How Google Analytics Authorizes Agents

What is a GAAC?

GAAC is an acronym for Google Analytics Authorized Company. There are only a handful of GAACs in the world. These are companies that have worked really hard to qualify for this elite Credential. If you are one of the few companies that has attained this, congratulations! You will definitely want to read on…

Steps to Become a Modern Day GAAC

• Company must be in business for a minimum of 1 year.
• A minimum of 1 dedicated, certified analytics staff member.
• A minimum of 2 GAIQs (Google Analytics Individual Qualification) are now mandatory.
• Required to attend yearly GAAC meetings
• Required to operate with a ticket system
• Verifiable experience and skills in SEM and Analytics
• Website must contain content with adequate support for Google Analytics
• Attend Q & A several interviews conducted by G staff
• Fully insured Indemnity/Liability insurance
• Preparation and verification of at least 3 case studies where a client has clearly benefited from the use of Google Analytics
• One Google Adwords advertising professional on staff
• Being able to troubleshoot/ support both urchin and Analytics
• Perform final technical, written test through GDocs in 1 hour

What is a GAIQ?

GAIQ is an acronym for Google Analytics Individual Qualification. Becoming a GAIQ will cost $50 unless you have a voucher where employees can take the test as personal development to expand knowledge base in Analytics. Passing this test provides verifiable proof that an individual meets or exceeds Analytics standards. The test can be taken here.

• Must pass test with 80% or greater
• Ideally, take tutorial prior to test

The GAIQ test is quite simple compared to GAAC qualifications, coming from someone who has completed both. At the same time it is not a test one individual could fake their way through. It is very well presented and prepared. It is a requirement for all GAACs to have at least 2 of these professionals on the floor.

A Fork in the Road?

In the winds of change it appears the giant is now stepping up to the plate. The same plate trained professionals have been stepping up to for years. Google has led us to believe that our certification, training, and qualifications put us in a unique position to provide Google certified technical support. To become qualified for their products always requires time and money. Google testing is always complete and very thorough!

How to Interpret Google’s New Changes

Business has no emotion, that is how the strong get stronger. Google has been making changes lately that have some certified professionals scratching their heads. These changes started last week:

Google 5 Day Recap

• June 18, 09- Google redesigns GAAC referral site. Most GAAC listings are many clicks away from front page. When you finally get to the best solution for you, the link (PR7) is removed- GAAC Facelift story here. This means that the pat on the back (a link from the Google website) we got for investing time and money no longer exists. Google has placed redirect code in the link so it is not a link (vote) anymore. That’s fine, it’s their call to make—I just can’t figure out why effort was made to do this?
• June 22, 09 – Google announces they are going to teach Analytics, SEO, and AdWords in the UK to start with. Google is partnering with a the UK training firm “Reed Learning”

I have checked their site and could not see any other Google “certified” logos. You know the ones authorized agents and companies work so hard to get. E.g. GAAC took our company almost 1 year and requires A LOT of non billable client hand holding, troubleshooting and good old fashioned customer love to maintain a great brand. In my role I guide people often on my time in the interest of getting them on track. Especially if I sense frustration in the client’s voice.

“Visit us online or call 0800 XXX XXX to find out more about Reed Learning’s Google training courses.”

I realize that Google is running a business. I wonder why Google “trained” professionals in the UK were not offered this opportunity?

Questions & Comments:

• Does Reed Learning have to comply with the “rules” GAACs have to comply with?
• How many GAIQs do they have on the floor?
• Why does their site show no “Google Authorized” logos?
• When Google spreads it’s global wings how does a company join the Google bandwagon here?
• Is this beyond GAAC, GAIQ, Website Optimizer, Urchin or AdWords qualifications?

I would be interested in seeing what they are teaching in the search engine optimization course! I am just not sure…Google is going to show you secrets how to game them?  You will likely get standard “how to make your website Googly” stuff–which is helpful. I can see future headlines in a press release now. To learn about Google SEO why not just listen to what people like Matt Cutts say about Googel SEO? Does this mean Reed Learning will be teaching things that are not covered in public Google Learning?

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