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So, Google Analytics 2.0 is out. I’m definitely not qualified to write an accurate review of it. Craig has done that on his blog here: Google Analytics 2.0 Review.

I will say though, from what I’ve heard, seen and read it sounds pretty cool. They’ve taken some concepts from their best competition, including ClickTracks, and done a good job of implementing their ideas.

However, as a good business owner or manager, something to consider is why in the world is Google doing this for free? We all know it’s not free. The only question is, will we pay for it now, or later. I choose now. Google is going to get their money one way or another. In other words; using Google Analytics is without a doubt, arming Google with fantastic competitive intelligence with regard to the other PPC engines and the information they need to raise your advertising rates.

Developers like ClickTracks, and others on the market, are at least clear about their motivation for developing their product; so they can sell it to you and make money. So, they have 1 honest objective; develop the best and most effective product and sell it to you. While on the other hand “free” solutions have other motivating factors for the tools they develop and get us addicted to.

Who would you rather pay? The company that is up front about the motives? Or the other guy with a not so clear agenda?

We’re doing our Search Engine Marketing Made Simple seminar in Akron this week. It’s been one of the best groups we’ve had yet both in attendees and speakers. Speakers have been great, and the group has been very involved and interactive.

One of our guest speakers, Anita Campbell spoke this afternoon on blogging for business. She’s actually got a great blog for entrepreneurs, called Small Business Trends

Being in the business, you think you’ve heard it all about blogs and how great they are, but Anita has some great, very practical tactics business owners and marketers can use. She makes the point that blogging will take time and commitment (I’m learning that now), but sticking with it and adding meaningful information will make a difference.

If you run or market a small business, I’d highly recommend you spend some time in her blog.

We just went on a discovery trip for a new client St. Bonaventure Mission in New Mexico. It’s a Catholic mission on the Navajo Indian Reservation. We’re going to be building them a new website to raise awareness and funds.

What an amazing place! And amazing people.

Chris Halter, the director of the mission brought us out because he knew we’d need to see this place, both Reservation and the Mission to have any kind of accurate perspective. He was absolutely right. I never would have imagined that we, for all intensive purposes, have what equates to a 3rd world country right here inside the United States. But we do. The poverty, lack of basic utilities and homes on this reservation are astounding.

Equally amazing are the people who work @ the St. Bonaventure Mission. Yes, this is a shameless plug for a new client I guess, but it’s a well deserved one.

We (James Golden, Patrick Willoughby and I) were fortunate enough to spend 2 full days on the reservation observing and traveling with the the people who run the mission. So, we saw water delivery, a day in the school, meals on wheels, home repairs and many other services they provide.

This is a badly needed and highly effective mission, that we’re thrilled to be able to do some work for.

Something I really appreciated in visiting was getting to know Chris, the Director of the mission. His perspective on social justice is great. His goal is to educate, employ and elevate as many people as they can. Rather than simply giving handouts of money, food etc. they are teaching these people how to elevate themselves out of the rut that poverty can trap them in.

It was a blessing to have the opportunity to visit this mission. We’re looking forward to delivering a site and service to them that will enable them to keep doing what they do.