One of the great things about Google is the number of tools available to webmasters. At the same time, it’s one of their weaknesses. There are so many tools, sometimes the get lost or hidden. Today we’d like to bring your attention to a great resource for those interested in learning how to become a Google Analytics Expert.

For those unsure about what that means, or why they should care about Google Analytics, we’ll give you the nickle tour. Web Anayltics “is the measurement, collection, analysis and reporting of internet data for purposes of understanding and optimizing web usage.” In other words, Web Analytics can tell you how, why and where users came to your site. Google became a player in Web Analytics in 2005 when they released Google Analytics. Google revolutionized the Web Analytics industry by offering the most comprehensive (and free) web stats tool seen up to that point. Over the last couple of years, they have continued their leadership by beefing up Google Analytics into something that has become an essential tool for any webmasters or emarketer.

With all the detailed data in Google Analytics, it quickly becomes more than another stat counter and it takes time to learn all the intricacies. To that extent, Google, finallyannounced an online course to help interested parties in getting Google Analytics certification. The end result has been official Google trained Analytics Experts available to those willing to seek them out. Nevertheless, Google did not close the door to those without the funds to afford the experts or get certified. Google made all the course material online and freely accessible. Therefore, those people with the time and wherewithal, could become unofficial Google Analytics Experts.

Anyone can access the Google Analytics Training and each topic has a step-by-step walk-through of every feature you will find in Google Analytics. Below is a list of the topics covered:

First Steps
- Introduction to Google Analytics
- Interface Navigation
- Installing the Google Analytics Tracking Code

Interpreting Reports
- Guidelines
- Pageviews, Visits, and Visitors
- Time Metrics
- Traffic sources
- Content Reports

Fundamentals
- Profiles in Google Analytics
- Campaign Tracking and AdWords Integration
- Analysis Focus – AdWords
- Goals in Google Analytics
- Analysis Focus – Funnel Visualization
- Filters in Google Analytics
- Regex and Google Analytics
- Cookies and Google Analytics
- eCommerce Tracking
- Analysis Focus – Revenue Metrics
- Domains and Subdomains

In-Depth Analysis
- Custom Reporting
- Advanced segmentation
- Motion Charts
- Internal Site Search
- Event Tracking and Virutal Pageviews
- The Custom Visior Segment Variable
- Additional Customizations

In case you are interested in getting “officially” qualified by Google the fee for taking the Google Analytics IQ test is $50 USD and your qualification remains current for 18 months from the date that you pass the test. Full FAQ about the process can be found here. It is not necessary to be officially qaulified to use Google Analytics on your site, but we do recommend you study the course to get the full benefits. If you do not have Google Analytics installed on your website, you need to seriously consider getting it added. I can guarantee your competitors already have and you’re missing out.