Google Analytics

A couple of weeks ago, Google released the first version of their Analytics Service.

This is the result of their acquisition of Urchin, but being Google they had to shake it up a bit by offering a previously $200 a month service for free!! :)

Being a free service I thought I'd give it a go, and so signed up for this blog. The signup was easy (just use your existing Google Account), and it provides you with a JavaScript fragment to insert on all your pages. This can be put in the Template of most blogging services.

Then it's just a matter of sit back and wait for the data to come in!

It took a couple of days for the data to appear for me, but once its there, you can see that Analytics is a very impressive service. Admitedly its very depressing to see that nobody actually visits this blog, but the range of information provided is pretty neat.

It provides basic information such as number of visitors, most popular pages, number of repeat visitors etc through to information on the geographic (and network) location of visitors through to details on their system setup (OS, Browser, Screen Resolution, etc.)

All of this information is presented graphically using charts and graphs, and shows trends over time.

It is also possible to set up conversion goals to track the flow of visitors down unique paths through your site, although I have not looked at this area yet!

I'd recommend this service to everyone. You're getting a whole load of details for zero outlay, so unless you're scared about the privacy issues with Google having access to all this data, I can't see any reason not to sign up!

Having just said that, I think they are currently closed to new registrations due to demand being greater than expected! :)

You can enter your email address to get informed when it reopens though!