Tracking software installs

Discussion in 'Google Analytics' started by gclass, Aug 16, 2011.

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  1. #1
    Hi,

    I would like to track software installs by my users on their desktops (ie if the software installed or not and where the user is located).

    I use NSIS as the installer and would like to use Google Analytics for the tracking.
    since GA has no offline support I thought to run a "page visit" or "event" to my server after the installation is completed and count each visit or event as an installation.

    to make the installer visit a page on my server I can use NSISdl function which downloads a file, like:
    NSISdl:: "http://www.domain.com/trackfile.php" "$PLUGINSDIR\local_file" /END
    (this line just download the file and save it localy in temp folder)
    trackfile.php will have GA code in it, and I can also tag the links to have a better reading of the stats.

    1. I think that NSIS will not run the file so the JavaScript will not work and therefore no page visit will be recorded.
    2. I want to have location reports as well.

    I found a cool site that bypass that for email open rate but it does not pass the location of the user (only record a page visit when user open the email),
    see at: http://email-tracking-with-google-analytics.com

    also, I read that I can use a direct call to the pixel like:
    http://www.google-analytics.com/__utm.gif?utmwv=4.8.6&utmn=1214284135&utmhn=www.yoursite.com&utmt=event&utme=email_open&utmcs=utf-8&utmul=en&utmje=1&utmfl=10.1%20r102&utmdt=email_title&utmhid={10-digit time code}&utmr=0&utmp=email_name&utmac=UA-{your account}
    Code (markup):
    but I am not sure if I will get location info in that case.

    I will appreciate any feedback and help on this,

    Thx,G
     
    gclass, Aug 16, 2011 IP
  2. Royalbluestuey

    Royalbluestuey Member

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    #2
    So users who have installed the software will be directed to the trackfile page on your site...If you can track this will that not give you all the information you need? Or do you need to be able to see things like the keyword that originally brought them to the site?
     
    Royalbluestuey, Aug 22, 2011 IP
  3. gclass

    gclass Active Member

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    #3
    hi,
    I don't want to open a web browser on the client side as it may be rude sometimes.
    I would like to use http request via the OS and not the browser.

    thx
     
    gclass, Aug 22, 2011 IP
  4. Royalbluestuey

    Royalbluestuey Member

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    #4
    I do not know how to do this unless you incorporate an small (tiny) iframe in your installer programm that will open a webpage with analytics tracking code on it. Maybe have a welcome screen that only shows the first time you open the program.

    Sorry I can't think of anything simpler
     
    Royalbluestuey, Aug 22, 2011 IP