Google Analytics: Difference Between Goal Conversions & Goal Completions

[eMagineSEO]

When using Google Analytics, what is the difference between total goal conversions and total goal completions?

We have many goals set up in a lead generation environment. Therefore, the only element of conversion is submitted a lead and arriving on the "Thank You" page. THose thank you pages are tagged accordingly.

When we run reports though, the number of "Total Goal Conversions" and "Total Goal Completions" never match up.

[DaveSottimano]

Completions: The total number of completions for the requested goal number

Total Completions: The total number of completions for all goals defined for your profile.

Conversion Rate: (ga:goal(n)Completions / ga:visits) * 100

Total Conversion Rate: (ga:goalCompletionsAll / ga:visits) * 100

Reference: http://code.google.com/apis/analytics/docs/gdata/dimsmets/goalconversions.html

[eMagineSEO]

Thanks for the response, Martijn. I've edited the initial Q&A post to better describe the situation we're evaluating.

[Martijn_Scheijbeler]

Hi,

Cool question, because a similar question around the definition of one of Google Analytics metrics was discussed last weekend at the Q&A. The difference between this two metrics lies in the fact that one is related to a specific goal and one isn't:

Total Goal Conversions: "The number of goals completed by visitors.".
Total Goal Completions: "The total number of visitors who have completed all elements defined for this particular goal.".

As you can see, the second definition is clearly for the completions of 1 specific goal. The other one is for all the goals combined. I have to admit that it's a bit tricky, but with this definition next to you hopefully it will help you any further!

Happy analyzing!