Google Analytics is the most prolific search analytics tool for many search engine marketing professionals. Yesterday, it became even more valuable, with Google’s major announcement that it is to introduce Google Analytics Real-Time.

Previously, Google Analytics measured past data, meaning that webmasters had to wait until the end of any given day before viewing stats from that day on Google Analytics. With Google Analytics Real-Time, a set of new reports can be created that show what’s happening on your site as it happens. This screenshot shows what Real-Time looks like:-

Measuring social media impact

One of the key differences this will make for Google Analytics users will be the ability to track traffic as and when it is directed to websites through social media. Although there are other analytics tools available on the market already for this, Google's announcement is still very significant.

Other benefits

In addition to being able to measure social media impact more accurately, Real-Time will also give users the benefit of being able to track an ad campaign, e.g. a TV or email marketing campaign, as it happens.

When is it available?

Google states that they have only turned the Real-Time reports on for a number of users so far, but will continue to expand the availability of Real-Time over the coming weeks.

If, like me, you can’t wait for a few weeks, sign up for early access to Google Analytics Real-Time here.

If you'd like to discuss any aspects of web analytics further, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 620 5664 or email us at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .