Through its Google Analytics arm, engineering director Paul Muret said users would receive free access to marketing tips, research and insights. Google first launched its analytics division after acquiring Urchin Software in March, which produced web traffic analyzers and campaign trackers for online marketing campaigns.
“With this knowledge, businesses can create more accurate advertising and build better websites,” said Muret. “We aim to give all websites, large and small, the tools they need to better serve their customers, make more money and improve the web experience for everyone.”
Previously priced through Urchin at $495 a month, Google brought the price down to $199 before Monday’s decision to offer the service free of charge.
Muret said Google plans to incorporate the free service into Google AdWords, a keyword program that lets users create multiple keyword options to target surfers when they type specific search terms into Google. By offering the analytics freely, Muret said more users would be tempted to use Google for their ad platform.
Google also is trying to reach international markets with the service, offering the tools in 16 different languages. The company already lists the Financial Times, National Semiconductor, Ritz Interactive, Agency.com, and Deckers Outdoor Corporation as Google Analytics users.
Following the announcement, shares of Google were up $7.30 to $397.70 at market’s close.