Google Analytics Launches New Version With New UI & Features

Google Analytics today has released a new version of their web analytics tool. I spoke with Brett Crosby, Senior Manager of Google Analytics about the release, which he explained was a completely “new platform” to enable “non-experts” to use sophisticated web analytics without expert intervention.

The screen shot above is a view of what a sample Visitor Overview page may look like in the new Google Analytics. The new user interface should enable easier use and comprehension of the reports and metrics within the data sets. Brett explained to me that the new user interface truly puts the “date in context” for you.

So what is new?

• Email reports and improved clarity of graphs allow users to explore and discover new insights
• Customizable dashboards ensure the right data gets to the right people at the right time
• Plain language descriptions of the data allow users to take action to improve their web site

Google will begin upgrading accounts today and continue to do so for the next several weeks. Your old data will automatically be migrated to the new Google Analytics platform. Old analytics reports will be available to users for at least thirty-days, from the time of upgrade.

I hope to gain access shortly and possibly postscript this article with more opinions and ideas.

Finally, here is one more screen capture to wet your appetite.

Full release can be found below:

New Version of Google Analytics Now Available Worldwide:
More Features, Even Easier to Use, and Best of All, Still Free

Mountain View, Calif. – May 8, 2007 – Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced a new version of its powerful web analytics solution, Google Analytics™. The new version of Google Analytics was unveiled today at the EMetrics Summit taking place in San Francisco. Google Analytics, a free enterprise-class solution, enables executives, marketers and website owners to understand how their users interact with their website and maximize online business. Google has completely redesigned the product and enhanced the feature set through new email reporting, customizable dashboards, improved map displays, and plain language descriptions to make important information more accessible.
“At Geffen Records, we use Google Analytics to determine what website content is most valuable to music fans so we can craft the most effective marketing strategies,” said Aaron Foreman, Head of Digital Media, Geffen Records.

“As an early adopter of the new version of Google Analytics, we are impressed with the richness of the data and its ease of use that provides us with the most important information immediately,” said Lee Hammond, Director of Digital Technology, Geffen Records.
In the new version of Google Analytics, data is concentrated into combinations of reports, allowing users to make informed decisions about site management and Google AdWords™ campaigns. Google Analytics tracks the effectiveness of online marketing initiatives such as display campaigns or cost-per-click programs and creates e-mail reports that can be scheduled and distributed to colleagues.
“At Google, we’re focused on building powerful tools to help advertisers measure the effectiveness of their marketing dollars and optimize their business,” said Paul Muret, Engineering Director, Google. “The new version of Google Analytics will give advertisers and site owners greater insight into their customers’ needs, thereby increasing advertiser ROI while also improving the e-commerce experience of consumers.”
With this new version, users can experience greater visibility of important data, clarity of appearance and more intuitive navigation paths. Utilizing more features and improved metrics, Google Analytics summarizes data and statistics in plain language so that website owners can make more informed decisions. The tool incorporates score cards and summaries that distill information into key performance indicator summaries and pinpoint specific user details.
Other Unique Google Analytics Features:
• Email reports and improved clarity of graphs allow users to explore and discover new insights
• Customizable dashboards ensure the right data gets to the right people at the right time
• Plain language descriptions of the data allow users to take action to improve their web site
The Google Analytics service is integrated with Google AdWords. Starting today, new users who sign up will get immediate access to the new version. Also starting today, the new version of Google Analytics will be rolled out automatically to existing users over the coming weeks. Current users will still be able to access the previous version as well as the new version for a minimum of 30 days in order to ensure a smooth transition. All historical data will be available in the new version.
For more information or to get started with Google Analytics, follow the sign-up instructions at https://www.google.com/analytics/. To learn more about Google Analytics, please visit the Google Analytics blog at: https://analytics.blogspot.com/ Also, check out the instructional video for tips on using the new version at: https://www.google.com/analytics/video.

About Google Inc.
Google’s innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. Google’s targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.google.com.

Google, Google Analytics, and Google AdWords are trademarks of Google Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names may be trademarks of respective companies with which they are associated.

Also, more details at the FAQ section.

Postscript: Blog posts are now both live at Google Analytics blog and the official Google Blog.