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Freelance Web Consultant at architxt.net
06 March 2007 15:23pm
Data will still be there, you're right, but you will not be able to run reports in the new sytem comparing data held in Google Analytics.
Might not be an issue for Sean, of course, and you can always export to CSV and analyse info that way. In my case I struggle to find time to dedicate to web analytics so just the idea of switching provider frigthens me.
Director at Grow Digital Marketing
07 March 2007 15:04pm
Hi
I have used Google analytics for several of our customers and the general consensus has been a positive one particularly with the auto integration with Google CPC.
We also now have clients who have moved on so to speak and run the analytics product alongside another product to compare and contrast. The data (webtrends) is providing appears to be consistent with the google analytics and it as actually lead me to the opinion and my clients that the additional value that that get from the paid for service is actually not that valuable!
Regards
Garry Davis
WhyCommunicate?
Author, CEO & Web Metrics Strategist at Advanced Web Metrics
07 March 2007 18:49pm
Why not just run both side by side. GA will happily sit along side other products.
IMHO, GA covers 90% of what the main competitors cover and of that ,clients (even the very largest) only ever use a small fraction of what GA is capable of.
So its a bit like 99% of the worlds population only ever selecting one wash program on their washing machine! Those extra bells, whistles and features are only worth paying for if you use them. The GA philosopy is to do the base set of reporting everyone should use, well, and it does these very well...
Author, CEO & Web Metrics Strategist at Advanced Web Metrics
07 March 2007 18:57pm
Brian Clifton from Google spoke about this yeaterday at the Digital Cream event.
Google are able to release a full featured product for free because they have an entirely different business model to their web analytics competitors...
Google derives its revenue from its advertising network (Adwords, Adsense) and GA is the tool to give advertisers confidence in online marketing - creating transparency and accountability for their systems. So Google don't need to charge - its part of their advertiser's toolset which keeps current clients happy and gives new clients confidence to try Adwords etc.
So their is such a thing as a free lunch... they really haven't skimped on any features and are actually heavily investing in its future.
Freelance Web Consultant at architxt.net
07 March 2007 19:02pm
Microsoft got into trouble packaging freebie products into their operating system.
I wonder if Google will ever get into a similar situation if its position is seen to be dominating the market.
Loz
On 18:57:51 7 March 2007 GA-Experts wrote:
Freelance Web Consultant at architxt.net
07 March 2007 19:15pm
Not always good idea in a big company. IT would question why they should support two systems that do that same thing.
And you could potentially confuse management with two slightly different sets of stats (they would ask for GA stats if the default ones look bad, no doubt).
One feature that GA lacks is to consolidate results across multiple websites.
But you're right, GA is a v.good tool that will work well for most.
One question, though... who owns the data? What is Google decided to switch GA off?
Loz
On 18:49:33 7 March 2007 GA-Experts wrote:
Author, CEO & Web Metrics Strategist at Advanced Web Metrics
07 March 2007 22:57pm
You can consolidate GA reports by adding an addition page tag (GATC) and setting the variable _uff = 0
As for switching GA off, is that likely? That's like saying what Google turn off Adwords?
What if your current vendor goes bankrupt? What if their level of security isn't as strong as Google's, what if they pass on data to your competitor? What if, what if.
I guess you have to assess the risk in each case and make your decision as best you can.
Managing Director at True Clarity
07 March 2007 23:03pm
The other thing to remember is that GA was once a off the shelf product too, called Urchin. So it really shouldn't be classed any differently.
Andy.
Freelance Web Consultant at architxt.net
09 March 2007 14:40pm
To to know about the GATC tag. I actually did try and find this info via Help but failed. Good thing about the service I use is that I can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away. Customer Service is an important factor.
I agree with everything else you say and would add one more 'what if'... Google decide to use the data it collects from you in such a way that it may be damaging to your company? I think there is a higher risk of this happening with a company like Google offering a freebie service.
Loz
Author, CEO & Web Metrics Strategist at Advanced Web Metrics
09 March 2007 18:49pm
Loz - for GA customer service, you can always contact Google via their ticketing system. I know from experiecne that turn around is between 24-48 hours. Not bad for a global service. BTW, they can respond in 16 languages.
If you want customer service that includes telephone support, you can always pick up the phone to a Google Analytics Authorised Consultant - of which we are one. Better still, invite them over or visit their offices and speak face to face. Again these are available globally and all are trained to the same high standard.
In terms of your last point:
'what if'... Google decide to use the data it collects from you in such a way that it may be damaging to your company?
I have to say that is utter rubbish. Are you saying Google will artificially manipulate their Adwords bidding system to make a few extra bucks? That is fraud and illegal and would lead them down the same path as Enron/WorldCom with Larry, Sergey and Eric in the dock. Hardly a realistic scenario and also protected by the Sarbane-Oxley act.
Maybe you mean they would sell the data to a third party? I am pretty sure advertisers would leave the Adwords/Adsense system in droves if that was to happen. Also end-users would stop using the search engine for fear of their visitor sessions being farmed for personal information.
So, Google has built a very profitable business that relies on trust. We know from experience that Google protect this vigorously in all their products. I really can't see that ever being jeopardised.