Google has been experimenting with AJAX search results meaning that referal strings from Google will no longer show the keywords typed by a user to find a website. What does this mean for Analytics programmes such as Omniuture, WebTrends et al?
If Google’s experiment becomes reality, Analytics programms mentioned above will no longer be able to provide accurate and/or insightful data to users.
Why would Google introduce AJAX results? Three reasons..
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Better user experience. AJAX technology allows users to load pages without clicking on a link or refreshing a page. This means that Google users will now be able to view a website without actually visiting it.
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If Google manages to maintain users on its site, they are more likely to click on sponsored ads meaning more dosh in G’s pockets.
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If traditional analytics packages such as Omniture or WebTrends are no longer able to provide accurate data to users, these users will most likely migrate to Google Analytics for this data (unless Google provides an API foir these companies to use)
It is not known whether or not Google will launch AJAX search results and given webmasters’ fury about this news, who knows if they will ever, but it is defenitely one to watch…
