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Google Analytics - Why aren't you using it?
May 03, 2014

Google Analytics - Why aren't you using it?

Christopher Corbett | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Software Version

Google Analytics

Modules Used

  • Converisons, Aquisition, Intelligence Events

Overall Satisfaction with Google Analytics

Currently, I am using Google Analytics for my Web Development clients. Google Analytics has enabled me the ability to provide my clients improved reporting on each of their respective channels. In addition to that, we can perform extensive AB testing throughout the site to optimize acquisition, user behaviour and flow. It is extremely helpful in analyzing cart abandonment rates, etc.
  • Google Analytics is extremely simple to implement, no matter what web environment you are developing in.
  • Out of the box, Google Analytics provides a great deal of information that is organized in a logical manner. The information is presented in an easy-to-read format. Each report is easily "exportable."
  • Implementing custom attributes and conversion goals is relatively simple. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to setup your channels, etc.
  • They could simplify custom reporting. Especially when using customized data and drill downs. It is simple as it is, but at times, doesn't seem very flexible.
  • Goals are currently limited to 20 (unless you pay.) Analytics Premium is costly, but not compared to some of the other major players.
  • Google is constantly upgrading the user experience for Google Analytics. The good, is that they are improving it. The bad, if you only login to GA once a month, you may fumble around looking for features/options that you once knew.
  • GA has only had a positive impact for myself and my clients. Utilizing the data from Google Analytics, we have been able to optimize landing pages, shopping carts, and content to only improve our acquisition, reduce abandonment rates and follow through with successful conversions.
I have been exclusively using Google Analytics for several years. Previous to that, I have used Hitbox from WebSideStory which is now owned by Adobe, so I cannot really make a fair comparison to the feature sets. At the time, Hitbox was a very powerful tool, but didn't have the capabilities that GA has today (or at least it wasn't as easy to implement.)
As long as our requirements of Google Analytics remains in the same proximity, I will continue to use and renew my use of Google Analytics. If it comes to a point where we are reaching a bazillion hits a month and require tracking thousands of channels, we may look at other solutions based on cost.
In comparing to other products, ask yourself the following:
  • What is my budget on an Analytics tool? (NONE)
  • Can I create custom reports? (YES)
  • It it cross platform/technology capable? (YES)
  • Can I track custom goals/events (YES)
  • Is it easy to implement (YES)
  • Does it support real time data? (YES)
Google Analytics is well suited for small to medium businesses with a substantial amount of traffic. If you are going beyond the scope of 20 goals, are getting a bazillion hits to your site and have thousands of channels, you may want to look at their premium product.