Knowledge is power, and a comprehensive analytics package used wisely can turn the meek into the mighty. Most have been quick to jump on the analytics bandwagon (who says no to detailed insight into target audiences and more informed decisions regarding website strategy?), but many are still unaware of the valuable research statistics packages such as coreDNA Statistics, Google Analytics and SiteCatalyst Omniture can provide.

If you haven't taken the plunge yet, try Google Analytics first to see what it's all about- it's relatively basic compared to some of the more sophisticated packages but it's FREE and it is not without its advantages.

I just reviewed the latest updates to the Google Analytics offer, and they've come up with some pretty enticing new features, which I've listed in lamens terms below:

• Custom Alerts: flags peaks or troughs in website data you may not have noticed. Alerts can be customised and sent via email.
  
  
• Expanded Goals: up to 20 goals (eg. newsletter subscription) can be set up for each profile, allowing users to track many conversions efficiently.
  
  
• Expanded Mobile Reporting: increased support for mobile website reporting.
  
  
• Unique Visitors Metric: unique visitors (rather than number of visitors) can be tracked for more accurate reporting.
  
  
• Advanced Analysis Features: additional dimensions can now be added to provide even more detail on website traffic (eg. geographic location, engine used), and filters used to whittle down data and view only that which you are most interested in.
  
  
• Share Advanced Segments and Custom Report Templates: reports can be shared with any other Analytics user.
  
  
• Multiple Custom Variables: visitors can be defined and tracked by attributes such as membership (member/nonmember), page level (top/bottom) and more.

If you've spent some time on the site and are still not sure what you should be looking for, or how to interpret the results, email me, or give us a call on 1300 780 566 - one of our strategy consultants will be more than happy to help.