Overall Satisfaction with Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics to measure all of the activity on sites that we own and sites that we manage for clients. Over time, Google's reliability and reporting tools have enabled us to move away from having to study server logs to understand what is happening. As the largest free analytics software online, they've radically improved how data is used to manage digital businesses. Making an organization data-driven is the first step to improving profitability.
- We set up conversions for each organization even if they do not engage in direct sales online. This has the benefit of holding everyone accountable to the same mission.
- Google Analytics also becomes the permanent database of the organization's digital activity. Need to easily compare this month's sales against prior years and cart the impact of seasonality. It's easy to set up fast and easily saved for future retrieval.
- Handling the data from millions of sites has allowed Google to see what information is requested and then prompt users.
- There are definitely some data vagaries around URLs and channels. Subdomains can easily be misconfigured as can referring sites.
- Years later, we all still mourn for the missing keyword data. Yes, we used to get keyword information from every Google search. That loss is only somewhat mitigated by linking Search Console with Analytics.
- There is still a lot of user confusion around how Google Tag Manager works. We understand, but we're in that business. Setting up Analytics to work on your sites isn't as easy as looking at an FAQ.
- The entire configuration process could be easier for micro-businesses. There are small businesses that could use these tools, but have a steep learning curve and often don't have the budget to pay someone to handle things for them. It seems like a basic turnkey solution could be available to them on certain platforms.
- Robust reporting capability.
- All data is preserved.
- Ability to annotate data & have those annotations stay.
- Modeling.
- Price.
- Conversion tracking not only tells us what is working, but what isn't...and where.
- You can get lost in the data, but that's why good goal setting is important. Don't set nice but meaningless goals. Add a goal that changes the business for the better.
- There are good dashboard like tools available. Use them.
Google Analytics is the web's gold standard. We also use StatCounter for redundancy sake and because its visitor tracking and basic reporting are spectacular. But Google is a must-have no matter what else you end up using.
The redundancy issues plays out in terms of data comparison rather than losing an installation although that can happen too.
The redundancy issues plays out in terms of data comparison rather than losing an installation although that can happen too.
Do you think Google Analytics delivers good value for the price?
Yes
Are you happy with Google Analytics's feature set?
Yes
Did Google Analytics live up to sales and marketing promises?
Yes
Did implementation of Google Analytics go as expected?
Yes
Would you buy Google Analytics again?
Yes