Benefits of Google Analytics ?

Hi BHW Guys,


What are the main benefits of Google Analytics ?


Thanks in advance to all loving contributors...

For people using blackhat techniques, there is not many benefits using Google Analytics. If you are using Wordpress, install the Statpress plugin. It is better than Google Analytics.

Simple, knowledge is power! properly used Information converts to money!

1. Figure Out Where Your Audience Is Going By Tracking Outbound Links
2. Get Real Time Statistics (Kind Of)
3. Track Social Media Buttons
4. Create Custom Campaign URLs To Track The Effectiveness Of Link Building Campaigns
5. Use Custom Variables To Refine Data
6. IP Exclusion (So You Don't Inadvertently Measure Yourself Or Your Web Team)

Rankingrockstart,

Good question you've asked here. Some other posters have mentioned benefits of Analytics already so I'll point out a couple more. One of the best benefits of Google's analytical platform is the goal URL function which allows user to enter in a URL to be tracked as a goal along with a number of required first step URL's. This enables you to outline a complete conversion funnel that you want to track.

Another great feature is the flexibility of the platform. You can install custom tracking code on your website and utilize advanced segments to see how many users visiting your site are also logged into one of the major social media providers. You can view instructions on how to do this here, http://www.seomoz.org/blog/visitor-social-network-login-status-google-analytics

Another great feature is the ability to see the keywords that visitors used to find your website. Except for the dreaded (not set) value for those logged into secure search, you can see many of the terms that your site is ranking for.

Here is also a list of features of the platform,

http://www.google.com/analytics/features/index.html

I hope this enables you to make more use of the platform,

Shawn

GA is a good tool to gauge user experience and traffic, however I really question if google is using it as a tool to penalize websites.