Track Google Analytics on Desktop - Polaris
Monitoring Google Analytics with Polaris
Readers familiar with MakeUseOf will recognize our frequent coverage of methods for utilizing Google Analytics data. Its accessibility is a key factor; it stands out as one of the few webmaster tools available online that offers complete functionality even with a free account.
Furthermore, Google Analytics provides APIs, enabling other applications to integrate with and leverage your data effectively.
Existing Desktop Applications
Previously, we highlighted Trakkboard, a desktop application allowing visualization of Analytics data across multiple accounts. This proved to be a valuable resource.
Mark also reviewed an Adobe AIR Analytics reporting tool, offering another avenue for data analysis. Tim showcased a particularly impressive Google Analytics plugin designed for WordPress.
Discovering Polaris
While using Trakkboard, some users may encounter minor inconveniences, such as settings lacking clear English labeling or occasional chart malfunctions.
Driven by this, a search was initiated to identify alternative desktop Google Analytics tools. This led to the discovery of Polaris, a robust application built using Adobe AIR.
Polaris presents an excellent solution for those seeking a dedicated desktop environment for monitoring their website's analytics.
Integrating Polaris with Google Analytics
Connecting Polaris to your Google Analytics account requires providing your login credentials, similar to other Google Analytics applications. Upon successful login, you will gain immediate access to your Analytics data.
This access is presented within a refined and visually appealing interface, enhancing the user experience.
Managing Multiple Google Analytics Profiles
Should your Google Analytics account contain several profiles, seamless switching is facilitated. Simply utilize the dropdown menu to select the desired profile for analysis.
Profile selection can be performed dynamically from any screen within the application. The green profile folder located in the menu bar allows for instant profile changes.
This on-the-fly switching capability ensures you can quickly adapt your analysis to different segments of your data.
Graphs and Charts
Polaris provides access to key charts, eliminating the need for frequent logins to Google Analytics. This application can run directly on your desktop, offering continuous monitoring. The dashboard consolidates six essential graphs into a single, easily accessible view – visits, pageviews, pages per visit, bounce rate, average time on site, and the proportion of new visitors.
Detailed Analytics Views
For a more in-depth examination of your Analytics data, selecting the "Dashboard" button reveals a dropdown menu. This allows you to choose from a variety of windows, each providing specific insights.
Daily Visitor Trends
One of these windows presents a detailed visualization of your daily visitor trend. This allows for a granular understanding of how traffic fluctuates over time.
Map Overlay
The "Map Overlay" feature offers a unique perspective. Polaris extracts location data from your visitors and displays it on a world map. Visitor concentration is visually represented through color-coding, ranging from light green for minimal activity to deep red for high traffic areas.
Traffic Source Breakdown
Another familiar chart for Google Analytics users is the breakdown of traffic sources. This view analyzes visits, pageviews, and visitor engagement time, categorized by source. Understanding this data can refine your content strategy to boost pageviews and prolong visitor sessions.
Additional Insights and Data Access
Beyond the presented charts and visitor counts, Polaris provides access to detailed traffic information, including a listing of your primary referring sites. This perspective is invaluable for assessing the effectiveness of your site optimization efforts.
It also reveals which websites are most beneficial to visit regularly to attract a greater volume of visitors.
Furthermore, you can identify your most popular content. Regularly reviewing this data is crucial for understanding visitor interests. Content preferences can shift, so establishing a daily routine of launching Polaris upon computer startup ensures you remain informed about the latest website trends.
The leading keywords driving traffic to your site represent vital data, and Polaris makes this information readily available.
A key advantage of Polaris over other free Google Analytics applications is its unrestricted time range functionality. Adjusting the reporting period is simple; just click the date in the top center menu and manipulate the bottom slider to select your desired date.
The side sliders allow for precise range adjustments.
In conclusion, Polaris functions as a comprehensive window into your Google Analytics data, offering strong competition to other available tools. Its compatibility with Adobe AIR ensures operation on most operating systems supporting AIR.
Try Polaris and experience the convenience of accessing your Analytics data without needing to open a web browser.
What are your thoughts on Polaris? Are there alternative Google Analytics applications you prefer? Please share your feedback and opinions in the comments below.
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