reduce the file size which in turn reduces page speed times.

Like I said the nice part is there is nothing new to learn because you can access all your new optimized data from the original Google Analytics page.

To learn more about all the feature of this new optimized tracking and benefits check out Google Webmaster Central Tracking Sites with the Asynchronous Snippet. They also supply important migration instructions dealing with ga.js and urchin.js snippets that you need to be versed in before jumping onboard .

Google also recommends placing other scripts you run on your website before the Asynchronous Tracking snippet in the head section of your html. Plus place other scripts after both snippets and page content.

So what are you waiting for? Get onboard and take advantage of all the added benefits this new type of tracking offers.

With that this is Scot Manaher signing off.

Need to contact us? Then contact Niche Website Strategy here.

About Scot Manaher

Scot Manaher has written 111 post in this blog.

Scot is a blogger that loves writing about SEO, Internet Marketing and Work at Home opportunities. He owns and operates Niche Website Strategy and the Web Content Course system. He is also the Marketing Manager for The Content Authority which is a premier article writing service.