I have been using Google Analytics since November 2005. There are many things I like about it. I have written several posts on using it.
However there are three main problems with Analytics that they must seek to resolve. One of which I am not sure that they can.
First and foremost for me, is the lack of real time statistics. I like seeing what is going NOW. I don’t want to wait until tomorrow. While someone could say “you get what you pay for”, the point is there are other free web statistics that track in real time. It is irritating that Google Analytics does not.
Second, there is some problem with accuracy. I am fairly lenient here because I think there would be discrepancies between any two statistics programs. I found Analytics to be very close with other statistics programs on Page View count. But at least 10% less than the others on Unique Visitors. Granted, something may be wrong the other statistics programs counting too much. I personally wasn’t that concerned about it until I read a post on SEOMoz about accuracy problems. It seems there is a general problem. While small sites may not see much of an issue, larger sites may.
Finally, there seems to be quite a bit of concern in some quarters about Google providing analytics AND advertising. There is the possibility it seems that Google could be using analytic data to provide better advertising relevancy. It is argued that ultimately you could be helping your competition by providing Google with information they in turn will be handing out to everyone else. I am not an expert enough to either confirm or deny this. I have written before about this general fear. It is hard for me to get a pulse on the truth of this matter. I have, however, read quite a few bloggers who have raised this concern. It is something to be aware of before one considers using Analytics. In short, you have to be comfortable sharing your conversion and traffic data with Google.
Like all software, it has to be test driven. It either works for you or it doesn’t.
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About the Author
Paul Flyer loves to research the web and find resources and tools for building, maintaining and promoting websites. Based in Saint Louis, MO, he works in management and spends his free time sharpening his web development and copy writing skills. Feel free to contact Paul with any questions, comments or ideas. He is also available to help you with your own website.
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You first point about real time statistics:
No web statistics or software/tool available yet that can tell the real time statistics for the web site (some partial indication could be mentions in real time), what is happening at your web page or what is your visitors are doing during the visit is the real time statistics by its self because a web page is a real time information but you can learn thrus the statistics about the visitors behavior which is not a real time measurement it should be predefine or post define static’s your visitor will do what your web page desire. I also used DeepMetrix LiveStats.XSP which shows the statistics by using the Log files which is also took an hour.
Second Page View: If you are interested in people use Unique Visitors; if you are interested in behavior use visits.
Finally the Third: This is the one which I heard a lot of time and I think we all wants that by any means just let the Google know that our web page exists in the world and do all the hard work in this regards then what the question is all about if Google taking all my web site statistics then Walla it’s the most easiest way to let the Google know that my web page exists and let the other know do all the advertisement but if you are thinking that your Google tool bar information has not been recorded then you must be dreaming and its time to wake up. If Google can give you the Suggestions on your search query i.e. Did you mean:
[...] to take action against Google – because it is a bit of concern that Google provides analytics AND advertising…. This could raise the thought that the company uses analytic data to provide better and [...]