Have you ever wondered how to adjust analytics to be fully functional without having to sell the farm to get what you need to be able to improve your websites? Google Analytics is the answer, right?
Google Analytics has long been the thrifty marketers answered prayers when it comes to a robust analytics package that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. The only problem with this free service from Google is that it can be extremely difficult to implement this with all of the bells and whistles you hear about, unless you are a true web developer. Don’t get me wrong, as a SEO, I have a great understanding for all of the capabilities for web development, but I don’t code websites.
I am fortunate to work hand in hand with a seasoned web developer with an understanding of SEO. This is our advantage.
OK, back on topic.
So, I have been researching the benefits of different analytics packages for a few months and have been astounded by the cost associated with the mainstream products. I know, you get what you pay for! I totally agree, but it doesn’t mean that I want to cut out a significant amount of my SEM budget to get it done, in fact, the point to analytics is to bring back more from the table, increase ROI so you can spend on profitable segments and limit or eliminate less profitable ones.
In my research, I found a lot of great information about a product called Urchin, which, just so happens, is the company that Google acquired a few years ago. Google revamped the service and produced it for the masses as Google Analytics for free. However, much of the functionality of Urchin is not visible in the squeaky clean interface. I had really written off Google Analytics as a viable option until I had the opportunity to speak with an engineer in the analytics program and he gave some great insight into what it can do, and where to begin the search for more information.
Well, all of your answers (or at least all of mine so far) can be answered in a new O’Reilly Short Cuts e-book by Justin Cutroni. This pdf e-book is over 80 pages and outlines Google Analytics:
- Setup
- How Google Analytics Works
- Profiles and Profile Settings
- Filters
- Goals and Funnels
- Common Web Site Configurations
- Marketing Campaign Tracking
- E-Commerce Tracking
- Custom Segmentation
- CRM Integration
- Tips and Tricks
If you are considering implementing an analytics package into your website, I would recommend that you simply pay the ten dollars and give Google a chance.
What are your thoughts?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I have known Justin for a number of years now – in fact ever since we were both Urchin Partners (him for the US and me for the UK). I can personally vouch for his expertise. You may be interested in the forth coming book at mastering Google Analytics, to be published by Wiley hopefully early in 2008: http://www.advanced-web-metrics.com
Brian,
Thanks for the tip on the book and the comment.
Based upon his writing on the topic, his experience shines through. Not too technical, not too “for dummies.”
I agree, Steve. In my opinion, it’s one of those “must-haves” if you use GA. Proper implimentation and setup are critical factors in getting decent traffic insights. I’ve been using GA for several years now, and after reading this e-book, I discovered several areas where I needed to make implimentation adjustments. Obtain knowledge, gain wisdom and spend the ten bucks!
Thanks for the comment Craig…
One thing that has become very evident with Google Analytics is that they don’t offer an easy “how-to” guide to building out an account for optimal performance, it is a free service after all!
Thanks for the tip on e-book. I’ve been using GA however, I’m certainly not comfortable that I’m using the tool to the fullest extent. I’ll cough up the 10 bucks!
@John; Camas Homes: I wish I could take credit, but it is an extremely useful (and inexpensive) resource. Thanks for the comment.
What is this $10 we’re talking about?? I have over 30 websites stored in Google Analytics and its free so far. Is there a better package out there for $10 than the free version offered?
The free version is WOWZA good for me. It breaks down everything. It was the first analytics package I ever used… and after reading about the others, it maybe the only analytics package I ever use.
I run some wordpress sites with a real time tracking system called “Wassup” (its a plugin, I didn’t write it, don’t make money off of it, not endorsing, just sharing)
Wassup lets you see your visitors in REAL TIME. Its awesome, you can see who is on your site and what page they are on. I really like this program because of its ability to see spiders, bots, spam and effectively weed them out from your “real people” results with just a click.
I think a strong combo of Google Analytics and Wassup (if using wordpress) will pretty much whip any paid for Analytics program out there.
Just my thoughts, not telling you guys if you don’t then I’m better than you, lol.
Thanks again for this blog, it sure has helped me get the “mantra” part of the SEO down. Just keep repeating the same rules until you get those and then increase your mantra even more!
Ryan,
Thanks for the comment. The $10 is for the digital book that gives you what you need to know about Google Analytics.
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