Stage before you engage: The importance of a staging environment in Google Analytics
In a previous blog post, we talked about how to implement Google Analytics (GA) using Google Tag Manager in the new GA4 set up. Now we’ll cover an often overlooked component for strong, healthy data: the staging environment.
A staging environment—a separate, non-production space where custom events and testing can be carried out—is used to create custom events, confirm data integrity, and perform multiple tests for quality control before pushing live. It’s meant to closely mirror a website’s live environment so all new tags can be easily migrated over to production without the risk of affecting live data.
Below we’ll cover some key concepts on how a staging environment can help you protect data integrity; refine and troubleshoot tags; be a launching point for skill development and collaboration; and help teams make better informed decisions.
Data integrity
One of the foremost benefits of a staging environment is the protection of data integrity. Inaccurate or misleading data can send organizations down the wrong path, wasting resources and time. When testing new custom events or features directly on a live site, there's the risk of skewing actual user metrics with "noise" data. A staging environment isolates these tests, allowing developers and analysts to make sure everything works as intended without contaminating the main analytics pool.
Troubleshooting and refinement
Before rolling out new custom events or tracking features, it's crucial to ensure they are functioning correctly. In a staging environment, you can carry out various tests to troubleshoot and refine these features. Whether it’s assessing the event tracking for new call-to-action buttons or evaluating a new funnel sequence, testing in a safe space makes it easier to identify errors or areas of improvement. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of introducing issues into the live environment, which could take considerable time and effort to fix retrospectively.
Collaboration and skill development
A staging environment is not just a sandbox for codes and features; it's a collaborative space for cross-functional teams. Marketers, developers, and data analysts can work together to define goals, set up custom events, and assess results. This allows for a holistic view of how changes will impact various aspects of the organization. Additionally, it serves as a learning platform. Team members can try out new GA features, develop their skills, and become better equipped to generate actionable insights, all without the fear of making mistakes that could impact the live environment.
Resource optimization
Time and resources are always limited. Inaccuracies in data or flaws in custom events can lead to misallocated efforts, as teams might focus on elements that do not significantly contribute to organizational goals. Through testing and validation in a staging environment, teams can more accurately prioritize their objectives and resource allocations. By ensuring that custom events are tracking the desired metrics correctly, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals.
If you would like to learn more about implementing a staging environment for your GA account, please reach out to UR Director of Measurements & Analytics Eric Meyer at meye3817@umn.edu. Happy analyzing!