Any request to a server (page load, event, transaction). In GA4, it’s called an “event.”
Understanding Hits in Analytics
When a visitor lands on your site, every action they take can be measured as a hit. This could be a page loading, a button being clicked, or even a video being played. Each hit is essentially a packet of information sent from the user’s device to Google Analytics, which then processes it into meaningful reports.
For example, if a user views three pages, clicks a product, and completes a purchase, multiple hits are generated. Together, these create a clear picture of how that user interacted with your site. Without hits, analytics tools would have no data to process.
CMS Coverage
WordPress
In WordPress, analytics plugins track hits for page loads, events, and eCommerce actions, providing a complete picture of user engagement.
Shopify
Shopify automatically sends hits for product views, add-to-cart actions, and checkouts, allowing merchants to measure conversion funnels.
Wix
Wix integrates with analytics platforms to track hits for content interactions and online store activities, giving site owners visibility into performance.
Webflow
Webflow users can connect Google Analytics or GA4 to record hits for design-driven websites and track user journeys in detail.
Custom CMS
Custom-built platforms offer advanced control over how hits are triggered, enabling tailored tracking of business-specific user actions.
Industry Applications
Ecommerce
Hits capture vital events like product views, cart actions, and completed purchases, helping online retailers optimize for conversions.
Local Businesses
For local businesses, hits track contact form submissions, phone clicks, and map interactions, showing how visitors engage with business details.
SaaS
In SaaS, hits record user onboarding, feature use, and subscription upgrades, providing insights into product adoption and growth.
Blogs
For blogs, hits measure article reads, video plays, and social shares, showing which content resonates most with readers.
Do’s & Don’ts / Best Practices
Do ensure your analytics setup captures all relevant hits for your business goals
Do test event tracking to confirm accuracy
Do analyze hit data to uncover behavioral trends
Don’t rely only on pageview hits events matter too
Don’t collect unnecessary hits that clutter reports
Don’t ignore differences between Universal Analytics and GA4 hit models
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is assuming all hits are equal. Page views and events have different roles, and overlooking them can limit insights. Another mistake is failing to set up custom events, leaving important actions untracked. Some businesses also misinterpret hits as users or sessions, which leads to inaccurate conclusions.
FAQs
What is a hit in analytics?
A hit in analytics is any interaction sent to an analytics server, such as a pageview, event, or transaction.
Are hits the same as pageviews?
No. A pageview is one type of hit, but hits also include events, ecommerce actions, and social interactions.
Why are hits important in analytics?
Hits track user activity on a site, helping measure engagement, conversions, and overall website performance.
How many types of hits exist in Google Analytics?
Common types include pageview hits, event hits, ecommerce hits, and social interaction hits.
Is “hit” still used in GA4?
In GA4, Google replaced hits with an event-based model, where every interaction is tracked as an event.
