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Accessing Your Dashboard

Step-by-step instructions for logging into your client portal and accessing the Catchlight Analytics Dashboard, including browser requirements and troubleshooting tips.

Chris Ross avatar
Written by Chris Ross
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Getting to your Catchlight Analytics Dashboard is quick and easy. This guide will walk you through the login process and help you troubleshoot any access issues.

Logging Into the Client Portal

Follow these steps to access your dashboard:

Step 1: Navigate to the Portal

Open your web browser and go to your client portal URL. This URL was provided to you in your welcome email or by your account administrator.

Typical URL format: https://portal.eightdigitmedia.com

Step 2: Enter Your Credentials

On the login page, enter:

  • Your username or email address

  • Your password

First-time users: If this is your first login, you may need to:

  • Click "Set Password" or "First Time Login"

  • Follow the instructions to create your password

  • Verify your email address if prompted

Step 3: Navigate to Analytics

Once logged in:

  1. Look for the navigation menu (usually on the left side or top of the page)

  2. Find and click on "Analytics" or "Catchlight Analytics"

  3. Your dashboard will load with your current data

Tip: Bookmark the direct URL to your analytics dashboard for faster access next time.

Browser Requirements

For the best experience with your Catchlight Analytics Dashboard, use:

Recommended Browsers

  • Google Chrome (version 90 or newer)

  • Mozilla Firefox (version 88 or newer)

  • Safari (version 14 or newer)

  • Microsoft Edge (version 90 or newer)

Required Settings

  • JavaScript must be enabled - Required for interactive charts and filtering

  • Cookies must be allowed - Needed to maintain your login session

  • Pop-up blocker exceptions - Some features may open in new windows

Device Recommendations

  • Desktop or laptop - Optimal viewing experience with full chart visibility

  • Tablet - Works well for reviewing data on the go

  • Mobile phone - Functional but some charts may be harder to read

Troubleshooting Access Issues

If you're having trouble accessing your dashboard, try these solutions:

Cannot Find Login Page

Problem: You don't know your portal URL

Solution:

  • Check your welcome email for the login link

  • Contact your account administrator or support team

  • Look for previous emails from your company containing portal links

Forgotten Password

Problem: You can't remember your password

Solution:

  1. Click "Forgot Password" on the login page

  2. Enter your email address

  3. Check your email for password reset instructions

  4. Follow the link to create a new password

  5. Return to the login page and sign in

Note: Reset links typically expire after 24 hours for security.

Account Locked

Problem: You see a message that your account is locked

Solution:

  • This usually happens after multiple failed login attempts

  • Wait 15-30 minutes and try again, or

  • Contact your account administrator to unlock your account immediately

Dashboard Not Loading

Problem: You can log in, but the dashboard doesn't load or appears blank

Solution:

  1. Clear your browser cache and cookies

    • Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Clear browsing data

    • Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Data

    • Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All

  2. Disable browser extensions

    • Ad blockers or security extensions may interfere

    • Try loading the page in an incognito/private window

  3. Check your internet connection

    • Ensure you have a stable connection

    • Try loading other websites to confirm connectivity

  4. Update your browser

    • Outdated browsers may not support all features

    • Update to the latest version

Charts or Filters Not Working

Problem: Interactive features aren't responding

Solution:

  1. Verify JavaScript is enabled

    • Check your browser settings

    • JavaScript is required for dashboard functionality

  2. Refresh the page

    • Press F5 or click the refresh button

    • This reloads all dashboard components

  3. Try a different browser

    • Test if the issue is browser-specific

    • Use one of our recommended browsers

Permission Errors

Problem: You see "Access Denied" or "Insufficient Permissions"

Solution:

  • Your user account may not have analytics access enabled

  • Contact your account administrator to request access

  • Verify you're logging in with the correct account

First-Time Setup

If this is your first time accessing the dashboard:

1. Review the Welcome Tour

Some portals offer a guided tour of the dashboard. If prompted, we recommend taking it to familiarize yourself with the layout.

2. Set Your Preferences

Check if there are any user preferences you can customize:

  • Default date range

  • Email notification settings

  • Dashboard layout options

3. Explore Sample Data

Take time to click through the various sections and features without pressure. Understanding the layout now will save time later.

4. Bookmark Important Pages

Save direct links to:

  • Your analytics dashboard

  • Frequently used reports

  • Help documentation

Security Best Practices

To keep your account secure:

Do:

  • Use a strong, unique password

  • Log out when using shared computers

  • Keep your password confidential

  • Update your password periodically

Don't:

  • Share your login credentials with others

  • Use the same password as other accounts

  • Save passwords on public computers

  • Leave your session open unattended

Getting Help with Access

If you've tried the troubleshooting steps and still cannot access your dashboard:

Contact Support:

When contacting support, provide:

  • Your name and email address

  • The specific error message you're seeing

  • What browser and device you're using

  • What you've already tried

Next Steps

Once you've successfully accessed your dashboard:

  • Understanding Your Dashboard - Learn about the layout and main sections

  • Using Dashboard Filters - Start filtering and searching your data

  • Understanding Key Metrics (KPIs) - Interpret the performance indicators you see


Quick Tip: Most access issues are resolved by clearing your browser cache or using a recommended browser. Try these first before contacting support!

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