VA.gov: How To Request Google Analytics & Domo Access

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Hey guys! Need access to Google Analytics or Domo for your work with the Department of Veterans Affairs? You've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the process, making it super easy to get the access you need. Let's dive in!

What This Form Is For

This form is specifically designed to help you request access to either Google Analytics, Domo, or both. Make sure you follow the steps outlined below to ensure your request is processed smoothly. We want to make sure you get what you need without any hiccups.

1. Access Requirements

First things first, let's figure out which analytics tool(s) you actually need. Here’s what you need to do:

  • [x] Google Analytics
  • [ ] Domo

Google Analytics: This is your go-to tool for understanding website traffic, user behavior, and overall performance of VA.gov. It's essential for tracking metrics, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to improve the user experience. With Google Analytics, you can see how users are interacting with different pages, which content is most popular, and where users might be dropping off. This information is crucial for optimizing the site and ensuring veterans and their families have the best possible experience.

Domo: Domo is a powerful business intelligence platform that allows you to visualize data from various sources in one place. It’s great for creating dashboards, tracking KPIs, and getting a high-level overview of key performance indicators related to VA.gov. Domo helps you monitor performance metrics in real-time, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions based on comprehensive data insights. It’s especially useful for leadership and stakeholders who need a quick, clear view of how the site is performing against strategic goals.

Choosing the right tool depends on your specific role and responsibilities. If you're focused on detailed website analysis and user behavior, Google Analytics is likely the best choice. If you need a broader overview and the ability to integrate data from multiple sources, Domo might be more suitable. Some roles may even require access to both tools to get a complete picture.

2. User Email Address to Receive Access

Okay, listen up! This part is super important for privacy reasons. Do NOT put your email address directly in this ticket. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Head over to the DSVA Slack channel #vfs-platform-support.
  2. Use the /support command.
  3. In the Request topic dropdown menu, select Google Analytics/Domo.
  4. In the Summary of request section, add:
    • This issue's link
    • The email addresses that need access

Why do we do it this way? Because privacy, duh! We want to keep your personal info safe and sound. By using the Slack channel, we can ensure a secure way to handle your email address and get you the access you need without any unnecessary risks.

Please note: For Google Analytics, if the user has a VA.gov email address or does not yet have a Google account, they will need to create one by visiting this link. Once at that link, VA.gov users and external users with email accounts that are not Google based should select the option "Use my current email address instead".

Connecting your email to a Google account is straightforward. If you already have a Gmail account, you’re all set. If not, follow the link provided and choose the option to use your current email address. This will allow you to access Google Analytics with your existing VA.gov email without needing to create a new Gmail account. It’s a simple step, but it’s essential for getting access to the analytics data you need.

  • [ ] email address has been connected to google

Additional Requirements

Do you need any special permissions, like edit access? Are you planning to hook up an API for BigQuery access? Let us know! The more details you provide, the smoother the process will be. If you need edit access, specify why you need it. For BigQuery access, explaining how you intend to use the API will help us understand your requirements and ensure you get the appropriate level of access.

Once you submit your request, keep an eye on your inbox. You should receive a confirmation email directly from Google or Domo once your access has been granted. This email will confirm that your account has been properly set up and you can start using the analytics tools. If you don’t receive an email within a few days, follow up with the support team to ensure your request is being processed.

VSP Analytics & Insights Acceptance Criteria

Definition of Done

  • [ ] Provide access to user

This means that once you’ve followed all the steps and your access has been granted, we can mark this task as complete. We aim to make this process as seamless as possible, so you can focus on analyzing data and improving the VA.gov experience for our veterans.

Why Google Analytics and Domo are Essential for VA.gov

Google Analytics and Domo are more than just tools; they are essential for understanding how veterans and their families interact with VA.gov. By leveraging these platforms, we can gain valuable insights into user behavior, identify pain points, and make data-driven decisions to improve the overall user experience. These insights help us ensure that VA.gov remains a reliable and user-friendly resource for those who have served our country.

Google Analytics provides detailed data on website traffic, user engagement, and conversion rates. This allows us to see which pages are most popular, how long users spend on each page, and where they might be encountering difficulties. By analyzing this data, we can optimize content, improve navigation, and streamline processes to better meet the needs of our users. For example, if we notice a high bounce rate on a particular page, we can investigate the issue and make changes to improve the user experience.

Domo, on the other hand, offers a broader view of key performance indicators and allows us to track progress towards strategic goals. It provides a centralized dashboard where we can monitor metrics related to website performance, user satisfaction, and overall effectiveness of VA.gov. Domo helps us identify trends, detect anomalies, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. This ensures that we are continuously improving the site and delivering the best possible experience for our veterans.

Together, Google Analytics and Domo provide a comprehensive view of VA.gov, allowing us to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve the site for the benefit of our users. They are critical tools for ensuring that VA.gov remains a valuable and user-friendly resource for veterans and their families.

Best Practices for Using Google Analytics and Domo

To make the most of Google Analytics and Domo, it’s important to follow some best practices. These tips will help you ensure that you’re collecting accurate data, analyzing it effectively, and using it to drive meaningful improvements to VA.gov. Here are some key recommendations:

  1. Set up accurate tracking: Ensure that your Google Analytics and Domo accounts are properly configured to track the metrics that are most important to you. This includes setting up goals, events, and custom dimensions to capture the data you need to understand user behavior and measure the effectiveness of your efforts. Accurate tracking is the foundation for meaningful analysis and decision-making.

  2. Regularly review your data: Make it a habit to regularly review your Google Analytics and Domo dashboards to identify trends, detect anomalies, and monitor progress towards your goals. This will help you stay informed about the performance of VA.gov and identify areas where you can make improvements. Regular monitoring is essential for proactive management and continuous optimization.

  3. Use data to inform decisions: Don’t just collect data for the sake of it. Use the insights you gain from Google Analytics and Domo to inform your decisions and drive meaningful improvements to VA.gov. Whether it’s optimizing content, improving navigation, or streamlining processes, let data be your guide. Data-driven decision-making is the key to continuous improvement and delivering the best possible experience for our veterans.

  4. Collaborate with your team: Share your insights and findings with your team and collaborate on solutions to improve VA.gov. By working together, you can leverage the collective knowledge and expertise of your team to address challenges and make the most of the opportunities you identify. Collaboration is essential for driving meaningful change and ensuring that VA.gov meets the needs of our users.

By following these best practices, you can maximize the value of Google Analytics and Domo and use them to make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families.