A few weeks ago I posted Google Analytics Adds 8 New Features that covered some major changes to the Google Analytics platform. Just the other day, as part of a rolling release strategy for Google Analytics they have released a couple more new features and some updates to existing features. I’ve checked these out already (be aware that not you may have access to them just yet, but you will shortly) and I have to say I’m impressed. Google Analytics is really pushing the boundaries by taking into account how and what an analyst really has to go through on an everyday basis (it’s more than just reporting on the numbers) and is really beginning to make our (data) lives a whole lot better.
Custom Variables Now Available In Advanced Segments – “UPDATE TO EXISTING FEATURE – Multiple Custom Variables”: from my last post “Multiple Custom Variables lets you customize your Google Analytics to collect unique site usage data”. Until now, if you wanted to use Custom Variables you had to use the standard Custom Variables report under Visitors. Now, you can create custom segmentation on a any key and and combination of Custom Variables (visitors, sessions, or pages). I.e. if you have created a Custom Variable, let’s say “New Member”, you can now view that variable across all of your reports.
Custom Variables Available In Custom Reports - Now Custom Reports can be created with any of the key or value dimensions that have been associated with a Custom Variable. This allows you take ANY metric and match it with the behavior from a segment that you have defined in you Custom Variables.
New Analytics Tracking Code Setup Wizard - I’ll admit it, manually configuring your Google Analytics (any really platforms) Tracking Code is a pain in the behind at best of times. Think back if you’ve ever had to track campaigns, cross-domain tracking, multiple subdomains, mobile, PHP sites, etc. I believe you’ll recall it was “less than fun”. Well now there is a new tracking code setup wizard to help you out that automatically generates your tracking code based upon your specified setup options in your profile. View Full Size
Annotations – This feature is OUTSTANDING! From day one as an analyst you are taught that as a best practice you always write down & track what you’ve done, discovered, tried, etc. The problem of course has simply been “where you keep those notes”, i.e. a notebook, word document, local on your computer, etc. Well no more! The Annotations feature allows you leave a quick little note to yourself or others, such as “why that spike in traffic happened over the Holidays”. Now if you think about that for a moment, not only can simply leaving ‘notes’ for you or someone else be a real time saver, but Annotations can act as a central repository for managing your Business & Design decisions. And there was much rejoicing! Be sure to check out this video for details.
Coming Soon – Updates to the Google Analytics API will include: Support for Advanced Segmentation, new data dimensions and metrics.
To inspire those attending the 2009 Washington DC eMetrics Marketing Optimization Summit to think even more about Metrics & Optimization I am offering a FREE 30 minute Search Analytics consultation to ANY company that is in attendance*.
I was the Keynote speaker on Search Analytics at eMetrics Madrid in June and will be again at eMetrics Mexico in November. I will be moderating all 3 of the “Data Delving” tracks and the “Conversion Clinic” with Bryan Eisenberg on Oct 21, please stop by and say hi.
Who can benefit from this offer? Everyone. You!
Already have a search engine? Thinking about getting a search engine? Want to learn more about search analysis / analytics? Then contact me ASAP to take advantage of this great offer.
This is a custom consultation, not a stock presentation. Depending on your needs we may cover…
What search KPIs should you be measuring and why?
How to incorporate search into your business strategy
What reports provide you with the best analysis to gain the greatest insights
Learn qualitative & quantitative analysis techniques to provide the most complete user model possible
Search engine optimization strategies
How search data can inform and improve your taxonomy, ontology, SEO, SEM, metadata, information architecture, and more
* Legalize
Consultations are on a first come first serve basis. The amount of responses will determine the timing to schedule your consultation. Also depending on the number of responses this offer can end at any time. Only ONE free consultation is offered PER COMPANY. The “golden ticket” qualifier is that someone from your company must be in attendance at eMetrics DC 2009 and contact me about this offer prior to Nov 1 2009.
A very short presentation, actually an excerpt from my talk at the NYC UPA in Feb, on why designers, clients, & UX folks alike need to STOP treating ‘brand websites’ as such and instead understand the 4 basic online business models to improve design, the experience, & show ROI EVEN IF YOU DON’T SELL ANYTHING!!!!
This was my talk give the NYC UPA. It discusses what I call ” Designing Outcomes”, which is a type of ‘backcasting’ that I’ve found works better than other methods I’ve used for determining what steps need to be taken to achieve a specific goal. It does this by starting out with your desired outcome, end state, and moving backwards to the present.
For an example and tool to use this technique download the excel worksheet which shows a real client example from a women’s hair care line from a few years ago.
The book will attempt to bring together what both authors feels is missing from both the UX and Analytics practices, namely each other. UX could take a few lessons from analytics and vise versa. What we see, is a world where the ‘what and why’, i.e. quantitative and qualitative, collide, to not only bring together a much richer and more cohesive understanding of your customers/users, but also to effectively tie your strategy to execution, which in turn will help you create and design better experiences.
