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Premium version of Google Analytics launched

Author's avatar By Dave Chaffey 30 Sep, 2011
Essential Essential topic

Our summary of the implications

Importance: [rating=5] (if you’re a large company who can afford the new system)

Recommended link: Google Announcement - 29/09/2011

What you need to know about Google Analytics Premium and implications for the free version

1. The new system is available now following a private beta in UK, US and Canada.

2. It will cost $150,000 per year according to this post although Google have said “contact us for pricing”.

3. The free version will continue to be available to all users with all the current features including the new Multichannel funnels and Real-time reporting, the latter also announced at the same time.

GA Realtime

4. Google Analytics Premium provides these 3 large company features demanded by companies according to Brian Clifton’s introduction to the premium service on Econsultancy

  • Data ownership clarification
  • Long data retention time
  • A formal SLA agreement

It will also have dedicated account managers / support - another feature that large companies like to have.

5. Google has a privacy policy protecting Personal Information which will prevent use of the system for integration with email or personalisation systems:

The lack of capability to integrate with Email systems to follow-up on individual behaviour is still one of the main limitations for using Google Analytics in comparison to say Adobe/Site Catalyst or IBM/Coremetrics.

A follow-up email offer against a category browse or product search/abandon works well for many transactional sites. Of course you don’t have to use a web analytics system to detect these, but it may be easier/more cost effective than alternatives.

Author's avatar

By Dave Chaffey

Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses. Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here. Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice. In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing. My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary. Please connect on LinkedIn to receive updates or ask me a question.

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