Heap is unable to discern if an event was performed by a user for the very first time or for a specific number of times since the first time. As a result, it’s difficult to track specific first-time or nth-time events for users.
We recommend that you use Heap Connect to export data downstream to a data warehouse for this kind of analysis.
If using Heap Connect is not an option, there are a few workarounds for measuring an approximate analysis of nth time in the Heap UI:
Number of users > Users who started doing
This analysis measures newer users to the platform, especially if they have completed this event recently. By specifying the event (ex. a purchase event) and adjusting this window to your preference, you’ll be able to see all users that performed the event within the timeframe specified. You can then add additional filters and grouping to this analysis to break it down further.
Funnel/Retention chart using a ‘one-time’ event
If there is an event that occurs only once, such as ‘registration complete’ or ‘first purchase discount applied’, you can use this in your analysis to build a Funnel or Retention chart
- Funnel: Set this event to be the first event in the funnel, then add the conversion event after to see how many users completed a conversion event during their first session, or within X days of it occurring.
- Retention: Use Group By -> Has Done Sequence -> Within Session to compare long-term retention in users who perform a particular event in their first session in comparison to users who do not.