The Google Analytics API training (previously titled GA 401) is about learning the various APIs available for Google Analytics and how to access them. You should already have a strong programming background and be comfortable coding in either Java, PHP, .NET, Ruby, Python or JavaScript.
A thorough knowledge of Google Analytics is not necessary. However, you should understand the basics — what data is available, basic definitions of metrics and dimensions and the types of reports available.
Introduction to the Google Analytics API – Training
What it is and how your company can use it. Things you’ll learn:
- What APIs are available
- What you can and can’t do
- Google Analytics terminology used in the API
- Libraries
Collection API
A brief overview of some of the core concepts of the Google Analytics tracking code. Things you’ll learn:
- How the asynchronous syntax works
- Pushing functions onto the queue
- Splitting the snippet
- Common pitfalls
Reporting API
The Core Reporting API gives you access to most of the report data in Google Analytics. With the Core Reporting API, you can build custom dashboards, automate complex reporting tasks, and integrate Google Analytics data with other business applications. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Using the Core Reporting API explorer
- Locating a profile ID
- Recreate some basic reports from Google Analytics
- How to build filter strings
- How to use Advanced Segments
- Paging through results
- Limits
Multi-Channel Funnels Reporting API
The Multi-Channel Funnels (MCF) Reporting API lets you access the conversion path data, which shows user interactions with various traffic sources over multiple visits prior to converting. This helps you analyze how multiple marketing channels influence conversions over time. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Using the MCF API explorer
- Recreate the Assisted Conversions report
Management API
The Management API provides access to the configuration information about Google Analytics users, accounts, web properties, profiles, goals and custom segments. It also allows you to upload cost data for non-AdWords campaigns. Things you’ll learn and do:
- List a user’s account, web property and profile information
- List a profile’s goal information
- List a user’s custom segments
- Upload cost data for non-AdWords campaigns
OAuth Authentication
To access Google Analytics data through the APIs, you need to authorize your requests. Google APIs use the OAuth 2.0 protocol for authentication and authorization. Google supports several OAuth 2.0 flows that cover common web server, JavaScript, device, installed application and server to server scenarios. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Simple access
- Authentication for web service
- Authentication for client-side
- Authentication for installed apps
- Authentication for service accounts
Registering a Project in the Google APIs Console
Registering gives you access to the full API quotas and helps identify your application. We’ll walk you through the process. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Register an application
Libraries
Client libraries make it easy to use the various Google Analytics APIs in the language of your choice. Learn what libraries are available, and how to access each one. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Explore the various client libraries
Build a Dashboard
The afternoon will be a hands-on workshop, where we work together through an example. We’ll use all of the concepts introduced in the morning sessions to build a dashboard using the various Google Analytics APIs. Things you’ll learn and do:
- Build a simple dashboard using the APIs
