How to Set Up Tracking Parameters for Different Publish Online Versions in InDesign?

[kameokim]

Hello All,

Currently I have a single version of my portfolio created in InDesign and published in the Online Dashboard. Since Indesign has ended its own analytics and now requires integration with Google analytics, I have gotten that all set up and it is working fine. My question is this: If I were to create several versions of my portfolio for pitching to different companies, how does that work with Google Analytics? Do I need a separate data stream for each, or should I use the same one for all of them? If I use the same one, will I be able to differenciate which portfolio version is being viewed?

Thanks!

Kimberly

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[Anshul_Saini]

Hi @kameokim,

Thanks for reaching out. It sounds like you’re on the right track with setting up Google Analytics for your InDesign portfolios! To answer your question, you can use the same data stream for all your portfolio versions; however, you’ll need to set up different tracking parameters (like UTM parameters) for each version. This way, you can differentiate which portfolio is being viewed in your Google Analytics reports.

Using unique identifiers in the URLs will allow you to see how each version performs separately, even if they’re all under the same data stream. If you need help setting up those parameters or have any more questions, feel free to ask. Good luck with your pitching!

Best,

Anshul Saini

[kameokim]

Hello Anshul,

Thank you so much for your help! It's great to learn that I don't need a new data stream for each.

I am not very tech savvy, so this is liley a dense question, but how do I go about setting up different tracking parameters for each version? When I save as a Publish Online Document, Adobe assigns a URL, does it not?

[Abhishek Rao]

Hey @kameokim,

Absolutely, I understand how it can get a bit technical, but no worries, I’m here to help! When Adobe assigns a URL for your Publish Online document, you can still add unique tracking parameters (like UTM parameters) to that URL to differentiate each version.

So, how you can do it?: after getting the published URL from InDesign, you can append different UTM tags to each URL manually. For example, if your URL is 'https://adobe.ly/4du6QXl', you can add something like '?utm_source=portfolioA' for one version and '?utm_source=portfolioB' for another. Each version would then have a slightly different link, and Google Analytics will track those differences for you.

There are also free UTM builders online that can help you generate these tags easily. This way, you can see which portfolio version is getting the most attention.

If you need more guidance on this, feel free to ask!

Best, 

Abhishek Rao

[kameokim]

Thank you Anshul!

I understand the concept, but not what the process is. Do I do this in Google Analytics after I have created my new Publish Online docs with my data stream?

[Abhishek Rao]

Hey @kameokim,

Thanks for your question! After publishing your document in InDesign, simply modify the URL by adding UTM parameters, like this: https://adobe.ly/4du6QXl?utm_source=portfolioA.

You don't need to do anything in Google Analytics initially. Once you share the modified links, you can monitor the performance in Google Analytics. 

Feel free to reach out if you need more help!

Best,
Abhishek Rao

[kameokim]

But how do I even access the URL to modify and save the changes to it? I'm afarid I need a step-by-step.

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @kameokim,

I’m glad to help you with this! Please follow the steps below:

1. Publish Your Document:

In InDesign, go to File > Publish Online.

Follow the prompts to publish your document. Once it’s published, you’ll receive a link to the document.

2. Access the Published URL:

After publishing, a dialog box will display the URL of your document. It will look something like this: https://adobe.ly/4du6QXl. Copy the link. Paste it in the browser URL section. 

3. Modify the URL:

To add UTM parameters, simply append ?utm_source=yourParameter to the end of the URL. For example: https://adobe.ly/4du6QXl?utm_source=portfolioA.

You can create different URLs by changing the value of utm_source for each version of your document.

4. Share the Modified URLs:

Use the modified URLs to share your document with others. Each version can be tracked separately in Google Analytics.

5. Monitor in Google Analytics:

After sharing, you can monitor the performance of each URL in Google Analytics by checking the traffic sources.

I hope this helps. 

Best,
Abhishek Rao

[kameokim]

That's very helpful, thank you so, so much!

[Abhishek Rao]

Hello @kameokim, 

It is my pleasure to assist you. Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. 

Thanks, 

Abhishek Rao