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What is a secondary dimension in Google Analytics?

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Published on Jan 20, 2023 and edited on May 12, 2023 by Iron Brands

A secondary dimension in Google Analytics is an additional layer of data that you can apply to your reports, which helps you dive deeper into your analytics and gain more insights. Primary dimensions are the default data points displayed in your reports, while secondary dimensions allow you to refine and expand on that information by adding another related data point to your analysis.

For example, let's say you're looking at a report that shows the total number of page views (Primary Dimension) for your website. You might be curious about where these page views are coming from, so you decide to add a secondary dimension called 'Source/Medium.' This additional dimension displays the origin and type of traffic for each page view, revealing more detailed information such as organic search, referral, direct, or social media traffic.

With secondary dimensions, you can uncover relationships and patterns in your data that aren't immediately apparent in single-dimension reports. They allow you to better understand your audience and their behavior, helping you identify opportunities for improvement and optimization across your website and marketing efforts. By making the most of both primary and secondary dimensions in Google Analytics, you can gain valuable insights that inform your decision-making and drive your online presence's success.

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