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Website explainer · 1:47

Analytics Events Explained: Measuring Actions on a Website

How does analytics record a specific website interaction? An event can measure an action or occurrence such as a page view.

Jersey Web video: A click. A view. An event.

1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.

Download the on-screen text track (VTT)

The six points in the video

This is a silent video. The headings, explanations and labels below reproduce the information on screen.

  1. Step 1: An event measures an occurrence

    It can represent a page view, click or another defined interaction.

    On-screen labels: Defined occurrence; Event trigger; Recorded event.

  2. Step 2: The name identifies the event

    A clear name helps explain which action was measured.

    On-screen labels: Event name; Defined meaning; Consistent naming.

  3. Step 3: Parameters add useful detail

    Extra values can describe relevant context for the occurrence.

    On-screen labels: Event context; Relevant value; Useful reporting.

  4. Step 4: Collection methods differ

    Some events are automatic; others require implementation.

    On-screen labels: Automatic collection; Enhanced measurement; Implemented event.

  5. Step 5: Test the intended trigger

    Confirm the event fires for the right action without unwanted duplicates.

    On-screen labels: Correct action; Expected count; Duplicate check.

  6. Step 6: Read the count in context

    An event count is not automatically a sale or a unique person.

    On-screen labels: Action definition; Counting behaviour; Useful customer outcome.

A practical check for your business

Define the interaction the business needs to understand before adding a tracking event. Test the intended trigger and check that the recorded event represents that action without unnecessary personal data.

Sources and further detail

Common questions

How does analytics record a specific website interaction?

An event can measure an action or occurrence such as a page view. Test the event against the real action it is meant to measure.

Go further

Guide Read the practical guide More context for planning and maintaining your business website. 5 min read →

Test the event against the real action it is meant to measure.

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