Most web hosts offer free basic statistics for your web traffic. However, if you’re relying on these primitive website bonuses, you’re going to miss out on tons of traffic. Below are the five most compelling reasons you should use Google Analytics to monitor and measure your website traffic.

Reason #1: Comparing Date Ranges

With version 2 of Google Analytics you can compare date ranges with a graph overlay feature that allows you to easily compare recent activity to the past. This visualization instantly charts the data in an informative way. After you see this feature, you’ll be hooked!

Reason #2: Site Overlay

Site Overlay allows you to see your website with indicators next to every link that display how many times the each link has been clicked on. This allows you to constantly improve your layout, design and page layout to optimize content for your visitors. Now you can track exactly where visitors go on your website each step of the way.

Reason #3: Automatically Email Reports

Google Analytics is loaded with reports you can run on your website. The newest feature in version 2, allows you to have your favorite reports email to you automatically at the frequency of your choice. This saves you from constantly logging into Google Analytics to check your stats or send them to your organization’s management.

Reason #4: Keywords & Referring Sites

Analytics is the best way to optimize your content, see the keywords search engines rank you for and recognize valuable links to you from other websites. With the ability to see the keywords people type into search engines to find your website and how often, you can gain valuable information about your audience and the search engines. Adding more content with your desired keywords is a great way to boost your rankings.

Reason #5: Extensive Visitor Data

The fifth and final reason you can’t afford to have a website without Google Analytics is that you will miss out on valuable information about your visitors. Analytics tells you the connection speed, screen resolution, web browser, location, and exit page of all your visitors. With this information you can make website re-designs and changes with confidence knowing what types of visitors you attract.

Sitll not convinced? Read about how Google Analytics has revolutionized the way websites work from other people who’ve used it.