Show of hands: How many of you use Google Analytics to track your site’s traffic?
Capitalizing on the fact that humans have a natural affinity for statistics, Google acquired Urchin Software Corp. in April of 2005, the company that first developed the service we now know as Google Analytics. When Google first introduced their branded version of the technology in November of that same year, the demand was so high that Google had to stop offering new signups due to the limited capacity of their servers. And this was only after one week.
But, it wasn’t long before things improved and website owners everywhere began to set up Google Analytics to record their site’s traffic. As a result, 10% of people’s entire day are now spent glued to their screens, staring at numbers and graphs. Fantasy sports, anyone?
With Thomas Blackburn’s Analytics Pro app for the iPhone and iPod Touch, keeping up with your Google Analytics has transitioned over to the mobile world. It didn’t take long before I knew that this app was a keeper. Based on early reviews I had read at the App Store, this app completely met my expectations and then some.
Pros:
There’s a lot to like about Analytics Pro. Right off the bat, it’s absolute eyecandy. The UI is stunning and gorgeous and makes it intuitive for users to understand.
The app is based on six primary categories of statistics: summary, visitors, traffic sources, content, goals, and e-commerce. Under each one, you’ll find a host of sub-reports that help you find more specific information. For example, under the visitors category, you’ll find reports on the countries of visitors, visitor loyalty, the type of browsers visitors are using, and even connection speed. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any information about what type of food visitors enjoy eating.
What makes Analytics Pro so great is that it doesn’t make users think. I never found myself wondering, “How do I find this information?” or “What is this supposed to mean?” It is so easy to use, it’s no wonder that 9 out of 10 users report frustration from being unable to find something wrong while using this app. I’m just saying.
Cons:
It will do you no justice if I reported that this app was absolutely perfect. I struggled to find something wrong, something flawed. I failed. Did this app crash repeatedly? No. Does this app take an eternity to load? Only if you have a crappy internet connection.
Luckily, there is something that is wrong! (No way!) Priced at $6.99, many users would be turned off at the prospect of shelling out this much money. Especially since most people tend to balk at anything priced over $o.99, developers have a hard time trying to convince prospective buyers to spend that much money.
Should I buy Analytics Pro?
Definitely, especially if you run your own site. The numerous reports this app puts at your disposal is worth every dime. So, if you’re interested, check out Analytics Pro at the iTunes Store.
A bit of warning from the wise words of myself: Like keeping up with your stocks or fantasy sports team, Google Analytics can be a time drain. Yes, it can’t be expressed how valuable it is to be able to monitor your site’s traffic, but don’t take it too seriously. Knowing how many visitors are a PC or Mac, will not improve your site’s design one bit(ok, maybe a little), nor will it help you finish that post you barely started. So, listen to what I have to say: statistics are fun to look at, but don’t forget to check the clock.
For more information on Analytics Pro, check out this page.
App Info:
Developer: Thomas Blackburn
Version reviewed: 1.1.1
Size: 2.0 MB
Price at time of review: $6.99
Screenshots
For a chance to win one of five promo codes for Analytics Pro, leave a comment below containing a funny quote, joke, or anything that would put a smile on my face. To increase your chances of winning, retweet this post containing the hashtag, #promocodegiveaway. For example, just copy/paste this onto your tweet: RT @loneplacebo Analytics Pro for the iPhone #promocodegiveaway
Winner will be randomly chosen when the contest ends on March 31, 2010 at 5pm PST. Please remember to include a valid email address.
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