Google Analytics AHA's | Part V | Events vs. Virtual Pageviews
How do you track actions that don't prompt a page load? If the page loads, GA will capture it, but what about .pdf downloads, button clicks, exit links, etc.?
There are two answers -- virtual pageviews can be applied to the action to register a pageview. The downside is it can inflate your site's pageviews. The upside is those virtual pageviews can be used to build goals and funnels.
The other option is a custom event. This can also be applied to these actions. It will not count a pageview, but will register as a custom event and allow for more detailed information about that click including category, action, label and a value, which you specify. The downside is that events can't be used to build goals and funnels right now. But ... the next update to GA in beta now, will allow this so it's not a significant concern.
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