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What is a hostname in Google Analytics?

A hostname is the domain where your tracking code ran, like www.yoursite.com. Checking it helps spot spam or test-site data in your reports.

The hostname dimension shows which web address sent each hit of data. It is normally your own domain and any related domains, like a booking site. If other hostnames appear, it may be a test or staging copy of your site, a translation or caching service, or fake spam traffic using your measurement ID. Filtering reports by hostname keeps them to real visits on your real site.

Why it matters for your business: Strange hostnames can explain odd traffic spikes. Checking them is a quick way to make sure your numbers reflect real customers.

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What is a hostname in Google Analytics? | Website Wannabe Support