1. introduction
In today's digital world, analysing website data is essential to measure success and optimise the user experience. Google Analytics (GA) is one of the most widely used tools for data analysis and gives companies valuable insights into the behaviour and preferences of their visitors.
For many, however, the question arises: is it worth investing in the paid version or is the free version sufficient? In this article, we will examine the pricing of Google Analytics in detail and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of the free and paid versions.
2 Google Analytics: A brief overview
What is Google Analytics?
Google Analytics is a free web-based tool offered by Google to provide website operators with detailed statistics about their website. It enables users to track traffic, user behaviour, conversion rates and many other important key figures.
Important functions
The main functions of Google Analytics include
- Real-time data monitoring: Track how many users are currently visiting your website.
- Target tracking: Measure whether users perform the desired actions.
- Reporting: Create customised reports and dashboards.
- Segmentation: Analyse specific user groups.
3. pricing model of Google Analytics
The free version
The free version of Google Analytics is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals who need basic analytics tools.
Functions of the free version
- Basic reporting
- Data analysis for up to 10 million events per month
- Limited integration with other Google services
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- No costs: Use is completely free of charge.
- Ease of use: Easy to use, ideal for beginners.
Disadvantages:
- Data sample: With large amounts of data, data is often only partially analysed.
- Limited features: Some advanced functions are not available.
Google Analytics 360: The paid option
Google Analytics 360 is the premium version, which is aimed at larger companies and organisations that require comprehensive data analysis.
Functionality of Google Analytics 360
- No data sample: Recording of all events and interactions without sampling.
- Extended integrations: Access to services such as BigQuery and Salesforce.
- Personalised support: Personal customer service and technical support.
Pricing and costs
The exact price details are not publicly available, but a minimum price of around 50,000 euros per year is often assumed. Companies often negotiate individual contracts based on their specific requirements.
? By the way - Click here for an overview of the best Google Analytics alternatives
4. detailed comparative analysis: free vs. chargeable
Data sample and limitations
The free version of Google Analytics allows 10 million events per month, while Google 360 can process unlimited events. This can be crucial for large amounts of data, as the free version tends to analyse data too randomly, which can affect accuracy.
Retention periods for data
In the free version, data is only stored for 14 months. Google Analytics 360, on the other hand, enables longer storage, which is an advantage for long-term analyses.
Integrations and extended features
While the free version can only be integrated with some Google services, Google 360 offers many advanced integration options, including access to BigQuery for more comprehensive data analyses.
Customer support and service level agreements (SLAs)
Google 360 customers have access to a personal support team and service level agreements, which can be very important for companies with critical data analyses. There is no guaranteed support in the free version.
5. data protection and legal aspects
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has a significant impact on the use of Google Analytics. Both versions must be GDPR compliant, but the paid version may offer more support in complying with these regulations. Companies should always keep an eye on Google's data protection practices and their impact on data usage.
6. tips for choosing the right version
Who is the free version suitable for?
The free version is ideal for small companies, sole traders and organisations that have a limited budget and require basic data analysis.
When is Google Analytics 360 worthwhile?
For larger companies that need to process a large amount of data and require advanced functions and customised support, it makes sense to invest in Google Analytics 360.
7 Alternatives to Google Analytics
These days, many companies prefer to use privacy-friendly alternatives to Google Analytics. Tools such as Simple Analytics offer a user-friendly and privacy-compliant solution that does not use cookies. These tools are ideal for companies that are concerned about data security and want to receive high-quality analyses at the same time.
8. conclusion
To summarise, Google Analytics offers many useful functions in both the free and paid versions. Deciding which version is right for you depends on the size of your business, your data requirements and your budget. The free version provides a solid foundation for simple analyses, while Google Analytics 360 is an excellent choice for companies that need more comprehensive insights and support.
FAQ
Is Google Analytics really free?
Yes, the basic version of Google Analytics is free, but it harbours some data protection risks, as the data is used for advertising purposes.
What does Google Analytics 360 cost?
Prices for Google 360 start at around 50,000 euros per year, but can vary.
Which version is better for my company?
This depends on the size of your company and your specific analytics needs. Smaller companies will often find sufficient functions in the free version, while larger companies will benefit from Google 360.
