Google Analytics: The Rising Cost of Free

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been quite happy with Google Analytics for a long time; years, in fact. I’m not alone. According to Builtwith.com, there are almost 14.8 million websites on the Internet using the dominant web traffic reporting tool. Automating delivery of insightful web traffic reports has always been an easy way to add value for my web clients—until now.
With the forced migration to the new Google Analytics (G5) platform, it seems the days of “easy” are gone, at least temporarily. The following comments are taken straight from the Google Analytics product forum pages. It seems there is no shortage of frustration over the recent “improvements” made to the popular analytics tool.

“As a webmaster for multiple companies I lived in fear for the day the old Google Analytics version was deleted. Today is the day. What a nightmare—not in one single overview my accounts with statistical info on site visitors in one overview! New versions should be better. As far as I see on the Internet all people want this old dashboard functionality and people would pay to keep the old version of Analytics live.” ~TopTravelAngebot
“Why has the snapshot dashboard been removed!? ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! :( Any solutions to this AT ALL?” ~Falin
“I’m googling (or binging) around frantically trying to find an easy method for using New Google Analytics (which I hate) to send clients a condensed 6-page summarized PDF of their analytical data, rather than having to schedule for them 6 separate emails. [Has] anyone found any methods, or simpler ways of doing this?” ~Daniel1980
“Bring back the old version. Is anyone listening?” ~chanback
Oh, and a comment or two appear to have gone the way of “This message has been deleted.” I’m betting those folks simply had trouble reigning in their explicatives. Just guessing.

We’ve Been Here Before

Well, for better or for worse, Google has released a beta product onto the world and then summarily forced the market into using it. Hmm. Let’s see. Do any other companies have a reputation for doing this? Oh, I know one! Hint: Begins with an “M” and rhymes with “Bike-ro-soft”.

Is Anyone Listening?

Sure, maybe more focus group testing could have been completed prior to forcing this migration. Though, as one writer above asks, “Is anyone listening?” Maybe focus groups were had. Maybe the results never made it to the design and development teams? Or, maybe the focus groups all consisted of Google software engineers? We may never know.
The new Google Analytics is a very powerful traffic reporting tool, no doubt. In fact, from a software engineer’s point of view, likely it’s the difference between a howitzer and a peashooter. Unfortunately, software engineers are not the primary demographic using Google Analytics.
Beyond individual site owners, I have to believe web and marketing professionals make up the next largest user base. So if your trusty peashooter was doing a great job for you and you were forced to trade it in for a quirky howitzer that blows your productivity out of the water, how would you feel?

Free? Really?

“Suck it up,” you might say. “Google Analytics is a free, powerful analytical tool and one of the best available.” I would say you’re right about “powerful” and “one of the best” but it’s certainly not free. After all, Google gets paid volumes in inside traffic statistics—your traffic statistics.
By opening your website to Google, the search engine goliath gains intimate knowledge into what’s hot and what’s not. You think click-throughs, backlinks and keyword relevancy (and over 100 other metrics) is all Google uses to determine the popularity and position of your site? If you could produce a powerful tool that served others while increasing your own ability to serve others, wouldn’t you do just that?

Afterglow

After years of comfortable reliability, maybe we just needed this flounder by Google to help wake us out of our satisfied stupors. Traffic reporting, for me, has always been an easy part of the web service business. You could always rely on those Analytics reports going out, and you could see who was performing, at a glance.
Yes, the new Google Analytics offers more power in its custom reporting abilities, but it seems they forgot about the user experience this time around. If they can bring back some of the core functionality and smarter workflow (a global dashboard, default report templates that are as complete as the old default report, a single email for delivering those reports, maps in those emailed reports, etc.), I think they could continue their winning streak with Analytics.
Will Google listen to the marketplace? Will they fix the howitzer? Only time will tell.
In support of your efforts,
Matt
P.S.- One of the items you’ll need help with in the new Google Analytics is reconstructing your reports. Here I’ve collected several Google Analytics report templates for you to use. Enjoy!
————–
Matt Schoenherr is a husband, father of four, marketing consultant and founder of Marketing Ideas 101. As a student, teacher and published author, Matt supports the worthy goals of service and commerce in the small business and nonprofit communities. Creative marketing ideas and marketing strategies may be found at MarketingIdeas101.com.
References
Builtwith.com. Websites Using Google Analytics. Retrieved from http://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/Google-Analytics.
Google Product Forums. Google Analytics. Old version Google analytics dashboard.  Retrieved from http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/analytics/oMqoYOOYDJM.

Google Analytics: The Rising Cost of Free

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been quite happy with Google Analytics for a long time; years, in fact. I’m not alone. According to Builtwith.com, there are almost 14.8 million websites on the Internet using the dominant web traffic reporting tool. Automating delivery of insightful web traffic reports has always been an easy way to add value for my web clients—until now.
With the forced migration to the new Google Analytics (G5) platform, it seems the days of “easy” are gone, at least temporarily. The following comments are taken straight from the Google Analytics product forum pages. It seems there is no shortage of frustration over the recent “improvements” made to the popular analytics tool.

“As a webmaster for multiple companies I lived in fear for the day the old Google Analytics version was deleted. Today is the day. What a nightmare—not in one single overview my accounts with statistical info on site visitors in one overview! New versions should be better. As far as I see on the Internet all people want this old dashboard functionality and people would pay to keep the old version of Analytics live.” ~TopTravelAngebot
“Why has the snapshot dashboard been removed!? ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! :( Any solutions to this AT ALL?” ~Falin
“I’m googling (or binging) around frantically trying to find an easy method for using New Google Analytics (which I hate) to send clients a condensed 6-page summarized PDF of their analytical data, rather than having to schedule for them 6 separate emails. [Has] anyone found any methods, or simpler ways of doing this?” ~Daniel1980
“Bring back the old version. Is anyone listening?” ~chanback
Oh, and a comment or two appear to have gone the way of “This message has been deleted.” I’m betting those folks simply had trouble reigning in their explicatives. Just guessing.

We’ve Been Here Before

Well, for better or for worse, Google has released a beta product onto the world and then summarily forced the market into using it. Hmm. Let’s see. Do any other companies have a reputation for doing this? Oh, I know one! Hint: Begins with an “M” and rhymes with “Bike-ro-soft”.

Is Anyone Listening?

Sure, maybe more focus group testing could have been completed prior to forcing this migration. Though, as one writer above asks, “Is anyone listening?” Maybe focus groups were had. Maybe the results never made it to the design and development teams? Or, maybe the focus groups all consisted of Google software engineers? We may never know.
The new Google Analytics is a very powerful traffic reporting tool, no doubt. In fact, from a software engineer’s point of view, likely it’s the difference between a howitzer and a peashooter. Unfortunately, software engineers are not the primary demographic using Google Analytics.
Beyond individual site owners, I have to believe web and marketing professionals make up the next largest user base. So if your trusty peashooter was doing a great job for you and you were forced to trade it in for a quirky howitzer that blows your productivity out of the water, how would you feel?

Free? Really?

“Suck it up,” you might say. “Google Analytics is a free, powerful analytical tool and one of the best available.” I would say you’re right about “powerful” and “one of the best” but it’s certainly not free. After all, Google gets paid volumes in inside traffic statistics—your traffic statistics.
By opening your website to Google, the search engine goliath gains intimate knowledge into what’s hot and what’s not. You think click-throughs, backlinks and keyword relevancy (and over 100 other metrics) is all Google uses to determine the popularity and position of your site? If you could produce a powerful tool that served others while increasing your own ability to serve others, wouldn’t you do just that?

Afterglow

After years of comfortable reliability, maybe we just needed this flounder by Google to help wake us out of our satisfied stupors. Traffic reporting, for me, has always been an easy part of the web service business. You could always rely on those Analytics reports going out, and you could see who was performing, at a glance.
Yes, the new Google Analytics offers more power in its custom reporting abilities, but it seems they forgot about the user experience this time around. If they can bring back some of the core functionality and smarter workflow (a global dashboard, default report templates that are as complete as the old default report, a single email for delivering those reports, maps in those emailed reports, etc.), I think they could continue their winning streak with Analytics.
Will Google listen to the marketplace? Will they fix the howitzer? Only time will tell.
In support of your efforts,
Matt
P.S.- One of the items you’ll need help with in the new Google Analytics is reconstructing your reports. Here I’ve collected several Google Analytics report templates for you to use. Enjoy!
————–
Matt Schoenherr is a husband, father of four, marketing consultant and founder of Marketing Ideas 101. As a student, teacher and published author, Matt supports the worthy goals of service and commerce in the small business and nonprofit communities. Creative marketing ideas and marketing strategies may be found at MarketingIdeas101.com.
References
Builtwith.com. Websites Using Google Analytics. Retrieved from http://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/Google-Analytics.
Google Product Forums. Google Analytics. Old version Google analytics dashboard.  Retrieved from http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/analytics/oMqoYOOYDJM.

Compare policies that cover you on the Continent

Are you insured for driving on the Continent?

Millions of people take their car onto the Continent every summer, but how many of them have adequate car insurance for European travel? Most drivers assume their insurance policy is the same in Europe as in the UK. But it could be a costly mistake as many insurers do not automatically offer comprehensive cover abroad. Experts estimate that one in ten motorists sustain damage to their car while driving abroad, so it is important to get an appropriate European car insurance policy before leaving the UK.

Is it illegal to drive in Europe without comprehensive cover?

If your car is insured in the UK, you can legally drive in most European countries, including countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland. But you will only have the minimum legal level of cover. A green card, or International Certificate of Motor Insurance, is no longer a legal requirement within the EU, but it can be useful because it proves you have the minimum insurance cover required to drive on European roads. You can usually get a green card from your insurer, but it is not a substitute for insurance. In some countries, it would not even provide as much protection as third party cover in the UK. 

What does European Car Insurance cover?

If you plan to drive in Europe, it's a good idea to find a policy that offers the same level of cover as in the UK. But no two policies are exactly the same, so you need to read the small print carefully. Remember too that the cheapest policy is not necessarily the best.

Insurers will usually cover motoring abroad only for a certain number of days during the policy year, often up to 90 days. But the limits vary between insurers, so check that the cover is adequate. If you expect to exceed the limit, you might be able to negotiate a deal for extended European car insurance cover.

Some insurers offer temporary or short term European car insurance that will typically cover your car for between one and 28 days. If you plan only one, short motoring trip to the Continent, temporary cover might be cheaper than standard cover in Europe, but you should still scrutinise the policy details.
  
You should also make sure that the policy includes the countries you intend to visit. Some insurance policies, for example, will only cover countries that belong to the European Union. Don't forget to include countries that you might drive through en route to your destination.

Does my policy include breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover in Europe is not automatically added to a European policy, even if it is standard on your UK insurance. However, most experts recommend European breakdown cover as it can be a lifeline to a stranded motorist. 

Is European motor insurance expensive?

The cost of European car insurance depends on the insurer, the car and the level of cover provided. But repairs and replacement parts for your car can be more expensive abroad - and some insurers charge a higher premium to offset the risk. MoneySupermarket.com compares deals with leading insurers to help European car insurance customers find cheaper quotes online.

Compare policies that cover you on the Continent

Are you insured for driving on the Continent?

Millions of people take their car onto the Continent every summer, but how many of them have adequate car insurance for European travel? Most drivers assume their insurance policy is the same in Europe as in the UK. But it could be a costly mistake as many insurers do not automatically offer comprehensive cover abroad. Experts estimate that one in ten motorists sustain damage to their car while driving abroad, so it is important to get an appropriate European car insurance policy before leaving the UK.

Is it illegal to drive in Europe without comprehensive cover?

If your car is insured in the UK, you can legally drive in most European countries, including countries outside the EU, such as Switzerland. But you will only have the minimum legal level of cover. A green card, or International Certificate of Motor Insurance, is no longer a legal requirement within the EU, but it can be useful because it proves you have the minimum insurance cover required to drive on European roads. You can usually get a green card from your insurer, but it is not a substitute for insurance. In some countries, it would not even provide as much protection as third party cover in the UK. 

What does European Car Insurance cover?

If you plan to drive in Europe, it's a good idea to find a policy that offers the same level of cover as in the UK. But no two policies are exactly the same, so you need to read the small print carefully. Remember too that the cheapest policy is not necessarily the best.

Insurers will usually cover motoring abroad only for a certain number of days during the policy year, often up to 90 days. But the limits vary between insurers, so check that the cover is adequate. If you expect to exceed the limit, you might be able to negotiate a deal for extended European car insurance cover.

Some insurers offer temporary or short term European car insurance that will typically cover your car for between one and 28 days. If you plan only one, short motoring trip to the Continent, temporary cover might be cheaper than standard cover in Europe, but you should still scrutinise the policy details.
  
You should also make sure that the policy includes the countries you intend to visit. Some insurance policies, for example, will only cover countries that belong to the European Union. Don't forget to include countries that you might drive through en route to your destination.

Does my policy include breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover in Europe is not automatically added to a European policy, even if it is standard on your UK insurance. However, most experts recommend European breakdown cover as it can be a lifeline to a stranded motorist. 

Is European motor insurance expensive?

The cost of European car insurance depends on the insurer, the car and the level of cover provided. But repairs and replacement parts for your car can be more expensive abroad - and some insurers charge a higher premium to offset the risk. MoneySupermarket.com compares deals with leading insurers to help European car insurance customers find cheaper quotes online.

Compare insurance quotes for young female drivers

How young female drivers can save money on their car insurance

Young drivers car insurance premiums are rather expensive compared to the those offered to older motorists- as you might have noticed if you have compared the quotes offered through various insurance companies.
This isn't about prejudice; it's about statistics. Just one in eight British drivers is under 25, but they are involved in one in four fatal crashes, according to Brake, the road safety organisation. In other words, young drivers cost insurers more in claims, so insurers charge young drivers more in premiums.

Young female car insurance market

But it's not all doom and gloom - at least not when it comes to car insurance for young female drivers. Your male friends might not agree, but women are actually better drivers than men. Government figures show that men are responsible for more than 92% of UK driving convictions and 98% of all convictions for dangerous driving. Men therefore tend to pay more for their car insurance than women.
You will find more specific guides for young females in these age bands in our guide to car insurance for young drivers.

The impact of new regulations on car insurance for young female drivers

So far, so good. However, there is a lot of speculation that the cost of car insurance for women could rise by the end of next year because of an anti-discrimination ruling by the European Court of Justice that bans insurers from charging men and women different premiums because of their gender. The new rules will come into effect in December 2012 when young female car insurance premiums could jump by 25% to 30%.
The timing could not be worse with 1.3 million motorists having already been driven off the road in the past 12 months because of the rising cost of car ownership, according to Sainsbury's Finance.

Find cheap car insurance for young female drivers

So it's more important than ever for young women drivers to choose the right policy at the right price. One of the easiest ways to drive down premiums is to shop around using MoneySupermarket's online comparison service. A number of specialist firms target women drivers with the promise of cheaper premiums - and the offers can be tempting. But it's always wise to check their quotes against the mainstream insurers.
Women might statistically be better drivers than men, but there's always room for improvement. If you want to enhance your driving skills - and pay less for your car insurance - you could consider either the Driving Standard Agency's Pass Plus course, or the Institute of Advanced Motorists Advanced Driving Test.
The courses cover various aspects of motoring, including motorway driving and night driving, and aim to promote greater confidence and road safety. You should also get a discount on your premium of as much as 10%. The courses aren't free, but the reduction in the price of your car insurance is often enough to cover the course fee.
Young female drivers can also benefit from the experience of an older motorist. Let's say your Mum has a clean driving record. If you put her on your policy as an additional named driver, she could bring down the price of the premium. Just be careful not to put your Mum down as the main driver, with you as an additional driver. It's known as fronting and is illegal.
If your car isn't worth very much you could reduce the cost of car insurance for young female drivers further by cutting your level of cover. Most drivers take out comprehensive car insurance, but the minimum legal requirement is third party only. A third party policy covers any damage or injury to other people or their property, but will not pay out for any damage to your own car, so is not appropriate for everyone. You might also find that it's no cheaper than comprehensive insurance.
You can find more ways to cut the cost of car insurance for young female drivers with MoneySupermarket.com's money saving tips.

Pay as you go car insurance for young drivers

Pay as you go insurance can be ideal for young female drivers because it rewards careful motorists who cover a limited number of miles. If you take out as pay as you go policy, the insurer will install a tracking device in your car. The 'black box' then monitors not only how many miles you drive, but also whether you drive at night or rush hour, on country lanes or fast motorways. The technology can even record your braking and acceleration to gauge how safely you drive.
The policies all work slightly differently but you basically pay for the miles you drive, rather like a pay as you go mobile phone. You can also earn bonus miles, or a reduction in premiums, if you abide by certain conditions, perhaps agreeing not to take the car out at night when a crash is more likely.
If you can avoid any accidents, you can hopefully also avoid any claims and so build up a no claims discount (NCD). Insurers reward careful drivers with a discount on their premiums. The discounts add up until after five consecutive claim-free years, you could cut your premium by more than 50%.

Resources

• Print this page now
• Contact us for more information

Compare insurance quotes for young female drivers

How young female drivers can save money on their car insurance

Young drivers car insurance premiums are rather expensive compared to the those offered to older motorists- as you might have noticed if you have compared the quotes offered through various insurance companies.
This isn't about prejudice; it's about statistics. Just one in eight British drivers is under 25, but they are involved in one in four fatal crashes, according to Brake, the road safety organisation. In other words, young drivers cost insurers more in claims, so insurers charge young drivers more in premiums.

Young female car insurance market

But it's not all doom and gloom - at least not when it comes to car insurance for young female drivers. Your male friends might not agree, but women are actually better drivers than men. Government figures show that men are responsible for more than 92% of UK driving convictions and 98% of all convictions for dangerous driving. Men therefore tend to pay more for their car insurance than women.
You will find more specific guides for young females in these age bands in our guide to car insurance for young drivers.

The impact of new regulations on car insurance for young female drivers

So far, so good. However, there is a lot of speculation that the cost of car insurance for women could rise by the end of next year because of an anti-discrimination ruling by the European Court of Justice that bans insurers from charging men and women different premiums because of their gender. The new rules will come into effect in December 2012 when young female car insurance premiums could jump by 25% to 30%.
The timing could not be worse with 1.3 million motorists having already been driven off the road in the past 12 months because of the rising cost of car ownership, according to Sainsbury's Finance.

Find cheap car insurance for young female drivers

So it's more important than ever for young women drivers to choose the right policy at the right price. One of the easiest ways to drive down premiums is to shop around using MoneySupermarket's online comparison service. A number of specialist firms target women drivers with the promise of cheaper premiums - and the offers can be tempting. But it's always wise to check their quotes against the mainstream insurers.
Women might statistically be better drivers than men, but there's always room for improvement. If you want to enhance your driving skills - and pay less for your car insurance - you could consider either the Driving Standard Agency's Pass Plus course, or the Institute of Advanced Motorists Advanced Driving Test.
The courses cover various aspects of motoring, including motorway driving and night driving, and aim to promote greater confidence and road safety. You should also get a discount on your premium of as much as 10%. The courses aren't free, but the reduction in the price of your car insurance is often enough to cover the course fee.
Young female drivers can also benefit from the experience of an older motorist. Let's say your Mum has a clean driving record. If you put her on your policy as an additional named driver, she could bring down the price of the premium. Just be careful not to put your Mum down as the main driver, with you as an additional driver. It's known as fronting and is illegal.
If your car isn't worth very much you could reduce the cost of car insurance for young female drivers further by cutting your level of cover. Most drivers take out comprehensive car insurance, but the minimum legal requirement is third party only. A third party policy covers any damage or injury to other people or their property, but will not pay out for any damage to your own car, so is not appropriate for everyone. You might also find that it's no cheaper than comprehensive insurance.
You can find more ways to cut the cost of car insurance for young female drivers with MoneySupermarket.com's money saving tips.

Pay as you go car insurance for young drivers

Pay as you go insurance can be ideal for young female drivers because it rewards careful motorists who cover a limited number of miles. If you take out as pay as you go policy, the insurer will install a tracking device in your car. The 'black box' then monitors not only how many miles you drive, but also whether you drive at night or rush hour, on country lanes or fast motorways. The technology can even record your braking and acceleration to gauge how safely you drive.
The policies all work slightly differently but you basically pay for the miles you drive, rather like a pay as you go mobile phone. You can also earn bonus miles, or a reduction in premiums, if you abide by certain conditions, perhaps agreeing not to take the car out at night when a crash is more likely.
If you can avoid any accidents, you can hopefully also avoid any claims and so build up a no claims discount (NCD). Insurers reward careful drivers with a discount on their premiums. The discounts add up until after five consecutive claim-free years, you could cut your premium by more than 50%.

Resources

• Print this page now
• Contact us for more information