Google Analytics (& other cool free stuff from Google)
May 31st, 2007
So, Google Analytics 2.0 is out. I’m definitely not qualified to write an accurate review of it. We’ve done that on our analytics 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?
